The product of a year-long research process undertaken by a Task Force on Academic Standards at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TCCC) in 1980-81, this report provides background to the deliberations of the Task Force and a presentation of their position on academic standards at TCCC. The report establishes the Task Force's commitments to quality education; consistency in measurement of academic standards; responsibility and accountability on the part of student and teacher; provision of clear information to students; and responsibility for students' total development. With these commitments as a context, the report provides 20 recommendations on academic standards covering the following areas: alternative time plans for course completion; evaluation of course requirements and basic skills prerequisites; provision of basic skills resources; filing of master syllabi; development of course outlines; establishment of consistent student evaluation practices and grading policies; commitment to proficiency examinations; development of new procedures for adding courses, course withdrawals, and final exams; elimination of "Y" (non-attendance) grades; retention of a plus and minus grading system; inclusion of "NC" (incomplete) as part of students' grade point averages; inclusion of all grades on student transcripts; repetition of courses; an academic warning system; student re-entry into programs; and consistent procedures for graduation requirements. (HB)