In an effort to intervene before students enter the medical care system at the University of Michigan, a Self Care Resource Corner and accompanying materials were developed and implemented. The objective was to encourage students to view themselves as the primary decision makers for health-related conditions before seeking care from clinicians. Focusing primarily on the common cold, a decision tree was developed combining relevant information describing usual cold symptoms and treatments. Over-the-counter medications were described and order forms made available for selecting appropriate medications. These forms, with choice of medication checked, were presented to the pharmacy by the student, and later collected and used in evaluating the process. Based on the evaluation data (gathered from students' written evaluations of the Corner and program materials, the self-prescription forms, and aggregate utilization data collected monthly before and after the intervention), the program is being expanded to include other self-limited conditions. In addition, self care areas may be implemented in residence halls where materials would be available to students before they initiate a visit to the Health Service. (JD)