Executive Council met at 9 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Derek Hodgson, presiding, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Billy Ward, Mike Richardson, Larry Templeton, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. Roy Ruby, Patsy Douglas, Leah Norman, Dr. Rodney Foil, Charles Guest, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, and Joe Farris.

Dr. Ward reported on a gift of software from A.D.A.M. Software, Inc., in memory of Michele D. Walker, a university graduate and company employee. The software will be used in laboratories in the departments of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sport, where the council and the Naming of Facilities Committee previously approved creation of the Michele D. Walker Electronic Classroom, and in Biological Sciences, where appropriate recognition of the gift also will be displayed.

Ms. Norman reported on the growth in usage of procurement cards by university departments. The cards were used for 2,400 purchases in the most recent one-month reporting period.

Ms. Norman encouraged use of the Mississippi State affinity credit card issued by People's Bank of Tupelo for travel and other university-related expenditures; the university receives royalty payments for each use of the cards.

Ms. Norman reported on use of the campus shuttle system. Usage was up by 86 percent during the first week of the fall semester compared with the same period last year. The system carried 12,650 passengers during the first week on three routes. Additional buses will be added next semester.

Ms. Norman presented for initial review a modified operating policy and procedure on Institutional Tuition Waivers. The policy would codify current practice.

Dr. Foil reported that the 1997 Women in Management Seminar sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association will be held Oct. 23-24 in Chattanooga. Mississippi State employees interested in attending should contact Pat Bane in Dr. Foil's office.

Dr. Ruby reported that Follett Bookstores have provided the university with 200 coupons with face values of $50 redeemable for textbooks and supplies at the MSU Bookstore, and requested proposals at the next council meeting on how the coupons might be appropriately distributed.

Ms. Norman reported that the campus advisory committee on the presidential search has submitted the names of eight semifinalists to the Board of Trustees search committee.

The council reviewed and updated the listing of proposed construction projects awaiting council review or action.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10 a.m.