Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at the Bryan Athletic Administration Building. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Ms. Leah Norman, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Mike Richardson, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Joe Farris and Dr. R. D. Ikenberry.

Dr. Portera requested recommendations for spring commencement speakers. Several prominent individuals were suggested and three top prospects were identified. Dr. Portera will follow up to secure a commitment from one of them.

Dr. Portera reported on recent conversations with legislators and discussed the outlook for the current session. Dr. Foil noted that the economic condition of the state is sound and relationships within the Legislature appear to be harmonious. Several major pieces of legislation were introduced during the first week as a result of committee work during the summer.

Dr. Ward reviewed a plan and timetable for developing fund-raising priorities. The plan calls for both top-down and bottom-up involvement in goal-setting within university units. University and unit goals should be presented in February, proposed projects reviewed in May, and goals for FY 1999 approved in June. Dr. Ward will present the goal-setting plan and timetable to the Faculty Senate and provide assistance to the colleges in carrying out the process.

Dr. Ray reported on the activities of the Mississippi Science and Technology Commission. Plans to create a quasi-public Mississippi Technology Institute are being reviewed following expressions of research university concerns about the proposal. The life of the Science and Technology Commission is expected to be extended for a year while the MTI proposal is considered.

Council members discussed a proposed change in Board of Trustees policy concerning the required number of instructional minutes in a three-credit-hour course and noted that clarification appears to be needed. Dr. Portera will request that the proposal be withdrawn from the agenda for the January meeting pending discussion of the matter with Commissioner Layzell.

Dr. Portera reported on a meeting with Starkville Mayor Mack Rutledge concerning university-community relations.

Ms. Norman distributed copies of the Report of the President for 1997, which includes a university financial report for the first time.

The council reviewed plans for an Educational Building Corporation bond issue for several campus building and renovation projects. The discussion was postponed for consideration in a special meeting later in the week.

Dr. Ray reported on a hazardous waste disposal issue and its planned resolution.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9 a.m.