The systematic evaluation of the macroenvironment is sometimes referred to as a strategic trend information system. Strategic trend intelligence systems are highly developed, systematic intelligence programs that focus on trends and events in the external environment and provide institutions with knowledge to reduce areas of uncertainty and with lead time to adjust swiftly to unforeseen trends. Strategic trend intelligence systems depend on a comprehensive, systematic, environmental scanning program for basic information and on an organized issues-management-support system to transform information into intelligence that may be used for organizational action. This paper offers information on how to initiate and organize an environmental scanning system, such as: using environmental scanning in American higher education; establishing the organizational structure; locating available information sources; using electronic databases; assigning information resources to scanners; conducting a scanning committee meeting; developing a scanning/monitoring taxonomy; publishing a scanning newsletter; and considering methodological issues in scanning. A conclusion is that participation in the process facilitates team building, focuses attention of decision makers on the longterm future, and ensures that the developed intelligence has authority from top management. (LMI)