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

Dr. Foil presented for review a proposed policy and procedure statement on sponsored programs. The document codifies current responsibilities related to project funding from external sponsors.

Dr. Ruby presented for concept approval proposals to: (1) renovate existing residence halls as determined by an architects' review to provide for apartment-style living, at a cost of $6.5 million funded by an EBC bond issue to be repaid from rental charges; (2) build new apartment-style student housing at a cost of $10 million funded by EBC bonds and repaid from rental charges; and (3) construct a permanent roof on the Amphitheater stage using Music Maker funds. The council recommended approval in concept for all three projects and referred the proposals to the Campus Planning and Development Committee. Dr. Ruby will ask the Campus Planning and Development Committee to review the possibility of modifying the Amphitheater site to accommodate additional uses.

Dr. Hodgson presented for approval a modified policy and procedure on "dead days" (AOP 12.03). Changes would require that violations of the dead days policy by student organizations be reported to the Division of Students Affairs and specify that the policy does not apply to regularly scheduled meetings of classes that meet only one day a week. The council recommended approval of the policy.

Ms. Norman recommended that the commencement ceremony invitations currently made available to students for purchase through the University Bookstore be upgraded. The cost would increase from 55 cents to 95 cents each. University Relations will consult with on a new card design.

Ms. Norman presented a space analysis of Montgomery Hall, which is scheduled for renovation. The available space after renovation would accommodate either the landscape architecture department or the Student Affairs division, but not both. Dr. Ruby commented that Student Affairs would benefit from a consolidation of offices in Montgomery; Dr. Foil reported that the landscape architecture department would prefer a new building. Ms. Norman will develop budget projections to determine the feasibility of constructing new classroom space for landscape architecture, using both appropriated and donated funds, and renovating Montgomery Hall to accommodate Student Affairs offices.

Mr. Templeton presented for review a revised mission statement for the athletics department. The statement will be presented to the Athletics Council later in the week.

Mr. Templeton presented for review a gender equity plan for the athletics department. Consideration of the plan was deferred to a special meeting of the University Budget Committee to review budget priorities for 1998-99.

Mr. Templeton distributed the football schedule for 1998.

Ms. Douglas reported on the results of a staff survey to determine interest in exchanging an existing winter holiday for a new Memorial Day holiday. Sixty-two percent of respondents opposed a change. About 24 percent of respondents expressed interest in taking an evening class during the summer term.

Mr. Guest reported that the legislative PEER Committee is studying the IHL holiday policy with a view toward possibly making it more consistent with the policy of other state agencies. Mississippi State representatives will work with staff at other institutions to review the topic.

Ms. Norman presented for review the previously adopted 1998 capital improvement and repair and renovation priority lists. Review was deferred to a special meeting of the University Budget Committee.

Dr. Ward presented the university fund-raising report for July-December 1997. Total funds raised during the period were slightly over $15 million, or an increase of eight percent from the previous year.

Dr. Ward presented an analysis of October-December newspaper coverage of the university prepared by University Relations.

Mr. Guest reported that the state attorney general has issued an opinion supporting the university policy of pooling university funds and foundation funds for investment purposes.

Dr. Ward announced plans to leave the university in mid summer to become president of the Swalm Foundation of Houston, Texas.

Mr. Richardson reviewed plans for MSU student participation in a statewide event focusing on alcohol awareness.

Mr. Farris presented an update on the status of searches for deans of business and industry, continuing education, and the Meridian Campus and for a provost and vice president for academic affairs. All of those searches and the extended search for a vice president for research are expected to conclude prior to July 1.

Dr. Portera distributed his charge to the newly appointed Reduction in Force Task Force; the group is asked to recommend a policy by March 2.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:55 a.m.