The Equal Opportunity Program of the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin at Madison has, in the past, had the problem of low graduation rates. Attempts by the staff to develop better methods for retaining students have resulted in a program that offers one-to-one tutorial help in basic communication skills. Skills training that is related to the courses in which students are enrolled has been found to be an effective way of changing the negative attitudes that both students and faculty have toward tutoring programs. Results have been promising; attendance at tutoring sessions and student grade-point averages have both improved significantly. (KS)