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. Melvin Ray, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. George Rent, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Billy Ward, Ms. Leah Norman, Charles Guest, Joe Farris and Gaddis Hunt.

Dr. Portera commented on the success of the Research Awards Banquet and his conversations with representatives of NASA concerning possible research funding in the area of remote sensing. He also noted that Stennis Space Center director Roy Estes is planning a visit to campus.

Dr. Portera reported on a meeting with City of Starkville representatives concerning a possible conference and convention center.

Ms. Norman and Mr. Hunt are to meet with an area developer to discuss his plans for property adjacent to the university. Dr. Ruby reported on a planned presentation by a private developer interested in constructing student housing on leased university property. Private sector plans and proposals will be considered in conjunction with the university's planning for an Educational Building Corporation bond issue in devising an overall plan for improved student housing.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval of the operating policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress presented previously. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Portera reported that Rep. Chip Pickering is now interim chair of the House subcommittee on science that deals with the NSF budget. Rep. Pickering may arrange a visit by committee representatives to Mississippi and Mississippi State.

Mr. Hunt presented a summary report on priorities and funding sources for university infrastructure improvement projects. A shuttle tour of campus to review infrastructure needs will be part of the March 9 council meeting.

Dr. Ward presented the quarterly investment report on funds managed by the Mississippi State University Foundation. The return for the fourth quarter of 1997 on $109 million under management was a negative 1.1 percent, although the one-year return for 1997 was 18 percent.

Dr. Portera reviewed the agenda for the afternoon meeting with the Board of Trustees planning and budget staff. Topics to be discussed include salaries, teaching loads, library resources, and infrastructure.

Dr. Ward noted that better data is needed on scholarship awards. The need to offset E&G scholarships with private funds continues to be studied.

Mr. Richardson commented on the high level of fan support for the baseball team at the previous weekend's Winn-Dixie Showdown tournament in New Orleans.

Dr. Rent reported on plans for a summer enrichment program for children planned by the College of Education and Continuing Education. Dr. Rent will schedule a meeting on the project with the education and continuing education deans and the president.

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