The initial steps of an academic planning process to cover the next 10 years at the Arkansas Tech University are described. Twelve study committees that were formed to coordinate the effort pertain to: degree programs and research; student-related activities; nondegree programs and public service; college mission and role; background and demographic information; physical facilities and campus planning; admission, retention, and recruitment; academic organization and governance; administrative organization and management information; library and instructional services; athletics; and evaluation. The objectives of the plan include the following: to improve present offerings and services of the university; to establish plans and standards that will be utilized in future programs and service development; to define evaluation processes and methods that will be used to determine the effectiveness of programs and services; to continue the involvement of university employees in the implementation of long-range planning recommendations; to foster the climate necessary for accomplishing the overall goals and mission of Arkansas Tech; and to strengthen an awareness of the need for planning among the university's staff. Appended materials provide an outline for the plan, which includes: institutional component, program and activity component, graduate programs, organizational and support services component, resource component, and evaluation component. Background information needed to develop the plan and a statement of the mission and role of the university, as well as supporting goals, are also appended. (SW)