Rather than purporting to be a definitive study in data gathering techniques for federal and state regulatory agencies, this paper is a systems approach for gathering data for affirmative action utilization availability analysis and for setting goals and time tables at a large university. The system is essentially for a large university setting but could be adapted to other types of educational institutions. The section dealing with laws and orders regarding equal employment opportunity offers a modicum and synthesis of most of the mandates, executive orders, and acts that offer guidelines and pertinent information. The systems and PERT charts are given with sufficient detail for in-depth study. It is hoped that the paper will provide a basic understanding of the complexities involved in gathering data for federal and state regulatory agencies dealing with affirmative action. (Author/LBH)