This manual consists of a compilation of California State College guidelines and recommendations relevant to external degree programs. Sections in the manual refer specifically to: (1) procedures to be followed by the Commission on External Degree Programs in acting on proposals received from the colleges; (2) criteria to be utilized by the Commission on considering proposals from the colleges; (3) guidelines for implementation of trustee regulations regarding fees, residence credit, and establishment of new majors; (4) a summary and attempt to categorize various models for external degree programs; (5) guidelines for preparation of proposals requesting approval for establishment of pilot external degree programs; (6) guidelines for evaluation of pilot external degree programs; (7) questions regarding external degree programs and Commission responses; and (8) an example of a proposed external degree program that has been approved by the Commission. (HS)