The task of graduating educationally disadvantaged students from an institution of higher learning is difficult. This difficulty is compounded because the special needs of these students are largely ignored by the institutions they attend. As a result, a disproportionate number of these students experience early failures. With the help of academic advising and other self-help programs, especially during the freshman year, many of the problems that students face can be avoided. The role of the academic advisor, in particular, in helping the minority student succeed in higher education cannot be overemphasized. Academic advising provides educationally disadvantaged students with the opportunity of obtaining equal education by providing both academic and emotional support. (Author/EB)