Executive Council met at 11 a.m. Monday, January 8. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dennis Prescott, Larry Templeton, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Charles Lee, Jan Bryant, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Jenny Reeves, Dr. Dan Embree, Dr. Roy Ruby, Daniel Bryant, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Melvin Ray, Julie Fulgham, and Dr. George Rent.

Dr. Rent submitted for approval a revised version of AOP 12.29 on Freshman Entrance Requirements, containing editorial changes and clarification of existing policy. The council recommended approval.

Consideration of an agenda item on AOP 11.05 on Shortened Format Courses and Contact Hours was deferred.

A revision of AOP 12.12 on Credit, Grades, and Academic Standing was submitted for approval. The changes update the policy to make it consistent with existing provisions in the Bulletin. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Guest recommended approval of an operating policy on Legal Services. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Ruby presented for review and approval a policy on rental fees for use of Colvard Union that would establish categories of users who would be charged different rates. No fees would be charged for MSU events that do not produce revenue and are limited to university participation; fees would be charged for MSU-related events that generate revenue or that are open to the public; higher fees would be charged for events sponsored by non-MSU organizations. The council recommended approval of the plan in concept, with a final version to be presented for approval at a future meeting.

Dr. Portera reported that state revenue collections continue to lag behind projections, which may have negative effects on the university's state funding. The president has asked the vice presidents to explore ways to deal with a potential 5-7 percent budget cut during the current fiscal year and a decrease in state support of up to $22 million (including the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine) during FY 2001-02.

Mr. Hunt presented a summary of the status of construction and renovation projects.

Ms. Reeves reported that a Freshman Forum class is being formed by the Student Association to link potential leaders in the freshman class with upper-class mentors.

Ms. Bryant reported that networking sessions for staff with comparable job functions are being sponsored by the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council.

Dr. Embree reported that the second university roundtable is planned for March and will focus on admission standards and grade inflation. He also reported that the Faculty Senate representatives are planning a second luncheon meeting with a member of the IHL Board of Trustees.

Mr. Hunt recommended that the Campus Planning and Development Committee be asked to consider possible campus sites for cell phone antennas. The council recommended approval.

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.