Executive Council met at 1:30 p.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Vance Watson, presiding, Dr. Kirk Schulz, Braxton Coombs, Duncan McKenzie, Dr. Mary Alexander, Mike McGrevey, Dr. David Nagel, Dr. Peter Rabideau, John Rush, Joy Odom, Bob Williams, Dr. Bill Kibler, Charles Guest, Don Zant, Joe Farris, Julie Fulgham, and Judy Spencer.

Mr. McGrevey and Ms. Spencer presented for approval on second reading HRM Policy 60-122, Pre-Employment Criminal Background Screens. Mr. McGrevey noted that any departmental budget issues that arise this year as a result of costs of the program can be resolved individually. A baseline of expenditures for background screens will be established this year and budgeted for in the future at the vice president or dean level. The Council recommended approval. [The approved policy is on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/PDF/60122.pdf ]

Dr. Alexander presented for approval on second reading OP 03.03, Resolution of Discrimination and Harassment Complaints. The policy references accompanying Guidelines for Resolution of Discrimination and Harassment Complaints. The Council recommended approval. [The approved policy and accompanying guidelines are on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/PDF/0303.pdf ]

Dr. Kibler recommended that the auditorium of Lee Hall be named in honor of Dr. John K. Bettersworth, former vice president for academic affairs and noted historian, and that the Bettersworth name be removed from the smaller auditorium in Giles Hall, which will be left unnamed at this time. The changes were previously endorsed by the Naming of Facilities Committee. The Council recommended approval.

Dr. Alexander announced that the university will receive a Diversity Award from Minority Access, Inc., during the organization's national conference in September.

Mr. McGrevey and Dr. Kibler announced that the first 100 bicycles to be placed on campus for student, faculty and staff use will be delivered this semester.

Mr. Coombs announced that Bulldog Bash is scheduled for Sept. 12 in the Cotton District and is co-sponsored by the Alumni Association; the Student Association is participating in voter registration efforts; the shuttle Night Route resumed operation this semester with a record number of riders; and a new international student orientation event has been established.

Mr. Zant reported that IHL has reminded universities to use the internal audit office on campus as the liaison with external auditors.

Mr. Rush announced that Alumni Association tailgating events will be held prior to football games in Ruston, La., and Atlanta and the Association will serve barbecue in The Junction prior to home games.

Mr. Rush announced that the State of the Future capital campaign has reached $440 million.

The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.