The College of Charleston's Faculty Senate opposes legislation to merge the school with the Medical University of South Carolina. The statement came last night in aresolutionpassed quickly and unanimously during a special meeting.

Drafting of the 'Charleston University' bill (H.4632) for the merger of College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina appears not to have carefully considered and involved study of the following critical issues, the resolution states.

The cost to expand existing programs and create new research capacities and administrative structures, and the source of funds

Impacts of the change in mission and identity on student recruitment, alumni engagement, and faculty retention

Impacts of the change in mission on student learning and educational opportunities

Impacts on resource reallocation and student enrollment for existing research universities in the state

Impacts on funding and productivity from losing designation as a PUI (primarily undergraduate institution) among granting sources

Constraints on space for further expansion on the Charleston peninsula

Implications of an altered mission for faculty whose training and expertise are in undergraduate and targeted graduate instruction

Charleston Reps. Leon Stavrinakas (D) and Jim Merrill (R) introduced the bill in House. Charleston Sen. Larry Grooms filed a Senate version of the bill.

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CofC Faculty Senate unanimously opposes merger