This manual describes the process by which a college becomes recognized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), sets forth bases upon which recognition decisions are made, describes the effects of such decisions, and explains how they may be appealed. First, the concept of recognition is defined, indicating that a college is "recognized" when it is judged to be in compliance with ICCB standards, which are based on state statutes and ICCB rules. After the statutory bases for recognition are delineated, the recognition process is described. Information is provided on the scope of the recognition evaluation, the application for recognition, the recognition visit, and the recognition report. Next, the decision to assign a college a recognition status based on the degree to which it is judged to be in compliance with ICCB standards is discussed. Finally, the report describes the procedures under which a college assigned a status of non-recognition may appeal the decision. Appendices include the recognition standards for focus in fiscal years 1983 through 1985 in the areas of apportionment claims validation, finances/facilities, and programs; a copy of the application for recognition; and a schedule of recognition visits for 1983 through 1985. (HB)