The time to begin caring about declining enrollments in community college programs is before the program is started. Program planning should take into account why industry is demanding a given program "right now," avoid developing crash programs, and obtain and utilize all of the information possible including survey data, Labor Department statistics, and input from local businesses and community groups. Program planning should also involve, if possible, agreements with local industry, whereby program graduates will be given priority in hiring, and graduate salaries will increase on the basis of extra training. A final consideration for planning is the targeted student group and the prospects of that group providing a consistent student pool over time. Declining enrollments in existing programs can be dealt with in various ways, including the following: (1) establish agreements with agencies or industries for the provision of a minimum program enrollment, equipment for demonstration purposes, or financial support; (2) consider altering the type, content, or length of the program; (3) reduce the number of teachers in the program; (4) move the program to another campus or off-campus facility; (5) attempt a recruitment blitz among likely participants; (6) establish programs in correctional institutions or mental health institutions; and, as a last resort, (7) close out the program and find ways to effectively deal with its students, faculty, and equipment. (AYC)