Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dr. Vance Watson, Dr. Peter Rabideau, Dr. Walter Diehl, Lowell Wilson, Larry Templeton, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dennis Prescott, Daniel Bryant, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Gary Pike, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. George Verrall, Rob Rice, and Sam Creekmore.

Mr. Rice and Mr. Creekmore presented proposed landscaping plans for Montgomery Hall, currently undergoing renovation. The council recommended approval of the plan.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of a proposed Policy and Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Research Institutes, Centers, and Related Entities, with minor changes. The council recommended approval. Dr. Diehl noted that the Faculty Senate would review the document and could present suggested changes later.

Dr. Pote recommended approval of a proposed Policy and Procedure Statement on Intellectual Property which is similar to the existing policy. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of proposed Academic Operating Policy 12.09, "Class Attendance and Reporting Absences." Dr. Diehl made a motion to state that faculty "should" report freshman absences rather than "must" report such absences. The motion died for lack of a second. The council recommended approval of the policy. Provost Rabideau and Faculty Senate Chair Diehl agreed to further discussion of faculty responsibilities for reporting absences.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of APO 12.11, "Degree Requirements-Undergraduate." The council recommended approval. [Newly adopted or revised policies and procedures may be viewed on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/mainindex.html.]

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of AOP 12.29, "Freshman Entrance Requirements." The council recommended approval.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of Operating Policy 01.16, "Management of Information Technology Resources," with a change omitting the reference to a "chief information officer." The council recommended approval of the policy with the change.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of AOP 13.23, " Faculty Workload." The council recommended approval.

Dr. Rabideau recommended approval of a statement of "Mission and Goals for Formal Distance Education" and Operating Policy and Procedure 01.17, "Operating Policy and Procedures for Formal Distance Education." The council recommended approval of both documents.

Dr. Diehl announced that a special session of the Faculty Senate would be called to consider a recommended change to the Faculty Charter to include Faculty Senate representation for the Meridian Campus. If approved, the proposed change would be submitted to the General Faculty.

Dr. Pote reported that planning is under way for a dedication of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems.

Mr. Prescott presented an update on the quiet phase of the capital campaign. An Administrative Council meeting will be scheduled for the fall to review campaign goals.

Dr. Rabideau reported that the Vice President for Research Search Committee has scheduled a meeting with the search consultant from Korn-Ferry International.

Mr. Wilson announced that a health fair sponsored by the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Committee has been scheduled.

Dr. Lee reported on upcoming Legislative Budget Committee hearings for Institutions of Higher Learning related to FY 2005 budgets.

Dr. Lee noted that the appropriate vice president should be notified whenever university staff are requested to provide data to IHL or legislators.

The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.