The Community College of Vermont holds the position that the highest purpose of education is to foster self-reliance, in both the community and the individual. This college awards the associate degree upon the completion of individual, student-written, competence-based degree contracts. Areas of competence which are evaluated include self awareness, communication skills, cultural awareness, community awareness, community relations, interpersonal relationships, creativity, manual skills and physical fitness, environmental awareness, reasoning and problem solving competence, and overall knowledge. The processes and materials developed to (1) help students and local review committees agree on standards that are unique to student goals, (2) accurately reflect community expectations, and (3) conform to the institution's educational principles are described. The steps involved in developing the degree sequence are also outlined. (Author/MV)