Executive Council met at 9 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Clay Taylor, Mike Richardson, Gaddis Hunt, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, and Mike White.

Mr. White presented for concept approval a proposal to erect a fence at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house to help restrict access to social events. The construction will be paid from chapter funds. The council approved the recommendation.

Mr. Hunt presented the proposed university holiday schedule for the three years 1998-99 through 2000-01. The schedule was previously recommended by the Calendar Committee, Faculty Senate, and Staff Council, and is consistent with the academic calendar for the same period. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Taylor presented a summary of contracts and grants for the month of June. Awards for the month totaled at least $12.3 million and awards for 1996-97 totaled more than $49 million.

Dr. Hodgson reported that second term summer enrollment is up by 12 percent from last year. A fall enrollment increase of about 350 students is anticipated.

Dr. Hodgson reported that a Venezuelan foundation with funding from the World Bank has proposed including Mississippi State among a group of U.S. universities for which it would provide graduate student scholarships. The foundation has requested that the students be allowed to pay in-state tuition rates. Dr. Hodgson recommended acceptance of the proposal, noting that the university could admit students selectively into undersubscribed programs.

Dr. Zacharias announced that the Hearin Foundation of Jackson will make a gift of $400,000 over the next four years to the School of Architecture.

Dr. Foil suggested that the council receive a report on planned road construction linking University Drive and Barr Ave. The plans will be presented at a future meeting.

Mr. Hunt reported that the intersection at the YMCA Building, closed due to utility construction, should be open this week.

Mr. Richardson requested updated information on the plan to implement a new dial-up modem pool this fall. A report will be presented at a future meeting.

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