Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Larry Templeton, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Rodney Foil, Joe Farris, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Bill Broyles, Brad Sweet, Charles Guest, and Dr. R. D. Ikenberry.

Dr. Portera welcomed Bill Broyles to his first meeting as the new chair of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council.

Mr. Farris presented a recommendation of the Naming of Facilities Committee that the College of Engineering Scholarship Office be named in honor of John P. Hosmer. The Council recommended approval and the president approved the naming. It was stipulated that the name applies to the physical space, in keeping with the wishes of the donor's family, and not to the function of the scholarship office.

Ms. Norman announced that state purchasing regulations as of July 1, 1998, permit purchases of up to $10,000 provided two competitive written bids have been received, without publishing or advertising for bids.

Ms. Norman provided updated information on the use of procurement cards. The volume of monthly transactions has surpassed $400,000 and 3,700 transactions. Use of the cards reduces paperwork associated with procurement.

Mr. Broyles announced that the Mississippi Association of Staff Councils will meet on campus on July 9.

Mr. Guest presented a revised policy statement on political activities. The council recommended approval of the policy and the president approved it, noting that the policy is subject to further discussion and amendment at any time.

Ms. Norman reported that a state audit of MAFES found no exceptions to procedures or items unaccounted for.

Dr. Ruby reported on Orientation sessions and estimated a fall enrollment increase of 200 to 300 students.

Dr. Portera suggested that the architects and engineers working on the design of the north entrance road be asked to reexamine the proposed entrance loop around a small water feature. Concerns include the small size of the loop and the difficulty it poses in converting all four lanes of the boulevard to one-way traffic for egress following athletic events.

Dr. Portera requested that suggestions regarding an August commencement speaker be submitted by the end of the week.

Dr. Portera reported that the Mississippi State University Foundation board of directors approved the proposed plan for a $20 million scholarship campaign.

Dr. Portera requested a meeting with Student Affairs representatives and others to discuss admission standards.

Dr. Bauman noted that the meeting was her last as Faculty Senate chair and distributed a summary of the past year's Senate actions and pending issues.

Dr. Portera thanked Dr. Bauman for her service on the Executive Council and as Senate chair.

Dr. Portera extended best wishes to Dr. Hodgson on the occasion of his last council meeting.

Ms. Norman announced that a meeting for deans, directors and department head concerning the Year 2000 problem has been scheduled for July 17.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 a.m.