Executive Council met at 9 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Leah Norman, Mike Richardson, Dr. Mike Couvillion, Patsy Douglas, Larry Templeton, Dr. Clay Taylor, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Ron Polk and Andy Jackson.

Dr. Foil presented for concept approval a master plan for development of the Forest Products Lab area. The Council recommended approval. The plan will be forwarded to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Dr. Foil presented for review a proposed policy and procedure on external reviews in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. The Council recommended approval.

Mr. Templeton introduced tennis coach Andy Jackson and commended his recent decision to remain at Mississippi State.

Mr. Templeton and Coach Polk presented schematic drawings of proposed skyboxes at Polk-DeMent Stadium. The self-funded project is expected to add 14 skyboxes and additional chairback seats to the stadium at a cost of $1.8 million. The Council recommended approval of the plans.

Mr. Templeton requested consideration of future use of McCarthy Gymnasium as an indoor tennis center. Athletic department funds are available for the necessary renovation. Mr. Templeton and Dr. Hodgson are to explore the topic with the Department Physical Education, Health Education, and Recreation.

Dr. Hodgson recommended changes in Academic Operating Policy and Procedure 13.14 to change the title to Grade Appeal and Academic Review Board, provide for alternate review board members, delete the provision that allows an entire department to sit on the board with one vote, and delete the provision that allows the proceedings of the review board to be opened to the public, plus wording changes for clarity. The Council recommended approval.

Dr. Taylor presented a summary of contracts and grants for May. Awards for the month totaled $1.85 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $36.3 million.

Ms. Norman reported that the campus will need to add an additional three-digit telephone prefix sometime between December 1997 and mid 1998 to accommodate the increasing number of telephone lines. The change will require the use of a fifth digit when dialing on-campus numbers.

Ms. Norman presented for concept approval renovations including the addition of a canopy to Roberts Laundry and Dry Cleaners. The Council recommended approval.

Dr. Ward recommended approval of a site for the Memorial Gardens and Arboretum. The complex would occupy a 63-acre site north on the north side of Highway 82 between the Research and Technology Park and the North Farm building complex. A small portion of the site is currently part of the Research Park property. The Council recommended approval of the site.

Dr. Ward distributed a summary of the planned activities of the Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board, including billboard placements and newsmagazine advertisements.

Dr. Zacharias reported that he

had approved naming of the H. Werner Essig Room in the Scales Building. The Council endorsed the action.

The Council voted to declare a moratorium on the naming of rooms until a new policy on the sub

ject can be developed. Dr. Zacharias and Dr. Ward will proposed a procedure for developing the new policy.

Dr. Couvillion noted that she was attending her last Council meeting as Faculty Senate chair. The Council commended her for her service.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:25 p.m.