Three basic questions set the direction and scope of this study: (1) What factors precipitated the development and passage of Senate Joint Resolution No. 106 that directed the State Council of Higher Education to conduct a tenure-faculty workload survey among the state-supported institutions of higher education? (2) What are the perceptions of individuals representing various interest groups relative to the use of data collected by the State Council? (3) From the State Council's point of view, what questions will be answered by the data-gathering process? Responses to these questions suggest that the Virginia General Assembly is well on its way in joining other states, such as New York, Michigan, Florida, and California, in setting into motion procedures for decreasing the cost of higher education, for scrutinizing more closely the activities of faculty, and for assessing the status of tenure policies and procedures. Implications for initial appointment and review, reappointment, tenure, and post-tenure review are discussed. (LBH)