State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher is applying an all-inclusive approach to planning for the public higher education system.

Divided into four phases, the goal of the SUNY Strategic Plan is to guide the public higher education system for the next five years and advise in the system’s development over the next 10 years.

Phase I was Zimpher’s 64-campus tour, which took place from June to September of this year. Zimpher visited New Paltz on June 15.

The second phase of the strategic planning process includes seven Conversations designed to engage all audiences, solicit ideas and create a statewide dialogue. The first Conversation takes place on Oct. 21 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. College President Steven Poskanzer, Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement and Director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach Gerald Benjamin, SUNY New Paltz Foundation Chair Noah Dorsky and New Paltz College Council Chair Ken Abt have been selected to represent New Paltz as part of the group of 200 at these conversations.

System administration has also implemented a social media component to the information-gathering phase. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube allow for participation in what progress is being made on the strategic plan by any interested party.

Individuals can also communicate via e-mail by sending their thoughts to StrategicPlanning@suny.edu. Additionally, visitors to SUNY.edu can use the existing Share Your Ideas feature that has been available since the chancellor took office.

Phase II is scheduled to be completed in February 2010.

Phases III and IV include the launch of the Strategic Plan, Feb. 16, 2010, through June 30, 2010, and implementation and assessment, July 1, 2010, to Dec. 31, 2020.