The strategic plan for higher education in New Mexico provided for a comprehensive statewide planning process involving all institutions and the Commission on Higher Education. The process includes 5-year institutional plans with annual updates according to guidelines established by the Commission. The guidelines provide information on timelines and data collection and specify content for the following sections of institutional planning documents: (1) a brief history of the development of the institution; (2) the governing board's official statement of institutional mission and goals; (3) a definition of the present role and scope of the institution, along with a summary of institutional intent for the next 5-year period; (4) a description and analysis of the external environment and the issues which coming trends will pose for the college; (5) an assessment of unique aspects of the institutional environment or any special opportunities for growth which would significantly affect the institution; (6) a description of college programs with particular emphasis on regional, national, new or innovative programs and program review and development; (7) information on policies for enrollment management (e.g., recruitment, admissions, enrollment, developmental studies programs, student support services, tuition and fees, cost of attendance, student financial aid, and articulation); (8) a description of current programs for outcomes assessment and placement and follow-up studies; (9) an overview of the current status of and the 5-year plan for faculty and staff development and personnel management; (10) an account of current and projected capital resources, including information on space usage, facilities maintenance, and equipment; (11) information on program accreditation; (12) projections of funding, equipment, and staffing needs over the next 5 years; and (13) a discussion of other planning issues unique to the individual institutions. (JMC)