The Robert Holland Faculty Senate of Mississippi State University discussed changes to faculty contracts and agreements as well as faculty appreciation during their meeting on April 13.
The faculty took some time to discuss the subject of contract changes, specifically to those potentially affected by the Promotion and Tenure document.
A few members of the faculty expressed concerns over each department’s dean dealing with letter recommendations.
Previously, the faculty explored a possible loophole that students could drop to avoid honor code sanctions and found that this was not plausible and was now stated in the policy. 
An updated version of academic policy of add/drop classes was made.   
The updated letters have been sent out for approval of the different committees.
The new 2012-2013 officers were voted on, announced and acclimated. 
Meghan Millea, associate professor in the College of Business, was voted president. 
College of Arts and Sciences’ Jerry Emison, was once again voted vice president, and Brian Rude, graduate coordinator of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was voted secretary.
A decision will be made on whether or not to reconstruct the building to accommodate different teaching styles. 
A report from the vice president stated the classroom building committee met with architects and classroom consultants in the Mitchell Memorial Library.
It was stated that an architect came to survey the library and said he or she could either add to the bottom of the auditorium or raise the top floor. 
Jerome A. Gilbert, provost and executive vice president, said they have included enough time in the university’s schedule for exams in case of disastrous situations.
“In case of bad weather or anything, we have enough days to cover so that exams will be taken,” Gilbert said.
Seven new instructors have been added to the MSU family including three professors in the College of Arts and Sciences and  one in the College of Business.
Attention was brought to traffic control on campus specifically to the crossing at Hardy Road  and Stone Blvd.  There is a possibility that more visceral signs will be present to place focus on the pedestrians.
Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president and executive director of alumni activities, spoke to the faculty members about students’ appreciation and how their teaching affects the campus.
“Thirty-five percent of faculty is alumni,” he said. “There is a reason for that.”
He also had two students from Alumni Delegates speak to the faculty on the effects alumni have personally had on them and the benefits that have come from their teaching.