Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Dan Embree, Dr. Charles Lee, Dr. George Rent, Larry Templeton, Dr. Robert Altenkirch, Dennis Prescott, Jan Bryant, Gaddis Hunt, Jenny Reeves, Dr. Brad Carter, Charles Guest, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dr. Melvin Ray, Joe Farris, Julie Fulgham, Don Zant, Ann Bell, and architects Chris Morrow and Vaughn Lee.

Mr. Morrow presented schematic drawings for the planned expansion of Longest Student Health Center to enlarge the waiting area. The additional space will extend the existing building to the north. The council recommended approval of the plans.

Dr. Pote and Ms. Bell presented the responses of a pilot group of staff members who tested the SkillsSoft e-learning software. Most of the reviewers liked the package and recommended its use. As no funding source for the program has been identified, action was deferred.

Ms. Bell presented three revised Human Resources Management policies for review. The proposed policy on Outside Employment was referred to the Faculty Senate for review. A proposed policy on Determining Pay for Promotions, Reassessments, Redistributions, and Transfers (Nonexempt Employees) was deferred pending further discussion to resolve questions raised by the university counsel and completion of a review by the Staff Council. The council recommended approval of a proposed policy on Additional Compensation/Salary and Wage Adjustments.

Mr. Prescott presented for initial review a proposed revision of Operating Policy 1.1, which describes the operating policy and procedure system.

Dr. Lee presented schematic drawings for the planned Coastal Research and Extension Center, to be constructed on property to which to the university was granted a long-term lease by the Biloxi School District. The R&E center will house staff of Alcorn State University as well as MSU. The council recommended approval of the plans.

Dr. Ruby submitted a proposal that the Student Media Center be named for the late Henry Meyer, long-time advisor to The Reflector. The proposal was referred to the Naming of Facilities Committee.

Ms. Bryant presented a proposal calling for Friday, Oct. 27, prior to Homecoming weekend, to be designated a casual Friday. At the suggestion of President Portera, the suggestion was expanded to include all Fridays during the fall semester. The council recommended approval.

Ms. Bryant reported that the state Department of Finance and Administration will offer information sessions on the state health insurance plan on campus on Oct. 24-25.

Dr. Portera commended the student body and the university support staff for their efforts that contributed to the success of the first home football game weekend of the fall.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.