Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. David Cole, presiding, Dr. Paul Grimes, Bill Broyles, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Rodney Foil, Larry Templeton, Joe Farris, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Brad Sweet, Charles Guest, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Johnnie Haley, and Matt Ronning.

Dr. Pote and Mr. Ronning presented a proposed Policy on Securing and Paying for Consultants and Independent Contractors. The policy combines previously existing policies and is intended to improve the administrative process for paying contractors. The policy excludes previous policy references to intra-university consulting and supplemental compensation in view of the policy's focus on external contractors. Faculty Senate representative Grimes noted that the proposed policy had been reviewed and approved by Faculty Senate with the intra-university consulting section included, and made a motion to refer the policy again to Faculty Senate. The motion died for lack of a second. Dr. Pote moved approval of the policy as presented and the motion passed with the Faculty Senate representative dissenting. Council members noted intra-university consulting can be addressed in a separate policy if the need exists.

Dr. Ruby presented for approval in concept a proposal to construct student organization lodges that would provide meeting space and very limited housing for campus organizations. The concept was referred to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Dr. Foil presented for approval in concept a proposed building to house the landscape architecture department and related academic activities. The concept was approved and referred to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Ms. Norman recommended that the university contract with BTI Fair Winds Travel Inc. for management of the university's business travel arrangements. The company was the unanimous recommendation of a university committee that reviewed bids for the service. The council recommended approval of the contract.

Dr. Foil presented a proposed policy on testing newly developed conventional and transgenic lines, cultivars and hybrids of plants. The council waived the requirement for a week's review of the policy and recommended its approval.

Dr. Foil presented a report on outdoor monuments on campus recently updated by the Campus Beautification Committee. The report inventories and assesses the condition of more than 30 monuments, markers, and structures. Dr. Foil suggested that monument maintenance should be budgeted through the Campus Landscape department.

Mr. Guest recommended the naming of a McArthur Hall conference room in honor of Milburn 'Skip' Gardner, following the recommendation of the Naming of Facilities Committee. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby recommended the naming of a student information center in the financial aid area as the Kelly Gene Cook, Sr., Student Information Center, following the recommendation of the Naming of Facilities Committee. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby reported the weekend death of a student in a campus residence hall.

Dr. Cole reported on progress in planning for classroom renovations. The proposed renovations are expected to begin in summer 1999.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45.