The public is invited to give comments and recommendations for a statewide action plan for higher education at a public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Tracey Gaines Auditorium on the Spartanburg Community College central campus.

A synopsis of the draft report will be presented followed by a 40-minute question and answer session.In 2007, the General Assembly appointed a higher education study committee to make recommendations for a statewide higher education strategic plan. The committee has developed an Action Plan Framework centered on four goals:

Making South Carolina one of the most educated states

Increasing research and innovation

Making South Carolina a leader in workforce training and educational services

Realizing South Carolina's potential, resources and effectiveness.

The study committee is seeking public input on their recommendations prior to releasing a full report to the General Assembly in December.

Similar meetings are also being held in Aiken, Anderson, Beaufort, Charleston, Columbia, Conway, Florence, Orangeburg and Rock Hill. Additional information about the study is available at http://www.che.sc.gov/InfoCntr/ HiEdStudyComm.htm