In May 2003, Chancellor (then Chancellor-elect) Rosemary DePaolo requested a comprehensive collection of comparative data with universities similar to UNCW in size and mission. Interim Provost Paul Hosier, Special Assistant to the Chancellor Mark Lanier, and Director of University Planning Ken Spackman developed the parameters for selecting the benchmark institutions and designed the core of performance indicators to be compared. Dr. Spackman assembled the data from various sources during June and July 2003. The resulting Benchmark Study notebook was prepared in hard-copy form for the university's senior officers, and highlights were presented in PowerPoint form to various constituencies of the university during the Fall 2003 semester. This Web version was was designed for university-wide reference by Kim Kelly, Program Development Coordinator in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Systems.