POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam is asking stakeholders on campus and in the community to suggest things the college can do to support education as the college as it approaches its bicentennial.

The Looking to the Future Project will seek input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, emeriti, parents and community members over the next three months. Led by the Faculty Senate Goals and Planning Committee, the project is designed to spark conversations and garner thoughtful, creative responses.

"As SUNY Potsdam prepares to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding, we must also consider what the college's third century of excellence will look like," said President Kristin G. Esterberg. "I invite all of our alumni, students, employees and neighbors -- past and present -- to tell us your hopes and dreams for our future, through this important first phase of our strategic planning process."

Dr. Esterberg asked the committee to gather feedback, as the first step in a strategic planning process for the college.

All are welcome to help shape the future of Potsdam, by sharing your ideas about what's next. The Looking to the Future Project invites feedback online, through the anonymous survey at www.potsdam.edu/lookingforward.

Faculty and staff will also be invited to join in the conversation about the college's future through an online discussion board on Moodle.

Students set up tables in the Barrington Student Union, Becky's Place and the Performing Arts Center, and will offer cookies to classmates, professors and staff, in exchange for their thoughts, through April 13.

From April 13 to April 28, anyone can share their vision for the future of Potsdam by contributing to the SUNY Potsdam vision board in the union lobby. Campus and community are invited to write a poem, scribble a cartoon, write ideas and more. The board will be a live reflection of the campus's vision for what the future has in store for SUNY Potsdam.

A video contest will be held for individuals or groups to create a video showcasing thoughts on the exciting things in SUNY Potsdam's future. Submissions are due May 1, and a prize will be awarded. To enter, email lookingforward@potsdam.edu.

SUNY Potsdam will also solicit feedback through engagement on social media.

"We are working hard to reach each and every person connected to the college to collect ideas, thoughts, suggestions and visions for the future of SUNY Potsdam, as we prepare to enter our bicentennial year," said Goals and Planning Committee Chair Joshua LaFave '03, who is also the director of the Center for Graduate Studies.

The Looking to the Future Project will continue after Commencement, with activities planned to encourage input from neighbors and community members, and with special sessions designed for alumni coinciding with Reunion Weekend 2015.

For a complete schedule of activities, visit www.potsdam.edu/lookingforward.