A survey of state agencies responsible for statewide community college planning was conducted by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education in 1978 to identify the criteria used by the agencies in determining the establishment, expansion, or termination of community colleges. Major findings, based on responses from 45 states and the District of Columbia, reveal that only 12 states used specific criteria and that 24 used general criteria outlined in broad policy statements or in legislation. Nine states and the District of Columbia had no criteria at all; most of these states also had no community colleges or so few that statewide policy statements were not considered necessary. The most commonly used criteria were: (1) population projections, (2) follow-up studies of area high school graduates, (3) enrollment rates, (4) formatted needs studies, (5) site selection procedures, (6) funding availability, (7) evidence of community support, (8) evidence of non-duplication of programs, (9) enrollment capacities of present institutions, and (10) the effects of an existing campus on a new campus. Findings also indicate that the specificity of the criteria used tended to increase with the size of the community college system and with fiscal constraints. The study report summarizes findings for each of the responding states. Proposed criteria for Alaska are appended. (JP)