The reading improvement program at Texas Southern University employed newspapers, magazines, books, seminars, exhibits, plays, and interdisciplinary reading material to service freshman students and upperclassmen with reading deficiencies. Newspapers were used to inform, to appeal to immediate interests, to develop skimming ability, to increase vocabulary, to improve various critical reading skills, to strengthen self-concepts, and to develop comprehension of nonverbal materials. Magazines were used to make the students aware of the scope of material available, including reading based on research. Figurative language was also presented through magazines. Interpretation, judgment, and literary appreciation were developed in book talks, which where sometimes given over closed-circuit television. Vocabulary was broadened through both magazines and books. Seminars taught such study skills as examination and note taking techniques. Exhibits presented the use of information and of research sources. Training in the oral reading of plays over closed-circuit television promoted language growth in several ways, and professors in various departments were encouraged to specify reading material and skills needed by students in various disciplines. References are included. (BT)