The TRIO/Special Services Program at the University of Minnesota is described, and a national evaluation of TRIO programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Special Services) is briefly summarized. The TRIO/Special Services Program at the University of Minnesota is located within The General College, which is the open enrollment unit of the university. The program has four components: the integrated course of study, counseling services, tutorial services, and the summer institute. The courses include a survival seminar course, which concentrates on study skills, career planning, and stress management; a writing lab; math courses; and courses in areas such as urban problems, arts and psychology. The summer institute, which is examined in detail, is available for entering low income freshmen during the summer prior to their first fall quarter. During the 1980-81 academic year, TRIO services were used by 248 students. A student survey was administered in the fall of 1980 and readministered in the spring of 1981. It was found that TRIO/Special Services students began college with several handicaps to academic success. They had poor basic skills, low income, and were from nontraditional backgrounds. However, a higher percentage of the TRIO students stayed in school, completing a higher proportion of credits than a low income control group, and maintained a grade point average comparable to the control group. Case studies of two TRIO students, exit reviews, course/instructor evaluations, and an evaluation of the writing lab sequence also are included. (SW)