The Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Euel Coats, Brad Sweet, Dr. Joe Thompson, Larry Templeton, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Ms. Leah Norman, Joe Farris, Dr. Bill Fox, Bill Broyles, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Dr. Roy Ikenberry, Mike White, Don Mott, and Cameron Mann.

Mr. White and Professor Mann presented the Campus Planning and Development Committee's recommendation of a site for the Planned Landscape Architecture Building. The proposed site is a three-acre plot north of Thompson Hall and between Stone Boulevard and Jones Circle where a jogging and fitness trail is now located. The location preserves for future use a larger building site immediately adjacent to Stone Boulevard. The council recommended and the president approved the proposed site. The jogging trail is to be relocated as part of the project.

Mr. Mott presented conceptual plans and schematic designs for improvements to Hardy Street from Lee Boulevard to Morrill Road as recommended by the Campus Planning and Development Committee. The project is to be partially funded through private contributions of materials and equipment use. The proposal included new paving, curbing and landscaping, and the elimination of on-street parking. The council recommended approval of the concept and schematic design and the president took the recommendation under advisement.

Ms. Norman reported that a state property audit of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory found all items properly accounted for.

Mr. Templeton reported that a change in NCAA regulations will allow student-athletes to receive academic scholarships without the scholarships counting against athletic scholarship limits in the relevant sport.

Dr. Thompson recommended that an April meeting be scheduled with campus administrators to review Y2K planning and that a group be formed to oversee contingency planning for possible Y2K-related failures. Dr. Portera asked that the review meeting be scheduled and asked Dr. Thompson to recommend the composition of the contingency planning group.

Dr. Fox reported that a favorable report on reaccreditation of the Landscape Architecture program is expected soon.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.