This article documents the conception and development of a tool for providing academic and counseling support to meet the needs of minority adult students in an urban community college environment. Specifically, the tool is a course having as its base the proper assessment of student needs and the revision of the syllabus to fit those needs. Aspects of course development, the objectives and methodology of the seminar aspect of the course, and the objectives and methodology of the study skills aspect of the course are addressed. They study skills aspect of the course is evaluated at the end of the term, with the seminar aspect being evaluated as early as the second session. The end of term evaluation is somewhat more formalized, with students responding in writing to a questionnaire. The significant aspect of this tool is considered to be that it was developed at the request of and with the critical evaluation of the student body. After two years, the course's effectiveness is said to be reflected in the positive feedback from students and faculty. The course has now become a part of the core of required courses for all freshmen. (Author/AM)