The council toured the newly renovated Garner Hall, which now houses Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and will soon accommodate the Registrar's office. Dr. Portera reported that he and Dr. Ray would deliver the university's strategic research agenda to the state congressional delegation later in the day. Mr. Templeton presented a Gender Equity Plan adopted by the Athletic Council and approved by the president. The plan calls for increased allocations in support of women's athletics. Dr. Foil presented schematic drawings of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center to be constructed adjacent to Hinds Community College.
Funding is from state bond issues of the past two years.
The plans were approved. Dr. Foil is to discuss with the Landscape Architecture department the possibility of occupying a renovated residence hall, rather than constructing a new building. Dr. Foil will arrange a visit to residence halls that could be available for such use. Funding for a new landscape architecture building from legislative appropriations and private sources will remain an option. Ms. Norman will ask the Campus Planning and Development Committee to explore the feasibility of using a renovated residence hall as space for computing and telecommunications, rather than housing those functions in a proposed McArthur Hall Annex.