The Executive Council met at 9 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Larry Templeton, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Billy Ward, Christy Criss, Paul Grimes, Leah Norman, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Vance Watson, Charles Guest, Joe Farris and Dr. R.D. Ikenberry.

Mr. Templeton reported that the NCAA one-year probationary period which began in February 1996 has officially ended and no further annual reports are required.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval in concept of renovation of the Sigma Chi house, with university approval to extend only to issues of aesthetics. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval of the updated Student Affairs policies presented in the previous meeting. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ward announced that a ceremony naming the Comprehensive Assistive Technology Center for Dr. T. K. Martin will be held on April 18, and reported that the staff of the center has requested consideration of a change in the name to incorporate the phrase "Center for Technology and Disability." Dr. Ray is to consult with the staff of the center and present a recommended name at the next Council meeting.

Dr. Watson recommended approval of the several MAFES policies presented at the previous week's meeting.

Dr. Ward requested unanimous consent to add to the agenda recommendations of the Naming of Facilities Committee; consent was given. Dr. Ward reported that the committee has recommended naming two classrooms in McCool Hall for Ben and Dorothy Puckett and for Walt and Shirley Olson, and has recommended that the new chemical engineering building be named for Dave Swalm. The council recommended approval of the names.

Dr. Ward reported usage statistics for the World Wide Web server in University Relations, which recently exceeded 100,000 hits in one week.

Dr. Ward presented the quarterly investment report of the Mississippi State University Foundation. With $90.4 million under management, the total return for the one-year period ending in December was 17.4 percent.

Dr. Ward presented the January fund raising report of the Mississippi State University Foundation. New gifts and pledges for the fiscal year through Jan. 31, 1997, totaled just over $12 million.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55 a.m.