SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY TO HOLD PLANNING FORUMS

Southeast Missouri State University will hold public forums this week with students at its Bootheel higher education centers in Malden, Kennett and Sikeston.

The forums are part of the university's efforts to secure student, faculty and staff input in developing a new strategic plan for the institution.

A forum will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center. Forums are scheduled for Wednesday at the Crisp Bootheel Education Center in Malden at noon and the Kennett Area Higher Education Center at 4 p.m.

"Input from students at our regional centers is especially important because it will allow us to assess progress and see where we need to go in terms of regional service," said Nancy Blattner, faculty associate for university planning.

The university in recent years has expanded access to college classes by opening centers in Sikeston and Kennett. The Crisp Bootheel Education Center opened in 1988.

Doug McDermott, student representative to the Board of Regents, has pushed for more student involvement in the planning process. The forums, along with other student meetings planned for the Cape Girardeau campus next month, should help, he said.

"Our university operates for the benefit of the students and their input is integral to its success," he said.

Blattner said the new strategic plan will be shorter than the original plan adopted by the Board of Regents in February 1996.