The search for a mission for the community college of the 1980's must begin with an examination of what the institution is. The community college has proven itself to be adaptable, in that it has, since its inception, changed in response to new conditions and demands. It operates with a continuing awareness of the community it serves. It has a persisting relationship with the learner. It extends educational opportunity to those who are not served by other institutions. It serves a diversity of students with varying goals, needs, and characteristics. Finally, it is in a unique position to serve as a link between existing members of a community's learning system. A clear, precise, and specific statement of mission for an institution with such a wide field of responsibilities and capabilities can only be developed at the school level, where its establishment is essential and must be a ongoing process. At the national and state levels, a mission statement must be broad and general enough to deal with the diversity in the community college. Such a statement would be, "the community college's mission is to encourage and facilitate lifelong learning, with the community as the process and the product." (AYC)