The response of the University of Minnesota (UM) to minority education is addressed in this document, which contains three papers and the proceedings of the First Annual Minority Student Personnel Workshop at UM. Among the general areas of concern identified by the school's Office for Minority and Special Student Affairs (OMSSA) are the following: the structure, provision, and availability of services to minority students; major problems facing minority students; and establishment of a coordinated university-wide communication system for minority programs. Reports are presented on the following four sub-workshops: organizational structure and administration, financial aid, academic problems, and communication. "Critical Issues in Minority Higher Education" (James Baugh) considers issues in educational access, retention, academic support program structures, the distribution of minority students among academic disciplines, and institutional responsibilities to serving minority students. "The Challenge to Succeed" (Phillip Carey) notes 10 problems experienced by UM minority students and reasons why organizational structuring is a key variable in improving the situation. A pilot program to provide incoming minority and disadvantaged freshmen with basic skills through a coordinated centralized delivery model is also briefly addressed. Finally, "A Plan for Action" presents a blueprint for action on which OMSSA intends to build its program. Attention is directed to student recruitment, personal and academic advising, monitoring academic performance and tutoring, and evaluation. (SW)