Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Larry Templeton, Dr. Melvin Ray, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Joe Farris, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, Gaddis Hunt, Mike White, Brad Sweet, Don Mott, Milburn Gardner, Mike Richardson, Wayne Bland, and Jason Giompoletti.

Mr. Gardner presented a proposed plan for complying with state legislation that requires state employees, including university faculty and staff, to be paid twice a month on a delayed basis, effective Jan. 1, 1999. The proposed university plan calls for a biweekly pay schedule for all university employees that will alleviate some Fair Labor Standards Act concerns presented by a semimonthly payroll. It was further recommended that the university adopt the biweekly payroll effective July 1, 1998, to avoid problems that would be encountered in making such a change during the fiscal year. The Department of Human Resources Management will conduct an information and education program to acquaint employees with the details of the proposed changes. The change will consolidate several existing payroll schedules into one, which is expected to be more efficient for departmental payroll managers and for the Office of the Comptroller and Treasurer. The Executive Council recommended adoption of the biweekly payroll plan and the recommended implementation process.

Mr. Gardner distributed for information the university's annual compensation survey.

Mr. White requested and received a delay in consideration of the "footprint" of the planned north entrance until April 13, when architect Richard McNeel can be present.

Mr. White presented a Campus Planning and Development Committee recommendation that the proposed new apartment-style student housing be located on the east side of the planned north entrance road opposite the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. The council recommended approval of the site in concept.

Mr. White and Mr. Mott presented a proposed design for the new Hand Chemical Lab parking lot. The council recommended approval of the design.

Mr. White presented for concept approval a proposed expansion site plan for the Forest Products Lab complex. The council recommended approval of the site plan.

Ms. Norman distributed background information on the Banner student information system.

Dr. Bauman recommended an increase in the release time for the chair of Faculty Senate from 25 percent to 50 percent. The council recommended approval of the increase, with the stipulation that the university division from which the Senate chair is selected will absorb the salary cost increase associated with the change. AOP 13.21 will be amended to reflect the change in policy.

Dr. Portera reported that Mississippi State will send a single representative to this summer's "Mississippi in the Park" state-sponsored event at Central Park in New York, as is customary.

Mr. Norman and Mr. Hunt presented the current prioritized list of five-year capital improvement needs and asked council members to review the list for possible recommended changes. The current repair and replacement priorities list also will be distributed for review. Bond funds amounting to $6.5 million approved by the 1998 Legislature can be applied to the current list of projects. Suggested changes in priorities should be forwarded to Ms. Norman.

Ms. Norman distributed for information a Chronicle of Higher Education article on university long distance telephone charges.

The Executive Council recognized and commended Brad Sweet on his recent selection as a Truman Scholar.

Dr. Portera announced that a committee on honorary degrees including faculty and administration representatives will be appointed subsequent to the Board of Trustees' approval last month for universities to award such degrees.

Dr. Portera announced that John H. Bryan Jr. will be the spring commencement speaker.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 a.m.