Executive Council met at 9 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Billy Ward, Mike Richardson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Larry Templeton, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Ms. Leah Norman, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. Clay Taylor, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Mike White, Dr. Gene Tice, Ms. Ann Bell, Skip Gardner, Ms. Laura Merritt, Dr. Wayne Bennett, and Nelson Douglas.

Mr. White presented the recommendation of the Campus Planning and Development Committee that the planned renovation of McCain Engineering Building proceed with the construction of new stairwells inside the existing structure, rather than building exterior stairwells on the ends of the building. Architect Nelson Douglas discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches. Dr. Bennett noted that the interior construction could prolong construction and require occupants to relocate for longer periods to less desirable space. The council approved the recommendation of the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Ms. Norman and Ms. Bell discussed impending changes in the costs and coverage of the employee health insurance plan. The changes are a result primarily of new federal legislation and are coincidental with a change in plan administrators from CENTEC to Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Ms. Bell is available to make presentations on the changes to campus units.

Mr. Gardner noted the need for pay scale adjustments at the lower end of the university pay scale to alleviate compression resulting from increases in minimum wage.

Dr. Zacharias reported that he had provided a response to the Faculty Senate concerning the status of past legislation recommended by the Senate.

Dr. Ruby reported that some suggestions had been received on the possible uses of $10,000 worth of university bookstore textbook vouchers provided by Follet stores. Dr. Ruby is to draft and present specific recommendations for use of the vouchers.

Dr. Foil reported that the Campus Beautification Committee has suggested brown as the official color of outdoor handrails and black as the preferred color for indoor rails. The council endorsed the recommendation.

Ms. Norman distributed for information a summary of tuition and required fees at the eight universities for 1997-98.

Dr. Ward recommended that a conference room in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building be named the Rex Colwick Conference Room. The Council approved the recommendation.

Mr. Templeton and Mr. Tice reported on discussions with City of Starkville officials concerning employment of city police officers at football games and the possible annexation of portions of the university campus. Dr. Zacharias is to discuss the topics with the mayor.

Ms. Douglas reported that the Staff Council has recommended making the presentation of annual Outstanding Staff Member Awards a part of Staff Appreciation Day activities.

Ms. Douglas reported that the Staff Council plans to conduct a survey on staff preferences concerning observance of Memorial Day as a university holiday in lieu of another holiday currently taken.

Dr. Hodgson presented proposed Academic Operating Policy 12.36 concerning the repeating of a course. The proposed policy codifies existing practice. The council recommended approval of the policy. Discussion of possible changes in the policy is expected this year.

Dr. Zacharias discussed a draft compilation of revised policies and by-laws of the Board of Trustees which is expected to be presented to the Board by IHL staff this fall. Council members are to review and comment on proposed changes.

Ms. Norman presented for information the September 1997 construction progress report.

Ms. Norman distributed the schedule for involvement of the Executive Council in interviews with Presidential candidates.

Dr. Ray distributed an article from the Mississippi Business Journal describing the Golden Triangle Enterprise Center and suggested that the Council tour the business incubator, located in the Research and Technology Park.

Dr. Ray reported that sponsored programs awards for August totaled $6.5 million and year-to-date awards are $15.6 million, up from $6.5 million at the same time last year.

Ms. Norman recommended approval of the revised policy on institutional tuition waivers presented at an earlier council meeting. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ward recommended concept approval for landscaping around Mitchell Memorial Library. The council recommended approval and forwarded the proposal to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40 a.m.