UNIVERSITY SEEKS IDEAS FROM THE AREA

Strategic planning is commonplace in government. Bureaucrats love to analyze, forecast and crunch the numbers. But Southeast Missouri State University is taking a different approach to its strategic planning. It is inviting your input.

The university will sponsor a series of forums, beginning Monday. It is believed to be the first time Southeast has actively sought public comment on the university's future. Here are some of the topics the university wants to hear about:

-- How can the university better deliver services in the face of changing technology?

-- How should the university prepare to educate a 21st century work force for employment in the area?

-- How will increasing student fees and admission standards affect the university's ability to serve the region?

No doubt you have an opinion on these and many other important issues facing higher education.

The schedule indicates a remarkable flexibility and genuine fact-finding effort. The nine forums will be held throughout the university service area at different times of the day. The schedule:

Sept. 26: Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Caruthersville City Recreation Center; 4-5:30 p.m., Kennett High School Library; 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Bootheel Education Center in Malden.

Sept. 28: Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau from 7-8:30 p.m.

Sept. 29: Noon-1:30 p.m., Jackson Chamber of Commerce; 4-5:30 p.m. Farmington school office; 7-8:30 p.m. Perryville High School library;

Oct. 5: 4-5:30 p.m. Beyond the Bay banquet hall in Sikeston; 7:30-9 p.m., Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

Top university administrators and members of the Board of Regents will attend each forum.

If you are too busy to attend a session, just write down your comments. Southeast's president, Kala Stroup, said she and the regents will review all correspondence. Stroup says the university isn't just going through the motions. Administrators and regents are ready to listen and learn. It is just the right attitude needed for real work to get done.

This is your opportunity to affect the future direction of this region's state university. It is a serious proposition, not one that should be directed by a vocal few. University officials will take this input back to their strategic planning committee. They hope to return with a final plan within a year.

The ideas and recommendations of people who live in the region will be reflected in that document. If the university wants advice, we should give it. If the university seeks our advice, they should use it. No letter of invitation is needed. A bona fide interest in the future of the university is the only prerequisite.

Southeast Missouri State University officials are waiting. But the success of these forums depends on you. Residents of the region must answer the call and attend the sessions. Let your voice be heard.