The Executive Council met at 9 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Rodney Foil, Leah Norman, Dr. Debbie Baker, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, Charles Guest and Joe Farris.

Dr. Zacharias reported on the recent meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Nashville. He particularly called attention to the new Substantive Change Procedures of the Commission on Colleges. The procedures require prior approval by the Commission of modifications in the nature, scope, control, or purpose of an institution.

Dr. Zacharias noted that he is compiling a list of projects in progress to be distributed soon with related assignments.

Dr. Zacharias reported that the university received several significant private gifts during December.

Dr. Ray recommended approval of the Research Policy on Biosafety presented at the previous meeting. There were no objections and the president indicated he would approve the policy.

Dr. Ray recommended approval of the Research Policy on Laboratory Animal Welfare presented at the previous meeting. There were no objections and the president indicated he would approve the policy.

Dr. Foil reported that the university has received a Freedom of Information request for records on purchases of dogs by the university.

Dr. Ward presented revised guidelines for the Executive Council, to be effective January 13, 1997. Changes include modifications in the deadlines and procedures for submitting agenda items and a change in the procedure for seeking approval for naming of facilities. The new meeting time for the council is 9 a.m. on Mondays.

Dr. Ward discussed a proposed admissions guide to the eight state universities being developing by IHL staff, and noted that the draft document does not fully reflect the scope of programs at Mississippi State. Dr. Hodgson is to discuss the draft document with the Deans Council and request additions and corrections to be submitted to IHL.

Dr. Ikenberry reported that new data has been received from the NACUBO benchmarking project and will be distributed to affected vice presidents.

Dr. Zacharias noted that the state auditor has recommended the use of a computer-generated property tag for equipment. The university has purchased the necessary equipment to put the system in place.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:50 a.m.