This report was prepared in response to a 1971 South Carolina General Assembly directive that the Commission on Higher Education in conjunction with the State Committee for Technical Education submit a plan for implementing a community college system within the state. The report consists of a definition of a community college, an overview of existing public 2-year institutions in the state and a series of recommendations. In order to bring the separately administered technical education centers and lower-division university branches of the state under unified statewide control and planning, the prime recommendation of the committee is to establish a new state board to govern all 2-year institutions. The board would be responsible for: (1) developing a planned system by dividing the state into districts according to population data; (2) establishing a policy for the creation of local boards of trustees in each district; (3) determining minimum standards for instructional programs and graduation requirements; (4) overseeing the hiring practices and capital expenditures of the local boards as well as determining the maximum fee and tuition levels that they may charge; (5) authorizing the awarding of certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees; and (6) participating in various federal aid programs for public 2-year institutions. Alternative recommendations that could have more immediate implementation are also presented along with a summary of past recommendations, demographic and enrollment data, descriptions of existing physical facilities, and a summary of the present financial structure. (NF)