The Ad Hoc Committee on the Cornell University (New York) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Student Computing Competencies was appointed in the fall of 1995 to determine (1) what all CALS undergraduate students should know about computing and related technologies; (2) how the college can make it possible for students to develop these capabilities; and (3) the pros and cons associated with each of the identified options. The study also looked at the best means by which students can develop computing skills; the role formal assessment should play at the college level; and the implications for graduation requirements. The committee assessed the history and current state of computing within the CALS curriculum, and surveyed employers and faculty to find out the kinds of computing capabilities employers seek in graduates, and the opinions of "high-end" users of computing and related technologies on campus. Results of the assessment indicate that students should obtain a basic knowledge of major applications, particularly word processing and spreadsheet analysis, and have some experience with presentation software and database management software. Students also need to be able to demonstrate that they can effectively use the Internet by gathering and evaluating data from the Internet. In addition, all students should explore and utilize computing as it is used by professionals within their field of study, and upper level courses with significant computing content should be available in each major. Committee recommendations are discussed. Tables and figures show computer use data, attitudes about computers, computer use in courses offered, participation in non-credit workshops, a flow chart of introductory computer course relationships, and enrollment in CALS computer application courses. (Author/SWC)