Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Council held its monthly meeting via Webex at 1:30 p.m. Present were Dr. Mark E. Keenum, presiding, Mr. Zac Ashmore, Dr. Tracey Baham, Dr. Keith Coble, Ms. Leslie Corey, Ms. Ra’Sheda Forbes, Ms. Susan Heath, Dr. Regina Hyatt, Ms. Christine Jackson, Dr. Julie Jordan, Ms. Joan Lucas, Mr. Steve Parrott, Dr. Rebecca Robichaux-Davis, Mr. John Rush, Dr. David Shaw, Ms. Kacey Strickland, Mr. Don Zant and Mr. Jim Laird.

Mr. Rush presented an update of OP 41.02: Naming Opportunities. There are two main changes to the policy: an addition of language requested by the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) noting that a vote by the IHL Board of Trustees is required to change the name of a campus building; and, the minimum amount to create a named Presidential Endowed Scholarship increased from $250,000 to $300,000. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Jordan presented OP 03.05: Combatting Human Trafficking, which is a new proposed policy. Increasingly, federal funding agencies, such as USAID, are requiring policies that address human trafficking for projects that they fund. The creation and adoption of this policy satisfies these requirements. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Jordan also presented an update of AOP 13.22: Guidelines for Adjunct Faculty, Visiting Faculty, Visiting Scholar and Visiting Executive Appointments. The central change in the proposed update clarifies how visiting scholars and scientists are to be compensated. Specifically, they cannot be paid as employees. The other edits clarify the approval and review process for inviting official visitors to campus. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Shaw presented an update of AOP 12.04: Final Examination. The proposed update clarifies that asynchronous online classes will have their examination during the regular (normal five-day, may span a weekend) examination period. Examinations must be available to online students for at least 72 hours between the end of Reading Day and prior to the end of the exam period. Synchronous online classes will follow the normal exam schedule. Council members voted to approve.