When a college conducts an accreditation self-study, it is best to begin by addressing basic philosophical questions about the college's mission and goals. American River College in Sacramento, California, began its process by responding to the following questions: (1) Can we be all things to all people? (2) Does open door mean open curriculum? (3) Should assessment be provided and for whom? (4) How much remediation should be offered and should there be a minimum student ability required? (5) What does "comprehensive" mean in terms of curriculum? (6) What student support services should be provided? (7) Do we define our programs and services in relation to our community? (8) What is the institution's responsibility to the student and the student's responsibility to the institution? and (9) By what criteria do we measure institution and student accountability? Using the charrette process (a technique which pools the talents of different people to study and develop a plan), consensus statements were developed by the faculty, administration, classified staff, student body, and board of trustees for each set of questions. These statements now form the basis for the ongoing planning process. (DC)