Some basic conceptual tools, knowledge, and experience that help evaluate needs for a management support system (MSS) to meet the planning and management challenges in academe are presented. An MSS must integrate the planning, control, forecasting, modeling, reporting, computing, and data administration functions of the system. (MLW)

IN A PILOT STUDY CONDUCTED TO PROVIDE BETTER INFORMATION FOR CAMPUS PLANNING, COMPUTER PROGRAMS WERE DEVELOPED TO ANALYZE DATA COLLECTED FROM STUDENT DIARIES. AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED--(1) TIME SPENT IN A SPECIFIC ACTIVITY, (2) TRAFFIC ACTIVITIES AND RELATED VARIABLES (COSTS, ETC.), AND (5) PROJECTION OF FUTURE CAMPUS ACTIVITY-SPACE RELATIONSHIPS…

Describes Clarkson College's Educational Resources Center, which is the hub of a campuswide system to provide computerized integrated information services and support systems for the instructional, research, and administrative activities of the college. Information on facility planning and services is included. (JJD)