Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. George Verrall, presiding, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Walter Diehl, Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Betty Gentry, Parker Wiseman, Bob Johnston, Larry Templeton, Johnnie Haley, Carson Cook, Mike White, Dr. Melvin Ray, Joe Farris, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. Alan Wood, David Howell, and Thom Sanders.

Dr. Cheatham recommended approval of design and development documents for renovation of Pace Seed Lab to accommodate the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute. The council endorsed the recommended design.

Dr. Abraham recommended renovation of the Butler-Williams Alumni Center building to house University Police and Facilities Use. The council endorsed a renovation proposal previously approved by the Campus Planning and Development Committee that would create a new entrance into the west wing of the building to provide access to the University Police department. Facilities Use will occupy the east end of the building and will operate Butler Guest House.

Mr. Prescott noted that the Naming of Facilities Committee will be asked to consider a modification to the name of the Butler-Williams Alumni Center since it will no longer function as an alumni building.

Mr. Johnston proposed that the planned power generation plant be located north of the electrical substation on Blackjack Road and south of the Gast Boll Weevil Lab. The council recommended approval of the site. The 13.8-kilowatt gas- and diesel-powered generating plant is expected to be complete by July 2003.

Ms. Gentry presented for initial review proposed changes in the constitution and by-laws of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council. The proposed changes would include the addition of representation for staff reporting to the President's Office, clarify the role of the recording secretary, and combine the Benefits and Compensation committees.

Dr. Bauman noted that the December 2 was the last day for general comment on the draft self-study report being completed as part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmation of accreditation process.

Mr. Wiseman reported that student association presidents of the IHL institutions have made recommendations to the Board of Trustees, including a proposal to include a student representative on the board.

Mr. Wiseman reported that negotiations are under way with Student Advantage company to introduce a system that makes the university's Moneymate debit card usable at selected off-campus locations. The system is expected to be in place in spring 2003.