Strategies for reallocation of resources that were used by five public colleges are discussed. Attention is directed to the efforts of institutions that are under severe political, economic, and time pressure. At each of the following schools that were visited, meetings were held with key administrators, faculty members, and students: the University of Washington, the University of Idaho, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the Seattle Community College District. Some of the internal and external factors that affect the way an institution approaches reallocation are discussed, including: duration of the fiscal crisis, degree of management flexibility available to the institution, diversification of institutional revenue sources, historical level of recurring program support, and ability of the institution's administration to communicate with all of the institution's constituent groups. Important elements that must be considered in developing an effective reallocation process are also addressed: faculty and constituent involvement in reallocation, assessment of institutional role and mission, quality of academic and support programs, and long-term versus short-term costs and benefits associated with reallocation. (SW)