Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Rodney Foil, Larry Templeton, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Euel Coats, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Don Mott and Mike White.

Dr. Portera introduced new members Dr. David Cole, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Robert Altenkirch, vice president for research; and Dr. Euel Coats, chair of the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval of plans for renovation of the YMCA Plaza to include new paving, lighting, sidewalk repairs, and plantings, and including removal of message boards on the side of the main entrance steps. The council recommended approval. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hunt recommended approval in concept of a plan to renovate Hilbun Hall, including the addition of a pitched roof. The council recommended approval and referred the proposal to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Mr. White presented a recommendation of the Campus Planning and Development Committee to erect a bus stop shelter on Fraternity Row of a "bubble top" design and at a savings of about $5,000 over the copper roof design used in more visible areas of campus. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby recommended that a proposal to name two streets on Fraternity-Sorority Row for Dr. Clyde Q. Sheeley and Dr. Robert Lewis Jones be referred to the Naming of Facilities Committee for review. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Portera reported on the status of legislation that would provide federal funding for remote sensing research.

Dr. Portera requested suggestions concerning the creation of a committee to recommend candidates for honorary degrees. Dr. Portera will work with Academic Affairs to draft a proposal for such a committee. The university's first honorary degrees could be awarded in May 1999.

Dr. Portera discussed plans to develop a concise strategic agenda for the university.

Mr. Guest recommended approval of a Policy and Procedure on Trademark Licensing Review and Administration. Consideration was deferred pending conversations with the Alumni Association on the distribution of affinity card revenue.

Dr. Ray recommended approval of a Policy and Procedure on Conflict of Interest in Federally Sponsored Programs. Consideration was deferred to allow for further review and editing for clarity by the Office of Research.

Dr. Altenkirch presented a summary of contracts and grants for 1997-98. Awards for the year totaled $71 million, up by 44 percent from the previous year.

A letter of appreciation from former Staff Council chair Patsy Douglas was noted. Dr. Portera commended Ms. Douglas's contributions.

Dr. Ruby reported on a meeting with representatives of other state universities concerning a proposed cap on expenditures of E&G funds for academic scholarships. The IHL staff is to present a proposal to establish such a cap.

Dr. Portera noted that an IHL analysis shows that Mississippi State faculty salaries are the highest in the state.

Dr. Cole reported that requests for new faculty positions to be created during the coming year have been received and anticipated costs in several areas will reduce the number of new positions to be created from the 50 planned. Dr. Cole will review the position requests with Dr. Altenkirch.

Dr. Portera noted that financing of five buildings being constructed or renovated in part with private funds is being studied to help bring those projects to a conclusion.

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