In order to make the strategic planning process more understandable, a second student success forum will be held this week.

This meeting follows the Chancellor’s Forum in January, in which many students expressed confusion over the N.C. State Strategic Plan “White Papers.” Although the January forum covered topics pertaining to the Strategic Plan (the University’s “action” plan for the next five to ten years), many said they were expecting an explanation of the reasons behind recent budget cuts.

As a result of this confusion, the University has scheduled a Student Success forum to take a second shot at discussing the White Papers and Strategic Plan. The event will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Talley Ballroom.

According to Chancellor Randy Woodson, the main purpose of holding a second forum to discuss these topics is to be sure students have ample opportunity to express their opinions on the subject.

“We’re having this forum because we think it’s important to let students react to the White Papers and voice their opinions on the recommendations,” Woodson said. “This way, we can incorporate their feedback into the final plan.”

The White Papers, an initially 41-page collection of the initiatives of each of the nine University task forces, will be provided to students at the forum in a three-page condensed version.

Woodson said the forum will discuss several topics, though will center on the various aspects of the Strategic Plan.

“We will go over all of the recommendations of the White Papers and help students to prioritize them, including topics like advising, residential life, and a number more,” Woodson said. “This is especially important given that we are facing such a challenging budget, and we want students to succeed.”

According to Student Body President Kelly Hook, senior in political science, students should review the initiatives of the Undergraduate Student Success task force and prepare questions prior to attending the forum to be sure the event is as effective as possible.

“The strategic plan will shape the lives of N.C. State students for years to come,” Hook said. “Students should tell the University what kind of shape they want.”

Woodson said the forum will proceed as scheduled, no matter how many are in attendance.

“I really have no idea how many students will attend, though I’d hope this is something students will be interested in,” Woodson said. “But we do want to make ourselves available for this, so we’ll be out there whether there is one student or 5,000.”