Members Present: Mary Ellen Balducci (Foundation), John Barnhill, Joe Beckham, Ellen Berler (faculty), Robert Bradley (chair), Ross Ellington, Jason Fishbien, Sara Hamon (Undergraduate Studies), Randy Hanna, Sam Huckaba (Council of Deans), Alma Littles, Reinhart Lerch (University Relations), Nancy Marcus, Joe O’Shea, Paul Strouts (Finance and Administration), Anne Rowe, Eric Walker (Faculty Senate), Eric Weldy

Others Present: Anne Blankenship, Laura Brock, Ruth Feiock, Mark Palazesi, John Wetenhall (via phone), Helen Travis

Chairman Robert B. Bradley convened the meeting of the Florida State University Strategic Planning Committee at 3:00 p.m.

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting held on September 14, 2007.

Dr. Mark Palazesi explained the STEEPLE Scan Consolidation exercise and discussed the social, technological, economic, educational, political, lifestyle, and environmental factors identified by committee members as being the most important factors to consider in the planning process. Based on feedback and comments from the committee, a narrative summary that identifies the internal and external developments that may affect the university in the next 5 to 20 years will be prepared for the committee’s review on October 12, 2007. This summary will be used to inform planning efforts.

Mr. Randy Hanna suggested that an external committee be named to participate in the university’s planning process. He recommended that the external committee be a diverse group consisting of 15-20 individuals. Members may include, for example, alumni, contributors, political officials, and/or employers. He suggested that the external group be charged with providing input to the Strategic Planning Committee on its products (e.g., the mission and vision statement). In addition, he suggested a joint meeting between the external committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. The Chair will discuss these recommendations with President Wetherell and report back to the full committee.

Mr. Reinhart Lerch discussed the specific components of the university’s communications plan.

The Chair stated that the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) exercise will be discussed at the next meeting. An email will be sent to committee members with the SWOT exercise. Committee members are asked to identify the university’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (4 each). These responses will be aggregated and discussed at the October 12 meeting.

The Chair indicated that the October 5, 2007, meeting is cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 12, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 201 Westcott.

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.