Executive Council met at 1:30 p.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Jerry Gilbert, presiding, Dr. Greg Bohach, Dr. Teresa Gammill, Mr. John Rush, Dr. Hart Bailey, Dr. Tommy Stevenson, Ms. Mary Vaughn, Mr. Don Zant, Mr. Bill Broyles, Mr. Thomas Sellers, Ms. Lesia Bryant, Mr. Joe Farris, Ms. Joan Lucas, and Mr. Rhett Hobart.

Mr. Sellers introduced Student Association President-elect Rhett Hobart, who will take office on March 8.

Dr. Bohach presented for approval a revised version of OP 1.18, Policy and Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Research Institutes, Centers, and Related Entities. The changes clarify the definition of faculty "affiliation" with a department for various purposes. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Gammill presented for approval a revised version of OP 56.09, Policy on Research and Extension Professional Staff Positions for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine and the Division of Research. The revision changes a criterion for promotion for Research Associates and Extension Associates from a performance evaluation rating of "4.0" to a rating of "satisfactory" on the most recent three evaluations. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Bohach presented for approval a revised version of OP 80.12, Policy and Procedure on Distribution of Recovered Facilities and Administrative Costs. The changes include the addition of a description of the procedure for distribution of Facilities and Administrative costs for the separately budgeted units of the Ag Division. The council recommended approval, with the understanding that a further analysis will be conducted of the assessment of overhead paid by the Ag Division in lieu of contributing a percentage of F&A payments to the General Fund.

Mr. Rush reported that MSU's return on investment of endowed funds was 12.8 percent for 2010, which was second highest among public Southeastern Conference universities.