The MSU Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall with Dr. J. Charles Lee, interim president, presiding. Others present were Dr. George Verrall, Dr. Brad Carter, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Dan Embree, Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Sebron Harrison, Cedric Henson, Dr. Robert Altenkirch, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Gaddis Hunt, Daniel Bryant, Larry Templeton, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Julie Fulgham, Dr. Clay Taylor and Don Mott.

Dr. Abraham recommended a change in Student Affairs Operating Policy 91.178 on Out-of-State Tuition Waivers to specify that community college transfer students must have completed 60 credit hours, rather than the previous 54, and have a 3.5 GPA to qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver. The proposed change in the credit hour requirement is consistent with current IHL and university requirements for classification as a junior. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hunt recommended that a site on the east side of Hardy Road and south of Morrill Road currently being cleared of wind-damaged greenhouse structures with the aid of Federal Emergency Management Administration funds be graveled to create a temporary parking lot. The area can accommodate approximately 220 vehicles and can be prepared this spring at a cost of about $12,500, with funds available from special event parking proceeds. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Verrall presented recommendations from the College of Engineering that six conference rooms and laboratories in engineering buildings be named for former faculty members and administrators. The council referred the recommendations to the Naming of Facilities Committee.

Dr. Lee appointed a committee to include Dr. Ruby, chair, Daniel Bryant, and members named by the Faculty Senate, Student Association, and Staff Council representatives to make recommendations for restructuring the Executive Council to provide a campus-wide forum for discussion of issues facing the university. The committee is to report at the next Executive Council meeting.

Mr. Hunt presented a summary of construction projects in progress.

Dr. Embree suggested that the university explore the idea of hiring additional staff to enforce parking regulations to increase parking fine revenue.

Dr. Embree noted that Board of Trustees policy currently requires 2,450 contact minutes per three-credit-hour course, which is higher than the requirement at peer institutions. The number of contact minutes would remain higher than the average for peer institutions if a week's worth of classes were eliminated from the typical course, and the time gained could be helpful in scheduling exams and building a fall break into the academic calendar.