The 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, Mike Richardson, Dr. Mike Couvillion, Dr. Debbie Baker, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Johnnie Haley, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry and Joe Farris.

Dr. Zacharias reported on the success of Scholarship Recognition Day on April 13.

Dr. Zacharias reminded the council of a luncheon meeting with Mr. Jack Kyle, executive director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, to discuss the university's participation in the 1998 "Splendors of Versailles" exhibit in Jackson.

Dr. Baker recommended approval of revisions in the constitution of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council. A discussion ensued on the procedure for nomination and subsequent appointment of council members. Dr. Zacharias appointed a subcommittee of Dr. Ward, chair, Dr. Baker, and Ms. Norman to further review the topic and report with a recommendation within two weeks. No action was taken on the other proposed revisions to the constitution pending the subcommittee's report.

Mr. Templeton presented for approval a revised version of the 1997 Gender Equity Plan for athletics. The revised version makes explicit that the plan is an attempt to comply with the proportionality requirement of Title IX. The council recommended approval of the revised plan.

Ms. Norman presented for initial review on proposed spending policy for university endowments.

Dr. Ruby presented a proposed usage fee structure for the Joe Frank Sanderson Recreation Center now under construction. The schedule calls for a $50 per semester fee required of full-time students, an equal but optional fee for part-time students, a $75 per semester fee for faculty, staff and retirees, with additional family memberships available for $50 per semester; and a $5 a day fee for sponsored guests. The council recommended approval of the proposed fees. Dr. Ruby said that Student Affairs will study the feasibility of making the facility available for community use during breaks in the academic year.

Dr. Hodgson presented for initial review revised versions of Academic Operating Policies 12.01 (Academic Add/Drop Policy) and 12.02 (Withdrawal from the University) which would have the effect of prohibiting a class drop after the first six weeks of the semester, except in cases of serious illness or extreme hardship. The proposed change had been endorsed by a task force, the Faculty Senate, and the Deans Council. Mr. Richardson expressed strong reservations concerning whether the six-week period would allow students sufficient time to adequately assess their prospects of successfully completing a course, particularly in the event that an instructor did not provide adequate assessment of student progress during that period. The proposed policy will be reviewed further at the next meeting.

Dr. Zacharias distributed a newspaper article reporting that an Education Department official has determined that colleges in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi are bound by a federal court ruling in the Hopwood case in Texas which barred the use of race as a factor in admissions.

Dr. Ruby reported that a review by an ad hoc group of students and Student Affairs professionals indicates that students are strongly supportive of a two-day fall break and a holiday on the day after Easter, and would be willing to give up an existing holiday or reading day during each semester to achieve those results. Difficulties associated with changing a mandated state holiday or eliminating a reading day were noted. The possibility of a fall break is to be discussed by the IHL Presidents Council.

Dr. Zacharias distributed a scheduled of spring commencement activities at IHL institutions.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:05 a.m.