Designed to generate discussion among community college faculty and administrators in Illinois, this report provides an examination of the associate degree as it has evolved in Illinois public community colleges, along with recommended guidelines and alternatives for further development. First, the report reviews the current context of educational reform at national and state levels, suggesting that greater consistency and salience of the associate degree would be achieved nationwide if all two-year colleges adopted the definition and parameters set forth in the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC's) October 1984 policy statement. Next, information is presented on the associate degree in Illinois. Trends in degree titles and types of awards are examined, indicating that currently nine different degree titles are used in the state. Problems and issues involved in reducing the number of awards in keeping with AACJC suggestions are identified. The next section focuses on graduation requirements for the associate degrees awarded, presenting tables of general education requirements by college. Three trends in general education requirements are identified in the report: (1) a reduction in the number of courses students may select to meet the distribution requirement at both community colleges and public universities; (2) a renewed emphasis on basic skills; and (3) the appearance of requirements designed to provide graduates with an appreciation of other cultures. (LAL)