The study surveyed 134 institutions to determine if significant differences existed between public research and doctorate-granting universities concerning: (1) the most important external environmental areas to scan; and (2) the scanning activities that provide the most information for planning processes. A total of 105 responses (78%) was received, composed of 60 research and 45 doctorate-granting universities. While it was found that strategic planning is a major topic on university campuses today, environmental scanning is presently implemented at barely over half of public research and doctorate-granting institutions. No significant difference was found in the amount of time spent scanning between research institutions and doctorate-granting institutions. Also, there was no significant difference found to exist between public research and doctorate-granting institutions as to which areas of the environment are important to scan, whether formally or informally. Although not significant, informal scanners at doctorate-granting institutions spend a larger percentage of time scanning the educational/competitive organizations area than do their counterparts at research institutions. Additionally, there was no correlation between the length of time universities have employed environmental scanning and their satisfaction with the process. Currently, the dissemination of environmental scanning information at public research and doctorate-granting universities is low. The survey form is appended. The document contains 32 references. (GLR)