The Executive information System (EIS), a decision support system for the executive, is defined, a comparison is made between EIS and its predecessors, and the differences between EIS in academic institutions vis-a-vis private business firms are discussed. An outline is also provided of the technological and data requirements for executive information systems in higher education as well as a table that lists Executive Information/Support Systems, the companies that provide the systems, the area of business the systems are designed for, and the EIS product. Finally, examples of EIS as they are used within specific universities and colleges are described. Contains 5 references. (GLR)