Maybe this is something that has already been batted around, it always takes me a few days to work up the courage to read the alumni email, I tend to always be amazed at what they write. Anyway, this is the message to the alumni asking for input on the "strategic plan" and help finding a graduation speaker.

What is a "strategic plan"?


"The University is seeking the assistance of Southern Miss Alumni and friends in drafting a strategic plan as well as selecting a speaker for December 2005 graduation ceremonies.


The strategic plan, currently being crafted by the University Planning Committee, includes the University’s vision, mission (with values), commitments and five broad strategies to guide the development of three-year goals.


Alumni and friends of the University can comment on the plan in progress on the message board available at http://www.usm.edu/strategicplan/ The committee reviews these comments at its weekly Monday meeting.


In addition, the planning committee will host two Strategic Plan Brown-Bag Open Forums. The forums will be held on the following dates: Wednesday, March 23, at noon in R.C. Cook University Union Hall of Honors, Hattiesburg campus and Thursday, March 24, at noon in Hardy Hall, Gulf Park campus.


For more information, contact Kathryn Stringer at 266-6775 or kathryn.stringer@usm.edu.


Graduation speaker suggestions can be e-mailed to Joan.Exline@usm.edu no later than March 31, 2005. The University asks that you consider the following factors when making a suggestion: the speaker should be someone who enhances the reputation of the University; has name recognition beyond southern Mississippi; has effective speaking skills; can relate to students and talk about practical application/use of their education; and is affordable.


The Commencement Speaker Committee, comprised of faculty, staff, alumni and students, will review the recommendations, prioritize possible speakers, and check availability/cost before forwarding recommendations to university president Shelby Thames for final approval."