The primary characteristics of steady state is that it lessens the flexibility of an institution to respond to the demands of change. The phenomenon of steady state will not appear suddenly on campuses throughout the country in the late 1970's and early 1980's when the number of high school graduates diminishes. It is a gradual process influenced by local circumstances, and it hampers the very activities that might enable an institution to overcome steady state by appealing to learners. The Oshkosh University calendar plan attempts to deal with the steady-state crisis by providing the campus with new flexibility. (Author/KE)