A 1991 study of non-returning students at Del Mar College (DMC), in Corpus Christi, Texas, revealed that only 37.9% of these students were actual dropouts (i.e., had failed to accomplish their educational goals, and had no plans to take up further study). Retention studies conducted in Texas between 1985 and 1989 have shown that DMC has consistently maintained a retention rate higher than the statewide average. Colleges seeking to improve student retention should focus on registration/advising, student services, and survival skills. In the area of registration, colleges can provide a public relations staff to assist students during this initial period. In addition, students should meet with an advisor by the end of the first semester and complete an Education Plan. An ideal advising system would include an Advising Center, staffed by trained personnel. Students could seek out an advisor when they first enter the college, to change their major, or for personal problems. In the area of student services, providing for student government can give students a feeling of personal involvement in the development of college policies and activities. Also, providing peer tutors, as well as concise information on available campus and community services and resources, can help students address personal needs which might otherwise lead them to dropout. Concerning survival skills (e.g., stress management, critical thinking, and study skills), the college should create special courses and/or videos and other media to help students develop these skills, and policies should be adopted to discourage course dropping. DMC retention data are included. (PAA)