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

Dr. Portera reiterated the need to remain focused on established priorities in budgeting for the coming year.

Mr. White and Mr. Hogue presented design development plans for the ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) bicycle path from the city limits on University Drive to the center of campus at Colvard Union. Mississippi State is currently budgeting $156,000 as the required 20 percent matching share of the total $780,000 budget. The university also will expend $129,000 for surveying and realigning Barr Avenue and will construct a connector road from University Drive to Barr Avenue at a cost of $333,000. Some staff and student parking spaces will be lost. Once the bicycle path project is under contract, the university will be able to apply for other ISTEA projects. Mr. Hogue reported that a wood laminated bridge across the Highway 12 bypass adjacent to University Drive could be included in the project for an additional $300,000. Additional lighting, parking and landscaping could be included for another $200,000. The university would be required to provide 20 percent of the additional cost. Discussion of the funding level for the project and the features to be included will be continued in a University Budget Committee meeting.

Dr. Ruby presented for review Student Affairs Operating Policy 91.150 on Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for Student Financial Aid. The policy incorporates the minimum standards required by federal law for participation in Title IV financial aid programs. The policy reflects existing university practice.

Dr. Portera reported that he is assembling a planning committee to review a possible new College of Education building to bring the faculty into one location, upgrade instructional technology, and demonstrate the importance of teacher education to the university. Others were invited to participate in the planning process.

Dr. Portera reported that he and Dr. Ray had delivered the university's strategic research agenda to the congressional delegation and received a good response. He noted that the university needs a full-time representative in Washington to monitor opportunities.

Ms. Norman reported on the extent of Banner administrative computing system training among departments.

Dr. Portera reported on recent conversations with City of Starkville officials concerning city-university issues. Dr. Portera, Ms. Norman and Mr. Guest will continue the discussion.

Dr. Ray reported that grants and contracts for January totaled $1.37 million, bringing the total for the year to $39.6 million.

Dr. Portera noted that work is needed to better define procedures related to implementation of the university governance principles.

Dr. Foil reported that the Reduction in Force Task Force has met and is working to separate policy issues from procedural issues. The task force plans to complete its recommendation by March 2.

Dr. Portera reviewed university items on the agenda for the Feb. 19 Board of Trustees meeting.

Dr. Portera commended the athletic department for a successful First Pitch fund-raising event.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 a.m.