Executive Council met at 10 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Peter Rabideau, presiding, Larry Templeton, Dr. Vance Watson, Ray Hayes, Lowell Wilson, Dr. Walter Diehl, Dr. William Kibler, Joe Farris, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Dr. Gary Pike, Dr. Melissa Mixon, Julie Berry, Ann Bell, Fred Mock, and Bob Luke.

Dr. Kibler and architect Bob Luke presented plans for a proposed $15 million, 400-bed freshman residence hall to be located diagonally across the North Entrance Road from the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. The proposal called for immediate demolition of Hightower, Duggar and Hamlin halls and construction of the new facility by fall 2005. The new residence hall would offer both single- and double occupancy rooms, a laundry room and kitchen on each floor, three lobby areas, and a computer lab. The proposal calls for modular component construction of wood and brick that would be financed by Educational Building Corporation bonds issued by the university and paid off in 15 to 20 years. The council recommended approval of the concept and site. IHL approval of schematic drawings will be sought in July.

Mr. Templeton presented a master plan concept for further development of Polk-DeMent Stadium calling for an indoor baseball practice facility with batting cages, office space, and a "walk of fame feature." The improvements would be financed with private donations. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Hayes noted that a proposal for a multi-year parking improvement plan will be forthcoming. The proposal will include restricted or gated parking and garage parking.

Dr. Watson presented a plan for construction of an Insect Rearing Facility adjacent to the Gast Boll Weevil Lab. The design would match that of the power generating plant building under construction nearby. The council recommended approval.

Mr. Wilson presented proposed changes to the constitution of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council. The changes would allow persons who serve less than one-half of a full term as a replacement appointee to be eligible to serve an additional full term, would allow for two consecutive terms, would allow for a third term after an interval of three years, and would limit years of consecutive service to seven years. The council recommended approval of the proposed changes, with suggested editorial changes to the document.

Dr. Watson introduced Dr. Melissa Mixon, recently named associate vice president for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

Mr. Wilson introduced Julie Berry, newly elected president of the Staff Council. Dr. Rabideau thanked Mr. Wilson for his service as PSSAC chair during the past year.

Dr. Diehl noted that his term as Faculty Senate president is expiring. Dr. Rabideau thanked Dr. Diehl for his service.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.