Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dr. Vance Watson, Dr. Peter Rabideau, Dr. Walter Diehl, Lowell Wilson, Larry Templeton, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dennis Prescott, Daniel Bryant, Josh Blades, Mike White, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Gary Pike, Carson Cook, Ann Bell, and Julie Rester.

Mr. Hunt recommended approval of a group of revised Human Resources polices related to compensation, including: Policy and Objectives - Compensation System Non-Exempt Support Staff 60-300; Assessment and Review of New, Vacant, and Existing Positions, 60-302; Support Staff Compensation Schedule, 60-305; Establishing Initial Pay for New Hires, 60-306; Determining Pay for Promotions, Transfers and Demotions, 60-307; Determining Pay for Reduction in Pay Level, Support Staff Employees, 60-308; Overtime/Compensatory Time, 60-311; Standby Duty/Pay 60-312; Call Back Pay, 60-313; Shift Differential, 60-314; Assignment to Special Duty, 60-315; Merit Increases, 60-316; Compensation for Educational Achievement, 60-317; Pay for Hours Worked on a Holiday - Non-Exempt Employees, 60-318; Additional Compensation for Additional Services, 60-319; Office Hours/Work Schedule, 60-320; Meal and Rest Periods, 60-321. The council recommended approval. The revised policies are on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/mainindex.html.

Mr. Hunt recommended that other compensation-related policies be rescinded, including: Position Assessment for Support Staff Positions 60-301; Position Assessment Studies of Entire Units, 60-303; Review of Position Assessment Decisions, 60-304; Determining Pay for Reduction in Pay Level - Support Staff Employees, 60-308; Effective Pay Period, 60-309; and Withholding of Pay, 60-310. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Lee reviewed plans for the Board of Trustees meeting to be held on campus on Oct. 15-16.

Mr. Blades reviewed plans for the gubernatorial debate sponsored by the Student Association to be held on campus on Oct. 6.

Dr. Diehl reported that a proposed revision of the promotion and tenure policy drafted by an ad hoc committee of the Faculty Senate will be presented to the Faculty Senate and will be discussed at the Faculty Roundtable discussion planned for Nov. 1.

Dr. Pote reported that a Department of Homeland Security visit and review of university programs is planned for Nov. 25.

Mr. Bryant reported on discussions with Board of Trustees staff and institutional chief financial officers on development of a funding formula.

Dr. Lee reported that $25,000 in funding for a new Band Hall has been generated by a check off on football season ticket applications.

Mr. Cook reported that the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center have issued an electronic newsletter.

Dr. Lee reported that a Vice President for Student Affairs search and advisory committee has been named and that the Vice President for Finance and Administration search and advisory committee has held its first meeting.