it into the 21st Century.

College spokeswoman Mrs. Jan Doidge said the team, chaired by the Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood, will include 20 other people from all walks of life.

Through a series of public forums next month and written submissions, she said, the team will gather input to guide the college's future.

College president Dr. George Cook said: "We have to examine a wide-ranging selection of topics related to our future growth and development.

"We shall look at the social, economic and demographic trends in Bermuda as well as at the cultural, intellectual and research roles of Bermuda College.'' Dr. Cook said the team will assess the needs of the students in the year 2000; the status of the college as it enters the next century; and the manner in which the college will be financed by the year 2000.

The public will be able to make presentations to the planning team at forums on March 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 at the college's Stonington Campus in Paget.

Written submissions will be accepted up to the middle of next month.

"It is vital that everyone in the community has a say in this exercise,'' Dr.

Cook said. "We will be gathering data and we need input from everyone.'' After the gathering of information, the team will review the college's mission statement which promises to provide the broadest range of resources to all people above the school-leaving age.

The team will also identify major objectives and specific goals for the college. Its draft plan will then be reviewed.

The final strategic plan is expected to be ready for presentation to the college's Board of Governors by the summer.