Executive Council met at 11 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. George Verrall, presiding, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Melvin Ray, Carson Cook, Dr. Walter Diehl, Larry Templeton, Gaddis Hunt, Betty Gentry, Gary Pike, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Daniel Bryant, Johnnie Haley, Jimmy Abraham, Parker Wiseman, Bob Johnston, Rob Rice, Mike White, and Dr. Leslie Bauman.

Dr. Verrall introduced Dr. Gary Pike, the new Director for the Office of Institutional Research.

Dr. Pote introduced John Etheridge of the Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Lab (DIAL) to discuss installation of a gate at the rear of the DIAL building for increased security. Mr. White recommended approval of the proposal previously endorsed by the Campus Planning and Development committee. The proposal will now go to the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority, which administers the Research and Technology Park.

Mr. Johnston presented a proposal for renovation of the parking lot between McCain Hall and Lee Hall. The proposed plan would reduce the number of parking spaces from 83 to 68. Dr. Diehl expressed concern at losing parking spaces. The Council recommended approval, with Dr. Diehl dissenting.

Mr. Johnston reported that renovations in the Butler-Williams Building to provide new space for the Police Department will be complete in several weeks.

Mr. Hunt presented for initial review a proposed "Statement on Equal Opportunity." Mr. Cook suggested that the policy deal not only with employment but also with student life. Dr. Abraham and Mr. Cook are to work with Human Resources to refine the statement, which will be considered at a later meeting.

Mr. Hunt presented for initial review a revised Human Resources Management policy on Records Management and Security.

Dr. Abraham presented for initial review a revised Student Affairs Operating Policy on Student Publications (91.303), which will be considered for approval at a future meeting.

Dr. Verrall recommended that a Fall Break for students be scheduled during the week of Thanksgiving and that Dead Days (end-of-semester class days on which no tests are given or major projects are due) be eliminated. The Executive Council recommended approval, pending approval of the Deans Council. The council also recommended, pending approval of the Deans Council, that fall 2003 semester classes begin on August 20, rather than August 18.

Dr. Diehl reported that the Faculty Senate leaders of Southeastern Conference institutions will meet at Vanderbilt University on May 2 to discuss governance, academic, and athletic issues.