A study was conducted in the Marin Community Colleges to determine whether direct mail and telephone contacts with college dropouts would be perceived as demonstrating a caring attitude on the part of faculty and staff, and positively influence their rate of return. The study measured the rate of return of four groups of students who were enrolled as full-time freshmen in fall 1983, but who did not return in spring 1984. Group 1 received both a letter from the College President and a phone call from the Director of Public Affairs and Development encouraging their return; Group 2 received the telephone calls only; Group 3 received the letters only; and Group 4 was not contacted as part of the study. Of the 168 students in the study sample, 29 re-enrolled after a semester's absence. Of the returning students, 11 belonged to Group 4, 7 belonged to Group 1, 6 belonged to Group 3, and 5 belonged to Group 2. Based on the study, it appeared that direct mail and telephone contacts with students who dropped out had no statistically significant effect on their rate of return. It was therefore recommended that the Marin Community Colleges direct their efforts toward finding more effective ways of retaining students or influencing their return. (Author/LAL)