Although a number of studies have focused on the identification of factors impacting upon minority student persistence at four-year colleges and universities, few have studied the specific factors that affect minority persistence in science, engineering, and mathematics departments at predominantly minority-serving institutions. The main objectives of this study were to: identify causal factors regarding minority-student attrition, identify successful retention practices and programs, and develop a retention framework for administrators and practitioners to utilize during the planning and implementation stages of program development. It utilized a modified Delphi process to validate a conceptual framework for student retention that was developed from an extensive review of related literature. A panel of 16 experts from across the country rated and commented on specific objectives within the framework during the 2-round Delphi technique. The result of this was a student retention framework incorporating five components: financial aid, recruitment and admissions, academic services, curriculum and instruction, and student services. A collection of approximately 80 specific objectives were identified during this process and are categorized within the 5 components. Contains 156 references. (JRH/Author)