Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Charles Lee, Ms. Susan Everett, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Robert Cooper, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Matt Allen, Dennis Prescott, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Roy Ikenberry, Dr. Gene Tice, and Bob Luke, architect.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval of the site plan and schematic drawings of proposed student organization lodges that would be constructed on Sheeley Circle. Plans call for three buildings of 10,000 sq. ft., each of which could be leased to separate student groups, providing space for social gatherings and limited housing and food service areas. No financing for the project is currently available. The cost is estimated at $2 million per building. The council recommended approval of the site plan and schematics.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval in concept of an expansion of the Longest Student Health Center to enlarge the waiting room. Financing would be provided by self-generated revenue from the Health Center. The council recommended approval in concept and referred the proposal to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Mr. Hunt presented the monthly construction progress report. Renovations of McCain Hall and Montgomery Hall should be under way this summer. Construction of the north entrance road should begin this spring. Exterior renovations of Lee Hall will begin shortly.

Dr. Portera noted that: the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning will meet at MSU on Feb. 16-17; a press conference is planned for Feb. 3 to announce plans for a downtown Meridian revitalization project coordinated by the university; meetings have been scheduled in several locations to promote sales of club level seats in the proposed expansion of the football stadium; students scheduled to graduate in August will be allowed to participate in May commencement ceremonies.

Dr. Portera reported that federal obligations to Mississippi State totaled $51 million for fiscal year 1998, up from $39 million the previous year.

Ms. Everett noted that Staff Appreciation Day is scheduled for May 19.