Executive Council met at 9 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Roy Ruby, Larry Templeton, Dr. Dwight Mercer, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Leah Norman, Dr. Mike Couvillion, Dr. Debbie Baker, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Mike White, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Bill Graves, Richard McNeel, and Shelton Jones.

Dr. Zacharias discussed plans to testify before the House Appropriations subcommittee on university budgets and provided an update on legislative discussions concerning a possible capital improvements bond bill for universities.

Mike White introduced Shelton Jones, who presented site and design development recommendations for the addition to the Research and Curriculum Unit on Russell Street. Executive Council recommended approval of the site plan, with the suggestion that bids be solicited only for the two less expensive of the three site development options presented.

Architect Richard McNeel presented plans for materials and colors to be used on the roof and dining room interiors of the renovation of Perry Cafeteria.

Dr. Ruby presented for concept approval a proposal to build an outdoor recreational swimming pool. The Executive Council recommended approval.

Mr. Templeton presented for concept approval a proposal to building dressing rooms, rest rooms, and storage areas under the A.J. Pitts Tennis Center grandstands.

Dr. Couvillion reported on recent activities of the state universities senate organizations. The organization is preparing a white paper for the IHL board on sabbaticals. Dr. Zacharias said he would extend an invitation to Board of Trustees members to visit the campus to meet with MSU Faculty Senate representatives, if the Senate wishes to pursue that avenue.

The Executive Council meeting time was discussed. Meetings will continue to convene at 9 a.m. on Monday.

Dr. Zacharias reported on plans for a visit by alumnus John Grisham on Feb. 6.

Mr. Templeton distributed the 1997 football schedule.

State Auditor Phil Bryant and staff member Bill Page joined the meeting. Mr. Bryant discussed his plans, including implementation of a depreciation system for university fixed assets. The state audit of university fixed assets is to begin on Feb. 10.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10 a.m.