The Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Rodney Foil, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. David Cole, Brad Sweet, Dr. Euel Coats, Joe Farris, Bill Broyles, Dr. Robert Altenkirch, Charles Guest, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, Dr. Melvin Ray, Mike White, and architects Chris Morrow and Chris Cosper.

Mr. Morrow presented proposed designs for the roof of Hilbun Hall, including a metal hipped roof and optional window treatments and concrete stucco areas on the facade. Cost estimates are to be available within a week. The council recommended approval of the design, including the "facelift" components, provided the existing budget is adequate for the purpose. The president approved the recommendation.

Dr. Portera reported on the university's participation in a tribute to Rep. Billy McCoy of Rienzi during the previous week.

Ms. Norman presented a summary of the distribution of $6.5 million in bond funds authorized by the 1998 state legislature. The funds will be allocated to the Hilbun Hall renovation, $2 million; north entrance, $500,000; Lee Hall renovation, phase I, $1.75 million; classroom renovations, $500,000; Blackjack Road improvements, $1.6 million; and central cooling plant improvements, $150,000. If private funds should become available to assist with the Lee Hall renovation, additional state support could be directed to the north entrance road project, which will require additional funds for completion.

Dr. Portera reported that Dr. Ray is working to develop a planning process for the university that will address goals for the next three to five years.

Dr. Portera reported that planning and initial contacts for a major scholarship campaign are proceeding well.

Dr. Ruby recommended for concept approval the construction of a storage building at Aiken Village. The council recommended approval and referred the project to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Dr. Ruby presented a recommended policy on safe food handling on campus. The policy would require a short course on food safety for individuals or groups other than licensed restaurants or caterers preparing and serving food on campus. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby presented for review a policy on reservations and scheduling of recreational sports facilities, including the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. The policy was referred for review to the Student Association and the Faculty Senate.

Ms. Norman noted that nominations are being accepted for the position of IHL representative on the board of trustees of the Public Employees Retirement System. The council will consider nominating a university employee at its next meeting.

Dr. Cole reported that he is discussing with the department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sport and with Business Affairs a request for space for the department, including a location in McCarthy Gym for an electronic classroom memorializing a former student and employee of A.D.A.M. software.

Dr. Portera discussed planning for the fall Board of Trustees retreat. Admission standards and a possible Universities Center on the Gulf Coast are among topics expected to be considered.