The Executive Council met at 9 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Derek Hodgson, presiding, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Roy Ruby, Leah Norman, Dr. Mike Couvillion, Dr. Debbie Baker, Dr. Melvin Ray, Greg Threatt, Joe Farris, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Charles Guest, Buddy Daniel, Wayne Reed, Wayne Bland, and Gaddis Hunt.

Dr. Hodgson reviewed announcements of upcoming events.

Ms. Norman introduced Wayne Reed, assistant vice president for procurement and contracts, and Buddy Daniels, director of printing services, who presented a proposal concerning the possible acquisition by Printing Services of the DocuTech high-speed copier system with networking capabilities. Mr. Daniel requested comment on the level of use of such a system that could be anticipated in order to determine whether the increased cost of acquisition and maintenance would be feasible. Vice presidents were asked to consult with potential users in their divisions and report on findings at the University Budget Committee meeting on Jan. 17.

The Council by unanimous consent agreed to add to the agenda a report by Comptroller and Treasurer Wayne Bland on new procedures being used to receive Guaranteed Student Loan funds from participating banks by electronic transfer. Deposit Guaranty National Bank, which accounts for about one-fourth of the 9,000 student loan transfers from banks, this semester completed the transfer electronically, resulting in reduced paperwork and quicker service to students receiving the financial aid. Other banks are in the process of adopting the same method.

Dr. Ruby presented a proposal to implement a Parents Program to increase involvement with the university of parents of current students. The proposal calls for creation of a Parents Advisory Council, a quarterly newsletter for parents, a Parents Weekend, and a separate focus on parents in the Annual Giving Program. The proposal was recommended to the president.

Dr. Baker proposed that Outstanding Staff Awards be presented in the future during Staff Appreciation Day activities rather than during Faculty and Staff Recognition Day ceremonies conducted by Human Resources, as has been done in the past. The change was conceived as a way of allowing more time during the Human Resources event for recognition of employees honored for years of service. Council members suggested that the awards remain a part of the Faculty and Staff Recognition Day Program and that other ways to streamline that program be explored.

Dr. Hodgson presented for conceptual approval the proposed renovation of McCain Engineering Building. The council recommended approval.

The Council recommended that Ms. Norman and Dr. Ward meet with Gaddis Hunt and Dr. Mike White of the Campus Planning and Development Committee to review the steps in the process for approval of new construction or major renovation.

A scheduled report on the interior renovation of Perry Cafeteria was postponed.

Mr. Hunt reported on the impact of the current cafeteria renovation on the catering service operated by Dining Services. Due to the conversion of Colvard Union private dining rooms to a temporary cafeteria serving area, it is not currently possible to concentrate multiple small catered luncheons in close proximity to each other, which necessitates additional transportation and set-up of equipment. Mr. Hunt suggested that use of the Wise Center dining room as an alternative luncheon site could help alleviate the catering problem, as would increased flexibility for the catering staff in determining menu choices.

Dr. Ray presented a summary of grants and contracts received during December. Awards for the month totaled $2.29 million. Awards for the first half of the fiscal year totaled $22.5 million.

Dr. Ray reported that a U.S. Health and Human Services audit is beginning on campus. Representatives of HHS and the state auditor will be working on campus for three weeks.

Dr. Hodgson reported that information about university program offerings requested for an IHL admissions guide to the eight universities is being collected from the academic deans and will be available this week for forwarding to the IHL staff.

Dr. Baker reported on the previous week�s meeting on campus of the Mississippi Association of Staff Council Organizations. MASCO plans to present a proposal to the Presidents Council next year concerning salary increases.

Dr. Baker reported that the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council is considering ways of providing Staff Council representation for off-campus staff members.

Ms. Norman reported that a recently adopted IRS rule retroactive to 1996 may make tuition remission for employees taking graduate courses a taxable benefit. Information about the rule and its application is being sent directly to affected employees.

Dr. Ward reviewed the revised form of the Executive Council agenda and the �Status of Proposals� form now distributed with the agenda.

Dr. Ward noted that Mr. Threatt has a spring semester class at 9 a.m. Monday, which conflicts with the Council meeting time, and Dr. Couvillion has class at 11 a.m. Monday. The Council suggested that the President review the meeting time with Mr. Threatt and Dr. Couvillion.

Dr. Foil reported that the Information Technologies Oversight Committee would meet later in the day to select the winners of the Hardin Foundation Technology Awards from among almost 50 nominations and applications.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40 a.m.