Executive Council met at 11 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Betty Gentry, Dr. Walter Diehl, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. George Verrall, Dr. Melvin Ray, Parker Wiseman, Dr. Vance Watson, Daniel Bryant, Larry Templeton, Julie Fulgham, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Carson Cook, Dr. George Rent, Ruth Prescott, Mike White, Dr. Leslie Bauman, and Bobby Stokes.

Mr. Hunt presented for initial review a proposed Emergency Operations Policy that incorporates existing policy and procedures.

Dr. Watson recommended that at conference room at the Mississippi Horse Park and Agricenter be named in honor of the late Jim Buck Ross, former Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture. The proposal was previously endorsed by the Naming of Facilities Committee. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Diehl reported that the steering committee for the 125th anniversary observance of the founding of the university is seeking suggestions for outstanding speakers who might be brought to campus during 2003. Tentative plans call for a speaker in a science-related field and a speaker from a non-scientific area. The committee is interested in identifying existing resources that could help fund the speakers.

Dr. Verrall presented a recommendation to modify the academic calendar to include a fall break in the 2003-2004 academic year and reschedule final exams periods for the year to fall on Monday through Friday, rather than spanning a weekend, and to study the academic calendar for future years to evaluate the long-term feasibility of the changes. The proposal would reduce the number of contact minutes in some classes, which elicited concern. Dr. Verrall, Dr. Diehl and Mr. Wiseman were appointed to further study the proposal and report recommendations at the next council meeting.

Mr. White recommended approval of Student Affairs operating policy 91.178 on out-of-state tuition waivers. Mr. Bryant, Mr. Templeton and Dr. Jimmy Abraham were appointed to further study the proposed policy before the council takes it up for consideration.

Ms. Gentry recommended approval of proposed changes in the constitution and by-laws of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council. The changes would include addition of representation for staff reporting to the president's office and combine the council's Benefit and Compensation committees. The Executive Council recommended approval.

Mr. Prescott report that plans for a year-long observance of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Mississippi State in 1878 are taking shape.

Ms. Gentry reported that Staff Appreciation Day is being planned for May and health screenings are planned for employees in January and February.

Mr. Hunt reported that the new Landscape Architecture building and renovated McCain Engineering Building have been occupied. Montgomery Hall renovations have been delayed but should be complete in summer 2003. Dr. Watson noted that the Landscape Architecture building incorporates a number of features related to energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Dr. Verrall announced that associate provost for information services Brad Carter is retiring.

Mr. Wiseman reported that a study of student fees is continuing.

Mr. Bryant reported that negotiations are under way with a vendor who would manage the extension of the student debit card to selected off-campus retailers.

Dr. Lee reported on the legislative budget outlook for the 2003 session.

The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.