The Executive Council held its monthly meeting in Lee Hall at 1:30 p.m. Present were Dr. Mark E. Keenum, presiding, Dr. Jeremy Baham, Dr. Tracey Baham, Dr. Keith Coble, Ms. Leslie Corey, Mr. Kennedy Guest, Mr. Bo Hemphill, Dr. Julie Jordan, Ms. Joan Lucas, Mr. Steve Parrott, Dr. David Shaw, Dr. Rebecca Robichaux-Davis, Mr. John Rush, Mr. Don Zant, and Mr. Jim Laird.

Ms. Anna Sparks was unable to attend, but she approved the policies on the agenda via email vote.

On behalf of Dr. Regina Hyatt, Dr. Jeremy Baham presented:

-- OP 91.130: Contacting Students. This update does not include any substantive changes. Council members voted to approve.

-- OP 91.203: 1976 Copyright Act as Related to Musical Performances. This update better aligns the policy with existing procedures. Council members voted to approve.

-- OP 91.355: Catering Policy. This update shifts exceptions for outside food at events requests to review and approval by the Division of Student Affairs. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Shaw presented:

-- AOP 11.11: Auditing a Class. This update clarifies that for graduate students “regardless of whether they receive an assistantship, audit hours may not be used to satisfy the full-time enrollment requirement in any semester.” Council members vote to approve.

-- AOP 13.15: Evaluation of Teaching Performance. This update reflects the findings and recommendations of the Evaluation of Teaching Task Force to emphasize the importance of all the available tools to evaluate instruction beyond student evaluations exclusively. Council members voted to approve.

Mr. Zant presented:

-- OP 62.01: Travel. This update streamlines the policy and directs faculty, staff, and students to the Travel Services website to review the required procedures and guidelines to be in compliance with state law. Council members voted to approve.

Additionally, AOP 13.21: Faculty Released Time for Specified Committee Chairs and OP 56.04: Animals on Campus were presented as information items. Since there are no changes needed after their latest review, no formal action is required of Executive Council.