Objectives, methodologies, and procedures for conducting a follow-up study of 1977-78 occupational program graduates of the Illinois community colleges are outlined in this handbook. One of three planned studies of former occupational students (FY1978 program graduates, FY1979 occupational skill completers, and FY1979 and FY1980 program leavers), this graduate follow-up will be used by the community colleges to respond to federal and state inquiries regarding occupational programs, to compare local results with statewide norms, and as career planning data for current and potential students. Rather than the longitudinal design previously used in statewide follow-ups, the research method will be a one-time mail survey sent by each college to FY1978 occupational program graduates in early 1979. The revised survey instrument contains standardized items intended to meet the needs of the colleges, the Board, the Division of Adult Vocational and Technical Education, the Veteran's Administration, and other federal agencies. It covers the following areas: student rating of college services, rating of college assistance in personal and job objectives, present educational and/or employment status, relation between job and college program, salary and location of place of employment, and comments regarding the impact of community college education. The primary responsibility for the study will be at the local level with the Illinois Community College Board providing central coordination and computerized data analysis. Appendices in the handbook include the format for submission of student data on IBM E-3 cards, standarized items to be used in the survey, the format for coding responses, and a sample cover letter for the survey instrument. (MB)