While our region is not expected to bear the brunt of the severe weather predicted for our friends on the East Coast over the next few days, we are likely to see strong winds, which could lead to power outages and other complications. SVSU has taken measures to ensure the safety of our campus and has a well-developed emergency response plan (review online).

We don’t anticipate a need to cancel classes based on current forecasts, but this storm provides a useful reminder to review emergency procedures in your office. And if you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to consider registering for our Campus Alert system, which can advise you of school cancellations, emergency incidents and more via text message, e-mail and phone. You can sign up online.

My thanks to the many colleagues who attended last week’s open forums to review the draft strategic plan. Your participation is appreciated.  We will be making some modifications, based on input received, and expect to present a draft plan to our Board of Control for their December meeting.

Speaking of our governing board, they are in session today. They will receive the annual audits on university finances compiled by Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC. The Board also will hear reports on enrollment, charter schools and the upcoming Battle of the Valleys. We are fortunate to have their service and commitment to SVSU.

• The men’s soccer team claimed the 2012 GLIAC regular season title and will be the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. SVSU will host the semifinals on campus this Friday, Nov. 2, and the final on Sunday, Nov. 4. SVSU will play the winner of the Northwood/Ashland quarterfinal.
   
• The women’s soccer team finished the regular season in third place and will host Ohio Dominican in a GLIAC quarterfinal match tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 30).

Best of luck to these programs and all of our student-athletes preparing for post-season competition.