Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Gaddis Hunt, Larry Templeton, Jan Bryant, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Charles Lee, Sebron Harrison, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Dr. Dan Embree, Dr. Brad Carter, Daniel Bryant, Dr. George Rent, Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Dr. Melvin Ray, Joe Farris, Charles Guest and Julie Fulgham.

Dr. Abraham recommended adoption of a revised version of Student Affairs operating policy 91.119, Sanctions for Alcohol Offenses. The revision incorporates into the formal policy the current practice of notifying the parents of students under age 21 of violations of the university alcohol policy. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Rent recommended adoption of a revised version of academic operating policy 12.09, Class Attendance. The revision incorporates a listing of reasons for which class absences are considered excused by the university. The council recommended approval. (The revised policy is on-line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/).

Dr. Abraham recommended a change in Student Affairs operating policy 91.176 to increase the programming fee for international students from $75 to $100 per semester. The fee, which supports orientation programs provided by the Office of International Services, has not increased since 1992. The council recommended approval. (The revised policy is on-line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/).

Mr. Hunt provided an update on current construction projects.

Dr. Portera reviewed the university budget outlook for the coming year. The E&G budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, will be approximately $14 million below the starting budget for the year beginning July 1, 2000. Approximately $5.8 million of the reduction was accommodated by budget reductions earlier in the current year, and a portion will be offset by an anticipated tuition increase. Approximately $4.25 million in additional budget reductions or increased revenues are to be identified. Vacant staff positions generally will not be filled until further notice. Faculty positions for which current recruitment efforts are under way will be filled. Other faculty vacancies will be evaluated separately. The Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine will begin the coming year with a budget reduced by $5.1 million.

Dr. Portera reported that the bond issue authorized by the 2001 Legislature provides for $3.8 million for storm damage repairs at Mississippi State in the wake of the mid-February windstorm that caused damages approaching $6 million. Other storm damage repair funds will be forthcoming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bond bill also provides for funds for continuing renovation of Hand Chemical Lab and for facilities improvements for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Portera suggested further consideration of a consolidated university-wide honors recognition event to replace multiple programs now being held each year.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.