The Executive Council held its monthly meeting in Lee Hall at 1:30 p.m. Present were Dr. Mark Keenum, presiding, Dr. Tracey Baham, Mr. Robert Banik, Ms. Leslie Corey, Ms. Lesia Ervin, Ms. Ra'Sheda Boddie-Forbes, Ms. Ellie Herndon, Dr. Regina Hyatt, Ms. Christine Jackson, Dr. Julie Jordan, Ms. Joan Lucas, Mr. Steve Parrott, Mr. John Rush, Mr. Sid Salter, Dr. David Shaw, Mr. Don Zant, and Mr. Jim Laird.

Per OP 41.23: Naming Opportunities at Mississippi State University, Mr. Rush presented a naming opportunity. He proposed the addition of longtime university benefactor George W. Bryan, Sr.’s name to the John H. Bryan Athletic Administration Building, “the Bryan Building.” Mr. Bryan died on January 6, 2023, and this naming would serve as a tribute to his many contributions to MSU. Council members voted to approve. The request will now be submitted to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees for approval, as required by IHL Policy 917: Naming Buildings and Facilities.

Per OP 30.06: MSU Identification Card, Mr. Parrott presented the design and appearance of the university’s identification card for approval. Information Technology Services has been working in conjunction with the Office of Public Affairs to update the card’s appearance and enhance its security features. ITS will begin issuing new cards to incoming students later this summer with other campus populations receiving updated cards in the future in a timeframe to be determined. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Shaw presented AOP 11.05: Requirements for Shortened-Format Courses. This update broadens the language in the policy to include consistent number of credit hours for all types of shortened-format courses the university offers.

Dr. Jordan presented OP 80.12: Distribution of Recovered Facilities and Administrative Costs. After a comprehensive review by all stakeholders, this update adjusts the university’s F&A distribution to enhance overall project management and the university’s research enterprise. The changes will affect new contracts, beginning July 1, 2023. Council members voted to approve.

Ms. Lucas presented OP 01.15: Cellular Communications Devices and Plans. Among other changes related to university-issued devices, this update reflects the change in state law that now allows MSU to reimburse charges incurred on a personal cell phone if a “department head determines the employee’s use of the employee’s personal device is the lowest-cost option to prevent business interruption during an employee’s business-related international travel.” Council members voted to approve.

Mr. Zant presented OP 62.06: Endowment Earnings Spending. This update ensures that the university is in compliance with the federal Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, which “governs the management of funds donated to charitable institutions in accordance with modern investment and expenditure practice.” Council members voted to approve.

Ms. Anna Webb, representing the MSU Staff Council, was unable to attend the meeting, but she voted affirmatively for each item via email.