Abstract
Most universities generate strategic computer plans from the top down, both conceptually and administratively. Vice presidents identify major institutional goals and derive in successive detail implementation procedures which at the most concrete level will entail faculty and students working on particular processors on particular networks. At Weber State we developed our plan in the opposite direction. We asked faculty to describe their particular needs for computer and communication support and from the resulting list abstracted common objectives and sharing procedures aiming at overall institutional goals. This approach has produced a very practical, usable document; has evolved rapid change among faculty; and has greatly increased cooperation across campus. The process is evolving into a potentially revolutionary departure from normal top-down management. The advantages promised to be a greater sensitivity to real academic needs, greater institutional support, and innovative breakthroughs in the use of technology.