Executive Council convened at 8 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Billy Ward, Larry Templeton, Dr. Rodney Foil, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Mike Richardson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Gene Tice, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Ms. Renee Kirby, and Dr. David Cole.

Dr. Portera introduced Ms. Renee Kirby, newly appointed administrative assistant in the Office of the President.

Dr. Portera thanked Executive Council members for their assistance during the transition to the new administration.

Dr. Portera discussed his plans for the Executive Council; he asked for assistance in making the meetings substantive and urged members to speak candidly and observe appropriate discretion. The council agreed to meet at 7:30 a.m. on Mondays at the Bryan Athletic Administration Building; meetings are expected to conclude by 9 a.m. Members who wish to send a representative to the council sessions in their stead should recommend the name of a substitute to the president for approval. Dr. Portera invited suggestions and discussion on the structure and function of Executive Council; he said no major changes will be instituted in the immediate future.

Dr. Portera introduced Dr. David Cole, formerly of the University of Alabama, who will work for the university on special projects on a temporary basis.

Dr. Portera and Dr. Foil reported on meetings with legislators on Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine budget proposals during the winter holidays.

Dr. Ray recommended approval of a proposed Policy and Procedure on Conflict of Interest in Federally Sponsored Programs. The policy would bring the university into compliance with regulations of the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health; similar regulations may be adopted by other federal agencies. The policy requires disclosure of financial interest in a project by a principal investigator or members of the investigator's family, and prescribes a process for review and resolution of potential conflicts of interest. The council recommended and Dr. Portera approved the policy.

The General Faculty meeting for the spring semester was scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 26, at McComas Hall.

Dr. Portera requested that council members bring suggestions for possible spring commencement speakers to the meeting on January 12.

Dr. Hodgson was asked to begin considering procedures for awarding honorary degrees, in the event the Board of Trustees adopts a proposal to permit the practice.

Dr. Portera requested a meeting with Dr. Hodgson, Dr. Foil and Dr. Ward to review plans for future uses of Montgomery Hall and the temporary relocation of the current occupants of the building during planned renovation. Dr. Portera noted that the building should continue to house academic programs.

Ms. Norman briefly outlined the status of a proposed Educational Building Corporation bond issue, and noted the need to proceed quickly in order to take advantage of a favorable bond market. The components and amount of the proposed bond issue have not been finalized. Ms. Norman is to review of the status of the proposals in more detail at the January 12 council meeting.

Dr. Portera reviewed the status of searches for deans and vice presidents and stressed the need to keep the searches moving ahead.

Dr. Portera outlined the goals of the President's Office for the coming six months. Primary goals are to fill leadership positions and build a solid team; generate needed resources for teaching, research and service programs; develop solutions to faculty shortages in certain areas; enhance the university's presence in Washington, D.C.; establish fund-raising priorities; support Student Affairs programs and strengthen programs to serve elementary and secondary schools; develop a strategic plan to promote the university; develop private support for athletics and promote women's athletics; and enhance the academic infrastructure, including library resources, classrooms, and computing capabilities.

Dr. Foil reported that a Mississippi State and Hinds Community College proposal to provide distance learning services for a branch of the military has been accepted.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:25 a.m.