Characteristics of small college administration as it applies to the future are described. Consideration is given to the process for anticipating change in the circumstances surrounding colleges, identifying opportunities, and planning to take advantage of positive changes in the environment (i.e., future focused planning). The use of the Planning and Data System for effective college administration is also discussed. Characteristics of successful small colleges include: innovativeness, intuitive decision making by experienced leaders, administering through people rather than organizational structures, and well run operations. Future focused planning involves four phases: clarifying the mission and purpose of the institution, anticipating change in institutional environments, identifying opportunities, and positioning and contingency planning. Modules of the Planning and Data System concern mission, marketing, curriculum outcomes, recruitment, financial aid, retention, faculty, libraries, instructional program, staff, and fund raising. The modules can be used in ad hoc research and by the office of institutional research. Products of institutional research and considerations in choosing a budgeting system are briefly considered. (SW)