A guide to assist colleges undertaking self-studies to meet accreditation requirements is presented by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The guide may also be used by the Commission's consultant-evaluators. After outlining the purposes and principles underlying institutional self-study for accreditation, organizational steps are covered, including: initiating the self-study process, establishing the steering committee and self-study committees, and developing a self-study plan. Areas of concern include: statements of mission and purpose; human, financial, and physical resources; institutional governance; academic programs and alternative study modes; evaluating outcomes of the college's operations; and planning. Writing the report and parts of the report are discussed, and summaries of sample self-study materials available from the Commission are provided. The summaries identify the purpose of the evaluation for which the materials were prepared and the nature of the institution. Also considered are focused evaluations that do not require a comprehensive self-study report. The evaluative criteria of the Commission are identified, along with questions on which information needs to be collected. Resource publications are also briefly described. (SW)