Executive Council met at 11 a.m. Present were Dr. Charles Lee, presiding, Dr. Peter Rabideau, Dr. Melissa Mixon, Dr. Colin Scanes, Adam Telle, Larry Templeton, Dr. William Kibler, Julie Berry, Dr. Mark Goodman, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Mike White, Dr. Melvin Ray, Carson Cook, and Tracy Arwood.

Mr. Templeton presented plans for construction of an indoor softball facility to be located between the softball field and Dudy Noble Field. The practice facility is made possible by the private gift of a prefabricated metal building valued at about $300,000, with a two-color block veneer to be added to the 100 x 100 yard building, along with landscaping and lighting, from athletic department funds. The structure would be ready for use during the spring 2005 softball season. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Kibler recommended that a planned residence hall be named Roy H. Ruby Residence Hall in honor of the former Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Education emeritus. The Naming of Facilities Committee had previously endorsed the naming proposal. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Mixon recommended that the newly constructed multipurpose building at the Delta Research and Extension Center at Stoneville be named the Charles W. Capps, Jr., Entrepreneurial Center, in honor of the state representative and House Appropriations Committee chairman from Cleveland, Miss. The Naming of Facilities Committee had previously endorsed the naming proposal. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Scanes and Ms. Arwood recommended approval of revisions and reorganization of approximately 25 policy and procedure statements in the Research Policy Series. The changes involve no substantive policy changes except as required to conform to federal regulations. The changes were recommended by committees concerned with the affected units. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Lee reported that plans for construction of a parking addition at the Wise Center had been approved following discussions since the previous council meeting, and with the stipulation that the lot, to be gravel surfaced initially, would be paved within two years.

Dr. Lee noted that meetings are scheduled to revise construction plans for the McCool Hall addition and renovation to ensure that the project is within budget.

Mr. Telle reported that a planned life-size statue of former Rep. G. V. "Sonny" Montgomery commissioned by the Student Association is in preparation, with design changes being incorporated.

Mr. Telle announced that the Student Association will host a Drill Field event for all students at the end of the first day of classes, to be followed by a Student Involvement Fair at Colvard Union. Mr. Telle announced that this year's Bulldog Bash is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Mr. Templeton reported that football game day pre-game activities will be concentrated at the Amphitheater, which will also be the site of the player pre-game walk to the stadium, accompanied by the Famous Maroon Band. Tents housing an athletic department sports "Legends" display, exhibits coordinated by Student Affairs, and sponsoring vendors also will be located in the fence-enclosed Amphitheater, along with a "kids village" entertainment area.

Mr. Templeton reported on plans for a "maroon-out" at the opening football game on September 4, with maroon t-shirts to be provided for all attending.

Dr. Goodman reported on discussions concerning implementation of the 124-hour-to-degree requirement adopted recently by the Board of Trustees to take effect in 2007. Plans call for the Courses and Curriculum Committee to recommend changes to the core curriculum by spring 2005, so that departments can make additional needed adjustments to curricula in separate disciplines.

The council discussed the potential merits of instituting an intersession between fall and spring semesters. Provost Rabideau, Dr. Goodman, and Mr. Templeton are to have further exploratory discussions.

Dr. Kibler announced that rededication ceremonies for newly renovated Montgomery Hall are planned for September 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Dr. Rabideau reported on plans for a new faculty orientation event, and noted that a workshop on learning communities is being planned.

Ms. Berry reported that the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Committee is seeking new office space to replace current space in Montgomery Hall, and is working with the Student Health Center implement the Health Interventions That Matter (HIT'M) program for faculty and staff.

Dr. Scanes announced that a memo is being issued to campus prohibiting children age 14 or under from entering laboratories using biological agents, radiation, hazardous wastes or chemicals, or laboratory animals, out of concern for safety and liability. Similar prohibitions already are in effect in USDA facilities, the State Chemical Lab, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The council discussed the need for a coordinated, university-wide policy.

Dr. Lee reported that the MSU Foundation is trading its KingAir 350 turboprop airplane for a Beechjet 400, which will reduce operating and training costs.

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.