Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Robert Cooper, Matt Allen, Dr. Charles Lee, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Ms. Susan Everett, Dr. Roy Ruby, Larry Templeton, Dr. Melvin Ray, Joe Farris, Cameron Mann, Mike Rackley, Tom Lindsay, George Parsons, and Dick Johnston.

Professor Mann presented for information drawings of the proposed landscaping of Highway 12/82 around the northern and western perimeters of the campus. The landscape design is to be carried out by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Mr. Lindsay recommended that Telecommunications establish a single-tier rate structure of 10 cents a minute, 24 hours per day, and make the resale of long-distance service available to off-campus students, faculty and staff within the local calling area. The council recommended approval of the changes.

Ms. Norman presented for initial review a policy on use of automated attendants for telephone answering. The proposed policy would establish guidelines for the use of automated answering systems during business hours.

Mr. Lindsay presented an update on the status of the university's cellular phone service. The university has requested from the state ITS board permission to seek bids for cellular service. Approval is expected and the university would plan to seek requests for proposals for both analog and digital service.

Dr. Lee recommended approval of the site plan for an addition to the Comparative Biomedical Research Facility located at the Wise Center. Mr. Parsons reported that the Campus Planning and Development Committee recommended approval of the site plan with the provisions that the color of the proposed modular building match the existing facility, that access for persons with disabilities be ensured, and that the building meet appropriate building codes. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby presented for concept approval a proposal to build a treated timber walkway across a low area between the Student Health Center parking lot and the building's front entrance. The bridge would improve patient access. The council recommended approval.

Ms. Norman presented for initial review a proposed policy on vehicle purchases. The policy would require justification for the purchase and approval by the department, vice president, and president.

Dr. Cooper announced that a faculty vote by mail on proposed changes in the university governance document passed by a vote of 258 to 69.

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.