Cecil Barnett

The business portion of the meeting involved a first reading and review of several revised and new policies. Discussions included the revised Departmental Transfers of Equipment policy, which outlines procedures for temporary (under three months) and permanent equipment relocation, emphasizing documentation and asset management compliance. A new Chalking policy was presented, setting conditions for use on concrete sidewalks, restricting proximity to buildings, and specifying approved chalk types. The revised Student Code of Conduct was introduced, detailing expectations for student conduct and the disciplinary process overseen by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Also reviewed was the revised Suspended Student via Disciplinary Action policy, which defines forfeiture of rights and privileges for suspended students. Furthermore, the revised Critical Needs Emergency Fund policy was discussed, noting a title change and outlining the disbursement process for catastrophic financial hardships, with a $4,000 annual limit per student unless authorized by the President. Finally, a new Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment policy was introduced, aiming to create an environment free from sex-based misconduct; however, the discussion on this policy was tabled until the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting included a general overview of several campus operations. Topics covered included residence hall occupancy, plans for the Youth Leadership Summit, and progress on Facilities Management projects such as the water tower, Sillers Coliseum renovations, BPAC elevator, Parker Field scoreboard, and HVAC replacement bids. Athletics updates detailed the upcoming cross country meet, soccer team exhibition matches, and the first football game. Academic matters addressed included the start of the Honors Program, enrollment in the new master's degree, and efforts to fill faculty positions. Student Government Association activities, including record applications for Freshmen Rise and Student Senate, were also discussed. Key business actions involved the final approval of several revised policies: Undergraduate Academic Standing, Administrative Appointments -- Tenure and Promotion, Faculty Credentials, Intellectual Property, and School/Division Chair policy. Discussion segments provided updates on enrollment, noting an upcoming Open House and Graduate Preview Day, and a budget update concerning the external audit for FY25 and monitoring by the Legislative Budget Office.

The meeting included action items and discussions regarding policy revisions. The Council reviewed the revised Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment policy, which was tabled for further discussion at the subsequent meeting. Additionally, the Council reviewed the revised Requisition Procedures policy for its first reading, which governs the initial steps for purchasing materials, equipment, or services not covered by a state Pcard. The revised Requisition Procedures policy was approved for the first reading.

The President's Cabinet meeting included a general overview of upcoming campus activities such as student move-in, SGA retreat, and Okratation. Updates were provided on Facilities Management projects, including painting completion and scoreboard installation timelines. The Athletics update noted the start of football camp and soccer practice. Discussions also covered New Faculty Orientation logistics. A primary agenda item involved coordinating involvement and scheduling for Homecoming 2025 events, including Okra Olympics, various reunions, and determining the placement of the Homecoming parade. Several policy revisions underwent final reading and approval, including the Authorized Software policy, Conflict of Interest policy, Password policy, Faculty Promotion policy (for both standard faculty and Library Services), Faculty Tenure policy (for both standard faculty and Library Services), Blood Procurement policy, Campus Advertising, Sponsorship, and Solicitation policy, Hazing policy, Institutional Mission policy, and Outdoor Amplified Sound policy. The Student Code of Conduct policy was tabled for further review. Discussions concluded with an update on the finalization of the organizational chart and a review of current enrollment statistics, showing confirmed numbers for freshmen, transfers, and graduate students, alongside a budget update tracking revenue against enrollment figures.

The meeting focused primarily on the university's plans and protocols concerning the COVID-19 situation for the Fall 2020 semester. Key discussions involved the appointment of Ms. Robin Douglas as the COVID-19 Response Coordinator and updates regarding preventative measures suggested by Dr. Thomas Dobbs, including isolation thresholds and physical distancing. The Cabinet approved the external COVID-19 Action Plan for Fall 2020, along with the COVID-19 Protocols Guides for both employees and students. Employee protocols detailed new leave options under the FFCRA, while student protocols outlined expectations for classroom settings and student affairs areas. Updates were also provided on Athletics, including the voluntary workouts and quarantine procedures for international student-athletes, as well as Facilities Management projects such as HVAC repairs at the Mayers Aquatics Center. Furthermore, the Cabinet discussed enrollment projections for Fall 2020 and the status of the FY21 Budget Update, noting that CARES Act funds were strategically reallocated to extend certain employment contracts.