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

Dr. Hodgson presented a report summarizing the discussions held on campus in spring 1997 as part of the Pew Higher Education Roundtable. The report is to be generally distributed on campus.

Ms. Norman announced that five-digit telephone dialing will be in effect on campus beginning on the evening of Dec. 12. Callers will need to dial a "5," then the customary four-digit number when placing calls on campus.

Ms. Norman reported that a property audit of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory has been completed and all items were accounted for on first inspection.

Ms. Norman presented an update on the progress in training department personnel and implementing the various Banner administrative computing functions in university departments.

Dr. Ray reported that external awards for November totaled $5.4 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $32.9 million, for a 71 percent increase from the same period last year.

Dr. Zacharias announced that Lockheed-Martin representatives will visit the campus on Dec. 16 to discuss cooperative research and service efforts in the areas of composite materials and computers in schools.

Dr. Ruby announced that Dr. Nancy Hargrove will be on sabbatical after the spring semester, requiring that a new Schillig Scholars advisor be named. Dr. Ruby is to discuss the position with Dr. Zacharias.

Dr. Zacharias announced that Executive Council will not meet on Dec. 22.

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