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

Dr. Ray introduced Dr. Campbell as director of the Technology Resource Institute. Dr. Campbell presented a written and oral report on the establishment of the center last fall and its work as a referral service for business and industry seeking access to university expertise.

Ms. Norman reported that it has been determined that officers and members of the Educational Building Corporation must be members of the newly constituted Administrative Council and that the slate of EBC officers proposed during the previous week's meeting must therefore be revised. Executive Council nominees for the officer positions, to be presented to the full membership of the EBC/Administrative Council at a special meeting, are: Dr. Roy Ruby, president; Larry Templeton, vice president; Dr. Bill Graves, second vice president; Dr. Billy Ward, secretary; and Leah Norman, treasurer.

With unanimous consent of the Council, a discussion of communication with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History was added to the agenda. Ms. Norman reported that the university has received a letter from Archives and History stating that the greenhouse complex near Hand Lab, currently scheduled for removal, has been proposed for inclusion in a National Register of Historic Places district encompassing the central campus, and that the complex be designated a Mississippi Landmark. Dr. Zacharias is to contact Archives and History Director Elbert Hilliard to discuss the issues involved.

Dr. Ward recommended that the Campus Planning and Development Committee proceed with final review and approval of planning for the Child Development Center, a new sidewalk at the University Television Center, and a new water well and pump house near Sorority Park without further Executive Council review. The Council recommended approval.

President Zacharias approved the previously recommended the name change of the advising center to the University Academic Advising Center.

President Zacharias approved the previously recommended change in procedure calling for the Office of the Comptroller to present proposed changes in travel policy to the University Budget Committee before implementation. Ms. Norman will consult with state Department of Finance and Administration officials to determine whether state travel allowance maximums are also in fact minimum requirements, or whether university departments may establish different limits.

Coordinator of Government Relations John Tomlinson joined the meeting to discuss the status of pending legislation. The general support bill for IHL currently includes additional funding of $8.5 million for the universities, some of which already has been committed to Ayers-related payments and consulting studies related to new programs.

Dr. Foil announced that open house would be held at the MCES, MAFES, and Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine offices in the Bost Center on March 14.

Dr. Ward announced that the March 17 meeting of Executive Council will be held at Mitchell Memorial Library.