This report examines experience of Moorhead State University (Minnesota) in attracting and retaining nontraditional, high-risk students through an alternative program called The New Center for Multidisciplinary Studies. The program's two-tier admission system represents an open-access concept offering an alternative way to begin college for students who do not meet full university admission requirements. Enrollment is limited both numerically and geographically. Program participants take standard and career-centered courses that explore problems or themes that cross subject lines, linking knowledge and insights from a variety of fields. Refresher courses are also available. Experience shows that the 30 to 35 percent attrition of program participants is slightly above the university as a whole over the past several years. A key ingredient of the program is the mentor/advisor component that guides students through the learning process, thus fostering a learning community atmosphere of students, faculty, and staff. It is felt that the Center's success resides in: (1) its attention to the subject in achieving academic success within a liberal arts atmosphere that develops contemporary skills and knowledge, and (2) the overall commitment of its faculty (all of which are tenured and hold rank in the university). Despite the persistent problem of having to justify itself, the Center continues to renew its curriculum, renew its faculty and its students. Contains five references. (GLR)