Principles of developing a comprehensive planning model for a college are considered, and experiences in using the strategic planning model at Cardinal Stritch College (Wisconsin) are addressed. Important components of the planning process are articulating a mission, determining parameters and objectives while completing internal and external analyses, implementing strategies, allocating resources, and providing accountability. It is the organization, emphasis, and implementation of major components that dictate success of strategic planning. A thorough analysis of the external environment is the underlying linkage uniting the components of the entire process. Five principles of a participatory style are identified, and the following steps in strategic planning are discussed: (1) preparation and communication, (2) data collection and internal/external analysis, (3) selecting the planning team, (4) conducting the first planning session, (5) communicating the draft plan, (6) using action plan teams, (7) conducting the second planning session, (8) preparing the summary plan for the Board of Trustees' approval, (9) implementation, and (10) annual updates. The participatory planning model at the college includes an environmental scanning committee to collect and synthesize information on trends in the economy and in higher education that are likely to affect the college in the future. (SW)