I spoke too soon...very frustrating. Let me explain exactly what i'm doing...i start a new drawing using the map 2d template (i have map 3d as a package w/ civil 3d), then save it to my desktop, next, using the task pane, map explorer, i change the coordinate system (missouri nad 83 east, foot if it matters), then i drag and drop my shp files from windows explorer, then, using the data connect window, i select the shp file folder, select the corresponding coordinate system and hit add to map. the two particular shp files that i am using, one is assigned the utm83-15 and the other doesn't have a coordinate system assigned. when i change coordinate sytems to each shp file, they come in in different areas.
also, i've tried to file/import the shp files and they don't convert to the assigned coordinate system either.
from this can you tell what i'm missing? thanks.