Findings concerning environmental factors that relate to minority degree achievement in predominantly white four-year colleges and universities are discussed, based on a study sponsored by the National Center for Postsecondary Governance and Finance. The findings are used to suggest adaptations to a "Framework for Evaluating Institutional Commitment to Minorities: A Guide to Institutional Self-Study," which was developed under the auspices of the American Council of Education. The study was entitled "Organizational Influences on Baccalaureate Achievement by Minorities: Ten Case Studies." Successful campus efforts to improve minority degree achievement in a majority of the 10 institutions were: strong programs to help students with academic preparation problems; emphasis on pre-college programs and relations with elementary and secondary schools; emphasis on multicultural environments; successful resolution to the organizational dilemma of separatist versus support programs for minority students; proactive approaches to financial aid; and opportunities for on-campus housing. The following five areas of the institutional self-study framework are addressed: admissions and recruitment; financial aid; counseling, support services, and placement; curriculum; and environment. The "Framework for Evaluating Institutional Commitment" is appended and 11 references are included. (SW)