This paper proposes construction of a separate data base environment for university planning information, distinct from data bases and systems supporting operational functioning and management. The data base would receive some of its input from the management information systems (MIS)/transactional data bases and systems through a process of "clipping" to develop temporal uniformity and a process of "filtering" to reduce the volume of information and to prepare it for a useful role in the planning environment. Also proposed is an added concentration in both the MIS/transactional and the planning system environments on non-quantified data. The paper also suggests the need for new software to accommodate establishment of data bases containing both quantitative and non-quantitative information. Major issues concerning archiving of data, the role of "meta-data," or information about the data, processes, and institutional policies are also discussed. (Author)