The development of an unusual database at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is described. The Student Census-date Report File (STUCENFL) was designed to meet both internal and external data recipients' needs for student-related information. Attention is directed to needs for the database, underlying design concepts, the development process, and benefits. STUCENFL yields reports and ad hoc analyses that contain valid and internally-consistent information, and that cross-total to related reports and studies. The data items of STUCENFL are a subset of the student, academic, and timetable portions of the Student Data Base. One STUCENFL record is extracted for each student, containing demographic, diploma, admissions, academic history, and current course registration data. The data are extensively edited and updated to achieve valid, consistent, and reliable information. Details of the system, including data elements (BSR and USDS), derived report files, and records for six student populations are presented, along with a glossary of terms. Information for users of STUCENFL as a data source for automated systems is also included. (SW)