Buffalo State College has invited individuals from the community it serves to participate in a strategic planning conference, to be held on Friday, November 30, 2001, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly and Social Halls. The conference is part of a process of strategic planning, intended to guide the future direction of the institution for the next five years.

Buffalo attorney and nationally recognized expert on regionalism Kevin Gaughan will give the 9 a.m. keynote speech at the planning process kick-off event, "Driving Forces: Understanding the Environment." Gaughan will join the college's internal and external constituencies charged with examining from a broad, regional perspective the driving forces in the environment that will have an impact on the future of Buffalo State College. The group will consider economic, social, political and technological trends.

The strategic planning process follows a similar effort mounted by Buffalo State in 1996. At that time, the college redefined its mission, core values and strategic direction for the ensuing five years - consulting primarily with its internal constituencies and informally with its external constituencies.

"Buffalo State has a strong history and tradition of responsiveness to our community," said college president Muriel A. Howard. "It is important that we hear views of key stakeholders as we embark on this critical process of strategic planning."

Gaughan's keynote address will be followed by a 45-minute panel discussion moderated by Dr. John Moore, president emeritus of Indiana State University. Panelists include:

• Mark Hamister, chairman of the board of directors of the Buffalo/Niagara Partnership, and chief executive officer of National Health Care Affiliates, Inc., who will examine trends and issues related to economic development and the business environment;
  
  
• Marsha Henderson, chief executive officer of Key Bank of Western New York, who will look at employment trends and employer staffing requirements that will affect future Buffalo State graduates' employment options in the region;
  
  
• Arlene Kaukus, president of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, who will define the social and human service trends and issues that will affect the college;
  
  
• Kathryn A. Foster, director of research for the University at Buffalo's Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth, who will examine demographic and environmental trends that will have an impact on the future of Buffalo State College;
  
  
• Carmen Granto, superintendent of the Niagara Falls School District, who will look at the educational trends and public attitudes about public education that will affect the college;
  
  
• Robert B. Skerker, chair of the Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board, who will examine the driving forces behind the region's cultural and arts environment; and,
  
  
• The Honorable George K. Arthur, City of Buffalo Common Council president (retired), who will examine political trends and driving forces.

The process is being overseen by a 26-member planning council charged with drafting key elements of a strategic plan, including ways to evaluate its successful implementation. To seek broad feedback, the council will distribute surveys to students, faculty and staff.

In addition, three Ad-Hoc Planning Task Forces have been formed:

• Driving Forces, chaired by Robert Delprino, associate professor of psychology;
  
  
• Governing Ideas, chaired by Alex Ratkowski, associate professor of economics and finance; and,
  
  
• Institutional Distinctiveness, chaired by Ann Colley, professor of English.

The entire strategic planning process is expected to be completed next May, with time during the summer and fall set aside for operational planning.