This collection presents 91 papers or summaries presented at a 1997 conference on self-study and institutional improvement for institutions of higher education. Papers are grouped in the following chapters (with sample topics in parentheses): (1) "Institutional Mission and Institutional Change" (vision statements; balancing quality and change); (2) "Processes for Improvement" (customer satisfaction, continuous quality improvement); (3) "Implementing Assessment of Student Academic Achievement" (student assessment plans); (4) "Program/Classroom Assessment"; (5) "General Education/Critical Thinking" (the centrality of general education); (6) "The Role of Institutional Planning in a Time of Rapid Change" (strategic planning, institutional effectiveness); (7) "Issues of Institutional Integrity" (institutional values); (8) "New Technologies" (the virtual college, rethinking the library); (9) "The Role and Responsibilities of the Self-Study Coordinator" (maximizing participation, planning); (10) "Self-Study and Evaluation: Practical Advice" (self-study plan and process); (11) "Coordinating Special Types of Evaluation" (self-study in two-year colleges); and (12) "Seeking Initial Affiliation with the Commission" (case study of considering affiliation). (Most papers contain references.) (JLS)