Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Larry Templeton, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Charles Lee, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Robert Cooper, Ms. Susan Everett, Matt Allen, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Ms. Leah Norman, Joe Farris, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, and Dr. Roy Ikenberry.

Ms. Norman recommended changes in the university's tuition remission policies for employees and students of employees to conform to changes in Institutions of Higher Learning policies. The revised policy would permit employees to take six credit hours per semester without paying tuition and would require children of employees to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade average in order to receive a 50 percent tuition waiver. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Cole recommended approval of revisions in Academic Operating Policy 12.15 on Academic Probation. The policy would provide for students whose GPA falls between 1.95 and 1.99 at the end of any term to enter the following term on academic alert. Students whose GPA is below 1.95 at the end of any term would enter the following term on probation and remain on probation until the GPA reaches 1.95 or higher. The course load for students on probation would be limited to 14 credit hours. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Prescott announced that University Relations will begin distributing an e-mail newsletter to alumni and friends of the university. Anyone may subscribe to receive periodic updates on university news and announcements by signing up at the website https://www.ur.msstate.edu/thisweek/.

Ms. Norman announced that the 1999-2000 university budget is available on line but access is restricted to the campus.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:20 a.m.