Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dennis Prescott, Cedric Henson, Dr. Walter Diehl, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Larry Templeton, Sebron Harrison, Dr. Brad Carter, Daniel Bryant, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Paula Jernigan, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Julie Fulgham, Ann Bell and Dr. Leslie Bauman.

Dr. Bauman presented the results of a preliminary audit of compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Criteria for Accreditation conducted in conjunction with the institutional self-study. The council recommended approval of the audit report and proposed follow-up plan.

Dr. Bauman presented possible dates for a peer review team visit in spring 2002 in conjunction with the self-study. Possible dates in priority order include March 23-29, Feb. 9-15, and March 30-April 5.

Ms. Bell presented a proposed revision of the Human Resources policy on Tuition Remission for Employees. The changes specify that correspondence or independent study courses, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program tuition, and distance learning fees are excluded from the policy. Other changes specify that the policy extends to all benefits-eligible employees, and that employees are eligible for the benefit from the first day of employment, provided employment begins on or before the last day to add courses. The council recommended approval of the revised policy.

Ms. Bell presented a proposed revision of the Human Resources policy on Tuition Remission for Dependent Children of Employees. The changes specify that correspondence or independent study courses, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program tuition, and distance learning fees are excluded from the policy. Other changes specify that the policy extends to dependent children of all benefits-eligible employees, including those who are retired, deceased, or on leave of absence, and that dependent children of employees are eligible for the benefit from the first day of employment, provided employment begins on or before the last day to add courses. The policy stipulates that dependent children are responsible for required fees. The council recommended approval of the revised policy. Human Resources Management is to study the financial implications of hiring a graduate student as a benefits-eligible employee who qualifies for tuition remission as opposed to awarding graduate assistantships to the student.

Dr. Portera reported that the Naming of Facilities Committee has recommended naming the Meridian Campus Auditorium as "Kahlmus Auditorium" in honor of Maurice F. "Buddy" and Elizabeth Kahlmus, who helped lead a campus building campaign and established scholarships for the campus. The council recommended approval of the naming proposal.

Mr. Prescott proposed the location of a temporary annual fund telemarketing facility in a temporary building to be located on Russell Street. The Campus Planning and Development Committee has endorsed the proposal. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Portera reported that the first City of Starkville-Mississippi State roundtable discussion held earlier in the week was productive and successful.

Mr. Hunt reported that construction is progressing satisfactorily on the North Entrance Road, to be open by Labor Day, and that a contract is being awarded for improvements on Blackjack Road/Spring Street.

Dr. Portera announced that the CREATE Foundation of Tupelo has expanded its service area to include Oktibbeha County.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.