The issue of black college students and the impact of racism and their ethnic background on their academic success is explored. The black college student is seen as possessing a unique contextual self, borne of a heritage that values, to a very high degree, the family and other people that significantly impact the lives of those with whom they interact and relate. Because black students often come from a less than desirable social, financial, and developmental background, the college environment in which they find themselves is perceived as unfriendly, unwelcome, or dangerous. It is suggested that the black student requires a great deal of "catching up" attention that augments the traditional student services. Actions that can help in nullifying these adverse circumstances include: (1) providing more follow-up of the recruiting efforts of potential black students, including financial aid counseling; (2) providing developmental academic instruction; (3) skill-building orientation activities; (4) hiring more black faculty and requiring them to serve in a variety of roles; and (5) cataloging and collecting black student resources and actively encouraging programs and events which celebrate the ethnic heritage of the black college student. Contains 12 references. (GLR)