Staff Report
Published May 16, 2011

The state Commission on Higher Education has cancelled several hearings about the University of South Carolina’s plan to expand its medical school in Greenville.

In a letter to Senate Education Committee Chairman John E. Courson, state Attorney General Alan Wilson said the commission does not have jurisdiction in the matter. On Friday, the commission said Wilson’s letter, couple with a similar opinion given by former Attorney General Henry McMaster in January, “may substantially limit CHE’s ability to review academic programs of all kinds.”

CHE canceled meetings to review the matter on May 19, 25 and 26.

USC wants to expand its school at Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center to cover all four years of education. It’s currently a two-year school.

USC’s proposed expansion drew criticism from some Lowcountry lawmakers who asked CHE to review the plan. Opponents of the expansion said the state couldn’t afford another four-year medical school.

Officials with GHS and USC have said they will not seek any state money for the school.

Previous coverage
USC, GHS boards approve operating accord
MUSC: Upstate medical school must not be state-funded
Upstate med school faces Lowcountry challenge
USC, GHS trustees approve expanded medical school