The Institutions of Higher Learning board approved a suite of routine and substantial items during its November meeting at Mississippi State University, including academic policy updates, new academic programs, procurement and construction agreements, and a bond resolution for the University of Southern Mississippi.

On academic matters the board approved first reading of amendments to board policy 5.18 (renaming and broadening the adult degree completion program to allow institutional discretion) and approved a new standalone policy, "credit for prior learning." Trustees also approved creation of a Center for Simulation at Mississippi State University (board staff cited an anticipated annual operating cost of $582,000) and authorized multiple new degree programs across institutions, including a bachelor of applied science in human development (Delta State), a Master of Science in AI and machine learning for biomedical and environmental health systems (Mississippi Valley State), online educational leadership and global security leadership degrees (M.S./M.A.), and a Master of Public Health at UMMC. Board staff presented estimated five‑year implementation costs and revenue projections for the degree proposals.

On finance and procurement trustees approved a five‑year property insurance brokerage agreement with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services (listed cost in the packet $880,000) and a two‑year excess workers compensation program from Safety National (estimated $800,000). The board approved UMMC purchasing and lease arrangements for radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic equipment (Novartis and Olympus America contracts) and authorized a pre‑construction agreement amendment with GS Development Services Central (Greystar) to begin planning development of residential facilities and a parking garage at the University of Mississippi; board materials noted potential termination costs up to $16,500,000 and that Greystar was selected through an RFP process.

Trustees also approved a bond resolution for the University of Southern Mississippi not to exceed $62,500,000 to finance renovation of Reed Green Coliseum and to refund certain prior series, noting the bonds are planned to be serviced by a Hattiesburg sales tax levy contingent on continued legislative authorization. The board approved a three‑year services agreement between UMMC and Healthier Mississippi People LLC to provide supplemental medical personnel, contingent on a subject matter expert review per board staff recommendation.

Real estate and capital items approved included design fees for Rosenbaum Building renovations at MSU, wastewater infrastructure work at Alcorn State, CMAR services for an MSU football complex renovation (preconstruction fee capped at $416,870, construction fee equal to 5.1% of the option sum), approved exterior revisions for the Phi Delta Theta house at Ole Miss, added landscaping to the UMMC Colony Park utilities project, and an increased JSU mechanical improvements budget (from about $5.8 million to about $7.3 million).

Most actions were approved by voice vote without recorded roll‑call tallies in the public transcript. Where recusals were required, the chair noted trustees leaving the room and vice‑presidential trustees chaired those agenda items. The meeting concluded with a vote to close the meeting to determine the need for executive session.