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

Dr. Ruby presented for approval in concept a proposal to allow the U.S. Postal Service to provide new mail compartments at Aiken Village. The council recommended approval. The proposal was forwarded to the Campus Planning and Development Committee for review.

Dr. Rent reported that the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Admissions have recommended that admission to the Summer Developmental Program for students who do not meet regular admission requirements be limited to Mississippi residents, which is in keeping with the guidelines for the program. The SDP program at MSU can currently accommodate 40 students.

Dr. Altenkirch reported that grants and awards for November totaled $5.3 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $48.8 million, an increase of 40 percent over the previous year.

Dr. Altenkirch reported that the Southern Universities Research Association has requested the Carnegie Foundation not to eliminate federal funding as a criterion for its classification of institutions.

Dr. Portera reported that construction bids for the proposed student apartments were received last week and were $3.5 million higher than the available budget. The university is exploring alternative methods of financing the apartments.

Dr. Portera noted that Legislative Budget Office recommendations for 2000-2001 are forthcoming.

Mr. Templeton reported that some Peach Bowl tickets remain available.