A nonmetric multidimensional scaling technique was employed to determine the characteristics of the ideal professor. Subsequently, the results were compared across varying levels of program personnel, including administrators, faculty, staff and students. Centered in a relatively self-contained academic program of a large midwestern university, this study used a free response method of data collection--a relatively unknown technique. Consistent differences were found among various levels of personnel as to their perception of the ideal faculty member. In addition, the procedure provided a means of comparing the perceived performance of individual faculty members. In general, the data seemed to indicate that subgroups of personnel were operating from what appeared to be a consistent frame of reference, but that they rationalized the characteristics somewhat differently. Moreover, the perceptions were not consistent among groups. These discrepancies might result in role expectations which might go unfulfilled or overfulfilled, causing probable miscommunication and lack of efficiency, affecting the morale of involved personnel. Internal conflict could also be a possibility. (MV)