Steps that should be followed in choosing and implementing an administrative computer system are discussed. Three stages are involved: institutional assessment, system selection, and implementation. The first step is to define the current status of the data processing systems and the management information systems at the institutions. Future administrative computing needs must also be defined. Broad-based involvement during the needs assessment process will promote support for eventual decisions on systems acquisition. The next step is to define the general hardware and software options. Other institutions and businesses might be visited to observe their computer system operations. Setting objectives for improving administrative computing should also be completed during the assessment phase. Steps in the system selection phase are: define the evaluation criteria, narrow the field of possible vendors, arrange vendor demonstrations, contact current customers, visit the corporate offices of each vendor, and make a contract with the new vendor. During the implementation stage, it is important to assign responsibilities, plan the implementation schedule, design the training program, make data conversions, create procedures manuals, and establish a users' group. (SW)