USC Statement from Rick J. Caruso, USC Board of Trustees Chair, Concerning Tyndall Class Action Settlement
October 19, 2018
Dear USC Community,
When I became chair of the Board last May, I pledged that the university would treat anyone impacted by this experience with dignity and respect including, and most importantly, instructing our team to resolve this litigation as thoughtfully and fairly as possible. While we cannot change the past, it is my sincere hope that this timely settlement provides some measure of relief to those impacted and their families.
My fellow Trustees and I also pledged to ensure a cultural shift within the University that places the safety of students and patients as our top priority. Beginning with the appointment of Dr. Wanda Austin as our interim president, we have made sweeping changes including forming the Office of Professionalism & Ethics, strengthening the health center’s leadership, and creating the President’s Culture Commission.
I also want to share that we are completing the independent investigation into the USC student health center, and you will receive an update after it is concluded. The Board’s Special Committee on Governance Reform is also proceeding with its work and is engaging our University community in their efforts. Finally, the search for our next president is underway as planned. I will continue to share our progress as it continues.
Through all of these efforts, the Board is hopeful that we will continue to rebuild trust within our community. Your support is critical to our success. USC is one of the finest universities in the world. We, along with President Austin, will continue to work to make it even stronger for our students, patients, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Sincerely,
Rick J. Caruso
Chair
Board of Trustees