Designed to encourage dialogue and inform decision making about the associate degree, this book presents perspectives on the role of the associate degree in the nation's two-year colleges. First, "Toward a Greater Degree: A Plan of Action," by Dale Parnell, suggests a plan for preserving and enhancing the value of the education being provided by U.S. community colleges and for increasing enrollments in associate degree programs. Next, "Current Perspectives," by James Gollattscheck, looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the associate degree within higher education, and considers ways of ensuring its transfer to four-year institutions. "A Path to Excellence: The Review and Revision of Degree Requirements at the College of DuPage," by Paul J. Eldersveld and Marlene Stubler, presents a background to the curriculum reform effort, a rationale for redefining degree requirements, the results of the curricular changes, and a list of 11 ingredients of a model program for the review and revision of degree requirements. Next, brief essays by Michael E. Crawford, Mary M. Norman, Donald G. Phelps, and Donald L. Newport, all community college executive officers, suggest ways to enhance the status of the associate degree. "Redefining the Associate Degree: A Special Report," by Leslie Koltai, offers a historical perspective on the degree, a review of relevant literature, survey findings regarding the status of the degree, and an agenda for the future. The publication concludes with a policy statement of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges entitled"Associate Degree Preferred." (HB)