Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Peter Rabideau, presiding, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Bob Williams, Lowell Wilson, Dr. Walter Diehl, Ray Hayes, Adam Telle, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Dr. Melvin Ray, Carson Cook, Peter Rook, Ann Bell, Mike White, Laura Walling, Mark Goodman, and Joe Ivy.

Mr. Hayes presented a recommendation of the Campus Planning and Development Committee to erect a safety screen for paintball games requested by the Paintball Club at a site north of the RecPlex. Materials for the 900-sq. ft. enclosure were donated by Mossy Oak. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hayes presented a recommendation that a roll-up overhead door be installed at the south end of Walker Engineering Building to admit test machinery to the building. The door location is not visible from the street. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hayes and Mr. Rook recommended that currently unused and abandoned tennis courts behind Hathorn Hall be converted to residence hall parking connected to the current Hathorn parking lot. Some current residence hall parking would be reclassified as staff parking. The changes would result in a net gain of 85-90 parking spaces at a cost of about $400 per space. Existing sidewalks and lighting will be retained. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hayes presented the recommended holiday schedule for 2004-05 through 2008-09. The council recommended approval. The schedules are on line at http://www.hrm.msstate.edu/holidays.html .

Dr. Rabideau presented for approval a revised Academic Operating Policy 12.16, Academic Suspension and Dismissal. The revisions pertain to implementation of the policy, which will be phased in beginning in Fall 2004. The council recommended approval. The revised policy is on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/PDF/1216.pdf .

Mr. Hays and Ms. Bell presented for approval a proposed policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use Testing of Employees with a Commercial Driver's License. The policy complies with federal regulations. The council recommended approval. The policy is on line at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/PDF/60421.pdf .

Mr. Hayes noted that the university does not currently require drug or alcohol testing of prospective employees, including temporary employees working with minor children. Human Resources Management is to research a possible policy.

Dr. Diehl introduced Mark Goodman, who will become president of the Faculty Senate July 1.