The Planning Resource Guide by the RP Group of California Community Colleges was created to provide practical planning assistance. It contains four sections, including: (1) a basic conceptual framework for planning; (2) common planning definitions for colleges; (3) planning steps and samples of planning structures; and (4) suggestions for linking a variety of planning-related college functions. Chapter 1 identifies an effective planning process as one that deals with critical issues for improvement, fits the culture of the college, balances reflection and information analysis for significant impact on outcomes, is directed towards student and community, builds on strengths, and articulates new opportunities. Chapter 2 provides key definitions of planning terms on the institutional, subject, and unit levels. Chapter 3 describes the steps in the planning process: planning, researching and analyzing, creating plans, implementing plans, and evaluation. Chapter 4 offers guidelines and examples for integrating steps in the planning process. Appendices include sample planning structures, planning calendars, planning-related requirements for California Community Colleges, ACCJC/WASC Accreditation standards, and planning definitions. (YKH)