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, Dr. Roy Ruby, Mike Richardson, Dr. George Rent, Dr. Marion Couvillion, Leah Norman, Larry Templeton, Christy Criss, Charles Guest, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, and Joe Farris.

Dr. Zacharias commented on the extent of news coverage for spring commencement ceremonies and related activities.

Dr. Zacharias distributed an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education concerning criticisms of the ranking of "Most Wired Colleges" published in Yahoo! magazine. Dr. Ward distributed an analysis prepared by webmaster Bennet George of the data presented in the Yahoo! artcle. The report was referred to the Information Technology Oversight Committee, which will be asked to respond to the issues raised.

Dr. Ward distributed a summary of newspaper coverage of the university for the first three months of 1997 prepared by University Relations.

Mr. Templeton discussed the university's prospects for hosting a regional NCAA baseball tournament.

Dr. Zacharias distributed the agenda for the May meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 a.m.