A project at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to develop more useful planning and evaluation procedures, to develop a theoretical framework for viewing alternative approaches to university planning, and to conduct case studies of planning and evaluation in several other large universities, is described. The University of Michigan Evaluation and Planning Project included all units reporting to the vice-president for academic affairs. Three project phases involved: articulation of each unit's objectives and their major operational implications, evaluation of operations in the light of these objectives, and delineation of directions and alternative courses of action. The project was designed to improve the processes by which the university evaluates its activities and programs, establishes priorities, and acquires and allocates its resources. In the first phase of the project, all units reporting to academic affairs were asked to respond to a 26-item questionnaire, which is appended. The questions were designed to elicit statements about major program goals for the next 5 years and changes that would be required to achieve them. Draft planning memoranda were prepared by staff and covered the same areas as the questionnaires: instructional programs, students, staff, research, interunit relations, facilities and support staff, and budget. These documents were intended to serve as a record of decisions regarding future plans for the schools, a 3-year framework for further planning, a plan of action for evaluation, and an information base for college planning. Additional project activities included the Priority Fund Program and a new budget cycle. Problems of implementing the project and conclusions from the Michigan experience as well as from five universities studied by Poulton (1980) are considered. (SW)