To advance the State University of New York in its mission and vision, Chancellor Zimpher is leading the formation and implementation of a SUNY-wide strategic plan that will guide SUNY for the next five years and advise SUNY in its development for the next ten years. This ambitious statewide collaborative planning process includes gathering observations, suggestions, ideas and comments, and engaging many stakeholders through campus visits, town hall meetings, and other outreach. The planning process is intended to be transparent, collaborative and progressive. The four planning phases are:

• Phase I: The Chancellor's 64-Campus Tour / June 1, 2009 — September 4, 2009
• Phase II: Statewide Conversations / September 8, 2009 — February 15, 2010
• Phase III: Launch the Strategic Plan / February 16, 2010 — June 30, 2010
• Phase IV: Implementation and Assessment / July 1, 2010 — December 31, 2020

"The State University of New York and New York State are facing extraordinary challenges. That's why it is essential that SUNY identify and establish system-wide strategic priorities that will advance our mission while stimulating New York's economic recovery and increasing SUNY's capacity to better serve all New Yorkers. SUNY is uniquely positioned to play a key role as an economic development driver, and a SUNY-wide strategic plan will enable us to meet that challenge."