The Executive Council convened at 11 a.m. with Dr. Malcolm Portera presiding. Also present were Dr. David Cole, Ms. Susan Everett, Dr. Roy Ruby, Ms. Leah Norman, Larry Templeton, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Robert Cooper, Dr. Charles Lee, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Mike Rackley, Joe Farris, Charles Guest and Dr. Roy Ikenberry.

Dr. Cole recommended approval of a revised version of AOP 12.10 on Recognition of Undergraduate Academic Achievement. The policy sets criteria for listing as a President's Scholar or Dean's Scholar during each regular semester and for graduating with the recognition cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Portera reviewed actions taken at the previous week's IHL Board of Trustees meeting held at MSU and commended the university staff for the quality of the meeting arrangements and support. The board approved the awarding of two honorary degrees, with the first to be presented in May; authorized new degree programs proposed by the university; gave final approval for construction of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center at Hinds Community College in conjunction with a cooperative agreement with Alcorn State University; and authorized expansion of the football stadium. Dr. Portera noted that resolution of the Ayers case is a top board priority.

Dr. Portera noted that legislators continue to expect appropriations for the coming year to be very tight.

Dr. Portera reported that construction of the Swalm Chemical Engineering Building is expected to be complete in April. A dedication ceremony will be planned this spring. Business Affairs is to schedule a presentation on the status of all renovation and construction projects for a future Council meeting.

Dr. Ruby reported that about 2,000 high school students attended spring Discovery day activities during the previous week. Earlier, Minority Student Achievement Day attracted a record number of prospective students.

Mr. Templeton reported that the university has taken partial occupancy of the expanded Polk-DeMent baseball stadium, which now has seating capacity of about 6,200, not including the outfield.

Mr. Norman reported that construction of the North Entrance Road will begin in May or June.