Executive Council met at 1 p.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Vance Watson, presiding, Dr. Lisa Harris, John Rush, Dr. Mary Alexander, Mike McGrevey, Bob Williams, Dr. David Nagel, Braxton Coombs, Dr. Kirk Schulz, Joy Odom, Dr. Bill Person, Duncan McKenzie, Charles Guest, Don Zant, Joe Farris, Julie Fulgham, Ann Bell, Judy Spencer, Maridith Geuder, and Dr. Nicole Rader.

Dr. Watson introduced Dr. Nicole Rader, Assistant Professor of Sociology and principal investigator for an MSU Student Victimization Assessment sponsored by the President's Council on the Status of Women. Dr. Rader presented a summary of the findings and recommendations for follow-up.

Dr. Alexander presented for first reading proposed Guidelines for Resolution of Discrimination and Harassment Complaints, which would expand on OP 03.02, which prohibits harassment based on sexual orientation and group affiliation. The proposed guidelines would also apply to resolution of complaints of discrimination or harassment prohibited by federal laws concerning civil rights, age discrimination, equal pay, disabilities, gender, and veteran status. Council members suggested that the proposed guidelines be presented in the form of an operating policy for consideration at the next Executive Council meeting.

Dr. Alexander presented for discussion and feedback a proposed Minority Recruitment Program for the Recruitment of Minority Employees. The recently created position of Recruitment, Retention and Program Specialist within the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs will provide a staff member to work with search committees and administrators to expand and support efforts to diversify the MSU workforce.

Dr. Harris presented for approval revised and updated OP 91.307, Traffic Rules and Regulations for the Campus and Streets of Mississippi State University. The non-substantive revisions to existing policy are for editorial clarification and to update terminology. The Council recommended approval of the revised policy, pending approval by the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Dr. Harris reported on the recommendations of a Student Affairs study group that suggested revisions in the faculty-staff identification card to include specific individual titles and an area that could be used for special purpose identification, and displayed prototype cards. The advisability of requiring or encouraging employees to display university-issued ID cards was also discussed. Information on the cost of adopting a new card format will be gathered and presented for action at a future meeting.

Mr. McGrevey and Human Resources representatives presented for approval a revision of HRM policy 60-118, Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace. The revised policy excludes job applicants from its drug testing provisions and removes neutral selection as a basis for drug testing of employees. Testing of employees may be based on contractual or legislative requirements for certain positions or on reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use. The revised policy calls for creation of a Drug Free Workforce Committee to further elaborate the definitions of "reasonable suspicion" and to oversee implementation of the policy. The council recommended approval of the revised policy, previously reviewed by the Faculty Senate, the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council, and an ad hoc committee established to review the original policy.

Mr. McGrevey and Human Resources representatives presented for first reading a revision of Human Resources policy 60-122, Pre-Employment Criminal Background Screens. The revised policy would apply to finalists for new employment but exclude current university employees moving to new or reclassified positions. Background screens of student workers, graduate assistants, post docs and rehired retirees would apply to those positions handling cash or checks, having contact with minors or access to residence hall rooms, having access to student employee information, having access to prescription medications, or as otherwise requested by the employing division. The council discussed the costs of conducting background checks, which will be assumed by the hiring unit.

Mr. McGrevey and Human Resources representatives presented for approval a revised version of Human Resources policy OP 61.02, Policy on Salary Adjustments: Staff Positions. Changes to the policy are to conform to recent changes in IHL policy requiring Board approval for hiring or promotion to administrative positions at or above the level of Dean, regardless of salary, and removing the requirement for Board approval of positions defined by salary alone.

The council discussed conflicts with the 1 p.m. meeting time and Dr. Watson suggested that future meetings convene at 1:30 p.m. There were no objections.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.