Executive Council met at 611 Allen Hall at 11 a.m. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Daniel Bryant, Betty Gentry, Dr. Walter Diehl, Dr. George Verrall, Gaddis Hunt, Larry Templeton, Parker Wiseman, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Blaine Merritt, Mike White, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Carson Cook, Dr. Melvin Ray, Julie Fulgham, and Dr. Leslie Bauman.

Dr. Cheatham presented a recommendation, previously endorsed by the Naming of Facilities Committee, that the Sensory Evaluation Laboratory be named for James E. Garrison, CEO of Ryan Foods in Murray, Ky., and a benefactor of the Department of Food Science and Technology. The council recommended approval.

Mr. White presented for approval a modification of OP 91.178, Policy on Out-of-State Tuition Waivers. The revisions would specify that grade point averages are monitored for eligibility at the end of each fall semester; that athletic out-of-state tuition waivers may be paid from unrestricted E&G funds up to the limit established by IHL policy (rather than 160 per year); and that band and chorus out-of-state waivers may be either 45 percent or 90 percent of out-of-state tuition. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hunt presented for approval an Emergency Operations Policy that incorporates existing policies and procedures. The council recommended approval pending editorial changes.

Dr. Verrall recommended a change in the procedure for scheduling final exams so that exams would take place on Monday through Friday, rather than before and after a weekend. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Templeton reported that the NCAA has adopted new student-athlete participation eligibility criteria based on a sliding scale combination of SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA.

Dr. Lee reported that the higher education funding bill passed by the Legislature provides about $300,000 in general support for MSU above the current year's level, representing a significant improvement over the proposed cut recommended earlier by the Legislative Budget Committee.

Mr. Wiseman reported that a student referendum is scheduled on whether students favor a fall break in October or an extended Thanksgiving break.

Dr. Bauman reported that the self-study report is being printed and requested any electronic versions of documents cited in the report to aid in providing on-line versions for evaluators.

Mr. Cook reported that a new web site and brochure are being developed by the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs.

The meeting adjourned at noon.