Executive Council met at 1:30 p.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Mark Keenum, presiding, Dr. Peter Rabideau, Dr. Mary Alexander, Braxton Coombs, Dr. Kirk Schulz, Joy Odom, Mike McGrevey, Dr. Melissa Mixon, Dr. David Nagel, Ann Carr, Bill Broyles, Bo Hemphill, Julie Fulgham, Don Zant, Joe Farris, Johnnie Haley, and Blake Jeter.

Mr. Coombs introduced his newly elected successor as Student Association president, Blake Jeter, who assumes office in March.

Dr. Alexander presented for approval the Diversity Strategic Plan, including informational additions suggested by various campus units during campus review of the document. The council recommended approval of the plan as presented. The plan is available at http://www.msstate.edu/president/odep/DiversityStrategicPlan.pdf on the university website.

Dr.Keenum noted that he would like to explore a change in the format for reporting diversity goals prescribed by IHL. Diversity goals are to be discussed by the Board of Trustees during March.

Ms. Fulgham presented an update on Institutional Effectiveness/Assessment efforts. Current projects include assessment required for reaffirmation of regional accreditation, participation in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSEE), the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE), student evaluations of faculty, and General Education Assessment (ETS-MAPP).

Dr. Nagel noted a concern that some academic departments over rely on students evaluations or use them exclusively in the evaluation of faculty. Dr. Rabideau noted that Academic Affairs encourages the use of course portfolios, peer evaluations, and other techniques as part of the evaluation process. Dr. Rabideau will present information about evaluation options and get feedback from the Faculty Senate.

Mr. Broyles presented for first reading an updated version of OP 64.2, Catering Policy. Council members suggested modifying the proposal so that only events held in Perry Cafeteria and Colvard Union be catered exclusively by MSU Dining Services or a university-contracted service, and that outside caterers be required to provide cleanup for contracted events. The revised policy will be presented at a future Executive Council meeting.

Ms. Odom noted that Staff Appreciation Day is scheduled for May 8.

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.