Social Media Update: Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher Convenes Leaders Across the State, Engages in Discussion on Education Pipeline

Albany – As part of a comprehensive effort to put The State University of New York at the forefront of New York’s economic revitalization, Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher is leading an unprecedented strategic planning process.
 
One of the emerging themes of this process, improving the “Education Pipeline,” was the topic of discussion at the second statewide conversation held at the University at Buffalo.

Through these statewide conversations, Chancellor Zimpher is convening all SUNY stakeholders, which includes the public, policymakers, SUNY parents, students, legislators, community and business leaders, faculty and alumni.
 
These stakeholders, participating in the “Group of 200,” working groups, focus groups and through social media are being tapped for ideas that will guide SUNY for the next five years and advise its development for the next decade.  
 
As part of the inclusive collaborative and transparent process, Chancellor Zimpher has asked everyone interested in the future of SUNY to become a part of “Generation SUNY,” her brand for social media and digital communication utilizing tools such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, webstreaming, blogs, and e-mail updates.

Anyone can become a part of “Generation SUNY” by:

 Friending SUNY
 Following SUNY
 Watching SUNY

As a result of the conversation on the education pipeline, stakeholders have access to all of the digital content found below.

 Johanna Duncan-Poitier, Chancellor’s Deputy for the Education Pipeline, blogged about what exactly the education pipeline is.
 
 The group of 200 met at the University at Buffalo and discussed SUNY’s potential role in New York’s education pipeline...

 ...and here are the photos to prove it.

 While there, Robert M. Bennett, chancellor emeritus of the state Board of Regents talked about the current status of education in New York,
 
 and Joe Scantelbury, senior policy officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, let the group know how dedicated their organization is to fixing leaks in the education pipeline and to improving education in general.

 Finally, Chancellor Zimpher spoke on her experience strengthening the education pipeline and presented on the program she helped to launch, known as STRIVE.

 All the while, stakeholders throughout the state engaged in the process live in 140 characters or less...

 ...as they watched the live webcast.

 Those attending the conversation had the opportunity to discuss their own thoughts on SUNY’s role in the education pipeline with fellow stakeholders.

 At the end of the day, Chancellor Zimpher summarized it all here…

 …and reflected on what was discussed here.

 Later that week, we had the opportunity to again hear from Johanna Duncan-Poitier on how SUNY is going forward.

 When all was said and done, Melody Mercedes and Kevin Bretscher, the two students on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, sent a message to students on how they can become more involved in the planning process.

The third statewide conversation will take place Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. To participate:

 Facebook users can utilize the discussion board to submit direct input.

 Twitter users can be a part of the conversations live by tweeting @generationsuny and using the tag #SUNYconvo in their tweets.

 YouTube users can tune in after the conversation to see reflections of those who were there and a thorough recap by the Chancellor.

 Web users can follow the live webcast throughout the day.

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