An institutional self-study, the purpose of which is to improve the educational effectiveness of the institution, should include an examination of the past and present in r sources, faculty, students, and programs in terms of stated purposes and objectives. Prior to launching a self-study, the institution should obtain approval for the study from its board of trustees, notify the appropriate state coordinating agency of the beginning date, appoint a steering committee, define the purpose of the institution, establish a deadline for completion of the study, and set dates for anticipated committee visits. The study itself should include (1) a statement of purpose in which the role of the institution is outlined, (2) a description of the institution's organization and administration, (3) an analysis of the educational program (with attention focused on the admissions policy and the curriculum), (4) a survey of the financial resources (such as sources of income and the budgeting and accounting systems), (5) a designation of faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion, assignment, and evaluation policies, (6) an outline of the library's role, function, and services, (7) a composite picture of the student personnel services, and (8) a survey of the physical plant. Forms for reporting enrollment, faculty, and library information are given in the appendices. (DG)