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

Dr. Zacharias distributed an editorial from the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal advocating higher faculty salaries in state universities. Dr. Bauman reported on conversations with Board of Trustees members concerning salaries and university research.

Dr. Ruby presented two proposed methods for distributing Follett Stores vouchers redeemable for textbooks and supplies at the university bookstore. The Council recommended that the $50 vouchers be distributed on a pro rata basis among the colleges and schools, including the Graduate School, and that the deans distribute some of them on the basis of academic achievement and some on the basis of student leadership within their colleges.

Dr. Ray distributed information on the Golden Triangle Enterprise Center, a business incubator which is currently assisting start-up companies including some that involve faculty members and are spin-offs of university research.

Dr. Foil presented for concept approval a proposal to add a temporary covering to a building at the Forest Products Lab, to accommodate a research project. The Council recommended approval. The proposal was forwarded to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Dr. Hodgson recommended that Academic Operating Policy and Procedure 11.10 on Tutorial Courses be eliminated, on the basis that no such courses are offered, nor are there plans to offer such courses. The council recommended elimination of the policy.

Dr. Hodgson recommended deletion of AOP 12.06 on Student Conduct Detrimental to the Education Process, which calls for faculty to refer students to the Counseling Center when there is an apparent need. The council recommended deletion of the policy. Dr. Ruby and Dr. Hodgson are to collaborate on an alternative method of providing information to faculty about sources of assistance available to students with various needs.

Dr. Ruby distributed for information the university policy on alcohol possession and use on campus and the disciplinary process for violations. Mr. Richardson noted that the Student Association is planning initiatives to combat alcohol abuse.

Ms. Douglas requested comment on a proposal to survey faculty and staff concerning sentiment for observing Memorial Day as a university holiday, in exchange for a currently observed holiday. Council members advised that the first or last day of winter holidays would be the most feasible holiday to eliminate in exchange for Memorial Day, and suggested that the survey focus on that option.