This report presents the proceedings of the conference on Optional Learning Environments and the External Degree, sponsored by Dyke and Ursuline Colleges. It was attended by 67 educators and students representing all of the accredited institutions of higher education in the Cleveland areas. The conference introduced basic ideas and methods of external learning and degree programs and reviewed the issues faced by ongoing external degree programs in New York, Minnesota, New Jersey, and abroad. Faculty and staff explorations of the multiplicity of problems raised by the conference participants are broken into 5 groups: (1) The Evolution, Development, and Current Status of the External Degree and Other Learning Options; (2) The External Degree: Examination of Administration, Curriculum, and Program Evaluation; (3) The Learning Contract; (4) The Students' Point of View; and (5) Summary. Conference participants are included. (Author/PG)