Executive Council met at 11 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dr. George Verrall, Larry Templeton, Dr. Walter Diehl, Betty Gentry, Daniel Bryant, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Richard Armstrong, Dr. Gary Pike, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Mike White, Dr. David Shaw, Mike Rackley, Marlinda Phillips, Dr. Jerry Gilbert, Lowell Wilson, Bob Luke and Skip Wyatt.

Dr. Pote and Dr. Shaw, representing the MSU GeoResources Institute, presented a proposal from Aerotec LLC to construct a digital camera and LIDAR calibration range on the MSU campus, consisting of painted or fabric targets placed on rooftops or parking lots. The range would be the only one in the southern United States, would be available for use by MSU's remote sensing program, and use of the range could allowed for a fee to other remote sensing companies. Flyovers of the campus would occur about twice a year during periods of low activity. The council recommended approval of the proposal pending execution of a duly executed agreement, with the provision that historic buildings would not be used as target locations.

Dr. Cheatham and architect Skip Wyatt presented schematic drawings of the planned Agricultural and Biological Engineering building to be located on the present site of the Tin Gym building. The three-story, 41,000 square foot building would be located 70 feet west of McCarthy Gym, within the historic zone designated by the Campus Master Plan. The brick and stone exterior would match that of Lee Hall. The council recommended approval of the design. The building would be LEED certified, reflecting a design incorporating energy conservation features, reuse of materials, and other sustainability characteristics.

Mr. Hunt and Bob Luke, representing Cingular Wireless, presented a proposal to amend an existing contract with Cingular Wireless to allow the addition of a transmitter to the Poultry Science Building Annex. A mock "chimney" consistent with the architecture of the building would be added to the back of the annex to support antennas. Cingular would repair the roof and foundation of the annex building as part of the agreement, which would increase the contract revenue to MSU. A temporary antenna within a fence would be erected for a maximum of 60 days. The council recommended approval of the proposal.

Dr. Verrall reported that the Department of Philosophy and Religion is proposing creation of a B.A. degree program in religion. The department currently offers a concentration and a minor in religion within the philosophy major. Projected degree numbers are being studied for compliance with IHL threshold requirements.

Mr. White presented a recommendation endorsed by the Naming of Facilities Committee that two rooms in the International Services Office be named for Joe Presley Montgomery, who served as foreign student advisor for many years prior to his retirement and subsequent death in 1994. The council recommended approval.

Mr. White recommended approval of a revised Student Affairs Operating Policy 91.200 on Student and Other Organizations. The council recommended approval.

Mr. White recommended approval of a proposed Cost of Attendance schedule for the 2003-2004 school year, which is used as a reference point in awarding financial aid. The officially estimated cost of attendance for an in-state full-time undergraduate living on campus and purchasing an average meal plan is $12,729. The cost of attendance projection varies for graduate students, out of state students, and students living off campus.

Mr. Rackley presented a report on cellular telephone service at the university. Policies provide that all cell phones are for official use and must appear on equipment inventory. The university has a low cost-per-minute rate under an agreement with Cellular South and incurs no additional cost for calls initiated and completed on campus, which makes cell phones a cost effective alternative to two-way radios for some campus units.

Mr. Armstrong recommended approval of a revised policy on gift-related naming opportunities, changing the amounts of gifts required for naming consideration in various categories and including an increase to $25,000 for the minimum endowment qualifying for naming. The council recommended approval of the revised policy.

Mr. Armstrong recommended approval of a revised policy for coordination of solicitations for private donations. Changes in the policy help distinguish between sponsored programs agreements, which generally require some consideration in exchange for funding, and gifts that are purely charitable. The council recommended approval.

Ms. Gentry noted that she was attending her last meeting as chair of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council and introduced her successor, Lowell Wilson, superintendent of the North Farm.