Executive Council met at 9 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Billy Ward, Larry Templeton, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Roy Ruby, Leah Norman, Dr. Mike Couvillion, Dr. Debbie Baker, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Clay Taylor, Greg Threatt, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Mike White, Gaddis Hunt, Don Mott, Joey Henderson, and Warnie Kennington.

Dr. Zacharias reported on the awards program at which Dr. Lesia Crumpton of industrial engineering received the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Education sponsored by the Career Communications Group Inc.

Ms. Norman asked that the Council review the priority list for capital improvement projects for which funding could be secured through a bond authorization bill during the current legislative session. The Council recommended that Hilbun Hall renovation remain the top priority, and that the needs for a central chilled water system expansion and loop road construction be given higher priority.

Mike White and architect Joey Henderson presented schematic designs for the planned Child Development Center next to Aiken Village. The residential-style structure will accommodate 104 to 108 children. The Council recommended approval of the schematic plans as well as the design development plan, provided there are no major changes from the schematic version.

Warnie Kennington presented schematic and design development plans for the rest room and dressing room construction at Pitts Tennis Center. The plans were recommended for approval.

Ms. Norman recommended that tuition-per-credit hour charges be based on the level of course, rather than the level of the enrolling student. The change will result in a slight decrease in overall tuition revenue but will simplify implementation of the Banner system. The Council recommended approval.

Dr. Zacharias reported that a preliminary discussion of possible tuition increases is planned for the Feb. 20 Board of Trustees meeting.

Dr. Zacharias reported that Mississippi State's planning and budgeting meeting with the Board of Trustees is scheduled for March 24.

Dr. Zacharias distributed background information on the Internet II project.

Dr. Ward recommended approval in concept for a new sidewalk to the west side door entrance to the University Television Center at the Wise Center. The Council recommended approval.

Mr. Templeton recommended approval in concept for renovations and additions to Athletic Department facilities. The Council recommended approval.

Dr. Foil presented for review updated MAFES policies on required signature levels, released salaries, lapsed salaries/wages, use of timber sales funds, charges to MAFES departments by Agricultural Communications, and funding and fund management.

Dr. Ruby presented updated Student Affairs policies, to be available for review in the President's Office until the next Council meeting.

Dr. Foil reported that bids received for construction of the livestock arena and equine training facility on the South Farm were within the budget and groundbreaking is planned for early March.

Dr. Ward reported that bids are being received for construction of the chemical engineering building. Ground breaking is anticipated about April 1.

Dr. Zacharias reported on a visit to campus by alumnus Earnest Deavenport , CEO of Eastman Chemical, in connection with Engineers Week.

Ms. Norman reported on a recent meeting of chief financial officers of IHL institutions concerning the procedure for distributing funds among the universities.

Dr. Taylor reported that staff members from Sen. Trent Lott's office will be visiting the campus on Feb. 20.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:35 a.m.