The Executive Council held its monthly meeting in Lee Hall at 1:30 p.m. Present were Dr. Mark Keenum, presiding, Dr. Tracey Baham, Dr. Mike Breazeale, Dr. Keith Coble, Ms. Leslie Corey, Mr. Jason Cory, Ms. Lesia Ervin, Ms. Ra’Sheda Boddie-Forbes, Dr. Regina Hyatt, Ms. Christine Jackson, Dr. Julie Jordan, Ms. Joan Lucas, Ms. Carson McFatridge, Mr. Les Potts, Mr. John Rush, Mr. Sid Salter, Mr. Lee Weiskopf, and Mr. Jim Laird.

On behalf of Dr. David Shaw, Dr. Baham presented:

-- OP 03.07: Clery Act Compliance. This new policy codifies existing practice and procedures into a formal university policy related to posting required Clery Act reports and information. Council members voted to approve.

-- AOP 12.21: Veterans’ Academic Status. This update aligns the policy with current federal language and requirements. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Jordan presented:

-- OP 70:09: Financial Conflict of Interest in Sponsored Activities. This update better aligns the policy with current federal regulations. It also includes the addition of a conflict of interest matrix to add clarity. Council members voted to approve.

Dr. Hyatt presented:

-- OP 91.304: Free Speech and Assembly. This update adds language to address expectations, requirements, and restrictions related to campus protests, encampments, and building occupations. Council members voted to approve.

-- OP 91.305: Domestic Travel by Students. This new policy is the result of a working group between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to develop a formal policy for domestic travel by students. It outlines expectations, requirements, and processes for both travelers and sponsors. A key benefit will be enhanced communication and response in the event of an emergency. It was noted during discussion that students-athletes are covered by a separate process. Council members voted to approve.

The following policies were due for review but only had very minor changes. They were approved by consent:

-- OP 91.300: Blood Procurement. Minor changes were made to modify personnel and system titles and to clarify language about responsibility for debts.

-- OP 91.301: Use of Tobacco on Campus. Policy expanded from Starkville and Meridian to include all university locations.

The following policy was updated with minor technical changes, and therefore, no formal action was needed from the Executive Council:

-- OP 95:501: Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations. Grammar corrections were made, and the new name of the office -- Office of Transportation -- was added.