Executive Council met at 611 Allen Hall at 9 a.m. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Billy Ward, Ms. Leah Norman, Larry Templeton, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Vance Watson, Mike Richardson, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Sam Hogue and Mike White.

Mr. White presented a recommendation of the Campus Planning and Development Committee that a customized roof style modeled on the restored "hitchhiker stand" being renovated on Lee Boulevard be used for planned campus shuttle stop shelters. Alternative designs also were presented. The council recommended acceptance of the CPDC proposal.

Mr. White reported that plans are proceeding for the installation of bleachers at the women's soccer field, but noted for information that pedestrian access and parking are not provided as part of the current project.

Mr. White and Mr. Hogue presented a recommendation that the color scheme for the Equine Center and Livestock Arena be changed to dark gray masonry with off-white trim, rather than the originally proposed red masonry and white trim. The council recommended acceptance of the suggestion.

Dr. Ward recommended that the "M-State" logo be painted on the water tower undergoing renovation near the athletic complex and the water tower planned for construction on Buckner Lane, rather than the previously approved wordmark design, and that the "M-State" be used on the university license plate to be issued this year rather than the previously approved seal design. He reported that the Athletic Department plans to adopt the "M-State" design as its exclusive symbol in conjunction with the change. The council recommended approval of the proposed changes.

Ms. Norman recommended changes in the travel policy to make it consistent with changes in state law. The council recommended approval of the updates.

Ms. Norman distributed a summary of use of procurement cards by university departments. Uses have grown to more than 1,300 per month since the cards were introduced in April 1996. The procedure saves time in processing over more traditional purchasing methods.

Dr. Ward reported on proposed changes in the endowed funds spending policy recommended by the Foundation board of directors. The changes would increase equity holdings from 65 to 70 percent, change the reporting of assets from a book value to market value basis, and decrease the spending rate from 5 percent to 4.5 percent of earnings. The council endorsed the changes.

Dr. Ruby presented a proposed agreement on scholarship awards with the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi. The agreement would set limits on the size of academic scholarships awarded from E&G funds. Expenditures under the agreement would be lower than at present. The council endorsed the proposal.

Dr. Zacharias reported on his participation in the meetings of the Commission on the Future of the South.

Mr. Farris reported on activities of the Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board.

Ms. Norman reported that the recent comprehensive property audit has been concluded and all items have been accounted for or deleted from inventory.

Mr. Richardson presented the quarterly report of the Student Association for the April-June period.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10 a.m.