A Quality Assurance Program (QAP) developed at the College of St. Francis is presented that is based on an open systems approach. The model allows an institution to continually monitor, evaluate, and, when necessary, modify its academic programs, graduates or undergraduate, traditionally or non-traditionally delivered, to assure quality. Part I answers basic questions about the Quality Assurance Program, including definitions of quality, and open system-based models, QAP objectives, and program administration. Part II describes the open system approach, the three phases of the program (structure, process, and outcomes), the flow of activities, environments, taxonomies for assessment, sources of evidence/information and performance indicators, economic and financial elements of the program, and stages for the Quality Assurance Program. As of June 1980, the College of St. Francis had completed two of the three QAP stages, administered by the vice president for academic affairs. A glossary and bibliography are appended. (LC)