The University of Mid-America's (UMA) goals and plans are reviewed in this evaluation planning paper. Several issues effecting the overall shape of external evaluation activities over a five-year period are described. Focus in this report is on UMA's philosophical orientation and future plans, the rationale for the open learning approach, UMA open learning goals, and the UMA open learning model. UMA's intended status in 1980 is discussed in terms of the delivery system, curriculum, course development, and consortium planning and development. Basic considerations in designing an evaluation plan are described, such as the evaluation setting, evaluation audiences and information needs, and in-house and external evaluation responsibilities. An outline for external evaluation activities is presented for each of the five years. As a planning document, this report presents the key issues and some ideal solutions. (LBH)