Executive Council meet at 611 Allen Hall at 11 a.m. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dr. Peter Rabideau, Michael White, Dr. Vance Watson, Larry Templeton, Dennis Prescott, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Walter Diehl, Adam Telle, Lowell Wilson, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Joe Farris, Dr. Gary Pike, Charles Guest and Dr. Melvin Ray.

Dr. Lee welcomed to Executive Council newly elected Student Association President Adam Telle.

Mr. White recommended approval of a revised Student Affairs Operating Policy 91.175 - Health and Repatriation Insurance for International Students. The revised policy includes a provision for a pre-approved insurance plan that students may choose if they wish. International students are required to have health and repatriation insurance. The council recommended approval. (Newly approved policies are available on the web at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/.)

Dr. Pote presented for first reading a group of revised and updated policies related to research. The changes reorganize the policies and group them in a way consistent with regulatory compliance rules. The revisions will be considered for action at a future council meeting.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of a revised version of Academic Operating Policy 12.19 - Academic Amnesty. The revision notes that a new grade point average resulting from academic amnesty will be noted on a student's record only once, at the end of the semester during which the request was approved, and that the notation will be made upon completion of at least 12 credit hours. The council recommended approval. (Newly approved policies are available on the web at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/.)

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of a revised AOP 12.32 - Refund and Course Credit Policy for Student Members of the Military Called to Active Duty or Deployed. The revised policy would include the provision that a student called to active duty in the military who has completed at least three-fourths of a term, is in good standing, and needs only to take the final examination to complete the semester will have the option of leaving the university without a refund and making arrangements to take the final exam upon release from active duty, then receiving a grade for the course. The council recommended approval. (Newly approved policies are available on the web at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/.)

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of revised AOP 13.14 - Grade Appeal and Academic Review Board. The revision updates procedures and includes the director of graduate studies and the dean of students as non-voting members of the board. The council recommended approval. (Newly approved policies are available on the web at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/.)

Dr. Lee thanked the campus for participation in spring Clean Sweep, and noted the success of Super Bulldog Weekend.

Dr. Lee noted that two new degree programs were approved by the Board of Trustees, including a B.A. in music and a Master of Arts in Teaching in conjunction with Alcorn State University.

Mr. Templeton reported that the university response to the NCAA investigation of alleged violations in football has been submitted to the NCAA.

Mr. Prescott reported that campaign giving through March totals $154.5 million. A public kickoff is expected in the fall.

Dr. Pike noted that academic unit assessment plans are being updated and offered assistance to administrative units that also need to update assessment plans in response to SACS recommendations.

Mr. Wilson noted that the Health Interventions Program is getting under way and Staff Appreciation Day is being planned, and solicited nominations for distinguished staff awards.

Dr. Diehl reported that Mark Goodman has been elected president of the Faculty Senate and Peter Wood has been elected vice president.

Dr. Lee announced that Hartley Peavey will be the spring commencement speaker and will receive an honorary doctorate.

Dr. Ray reported that a grant proposal has been submitted to the state Department of Transportation seeking funds to expand the campus shuttle system to also serve portions of Starkville.

Dr. Ray reported that two proposals have been received for development of the Cooley Building property. A committee will review and make recommendations.

Mr. Telle reported that he is working on naming cabinet members. New SA cabinet positions will be created to deal with academic vision, co-op linkages, and history and traditions.

Dr. Lee announced that Dr. Colin Scanes has accepted the position of vice president for research and graduate studies.

Dr. Lee noted that four new members of the Board of Trustees have been nominated by the governor and will take their seats in May, pending Senate confirmation.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.