In an effort to improve minority recruitment and retention, the University of Arizona collaborated with Pima Community College to launch the Exploratory Transfer Institute (ETI), a summer program to encourage minority students who were not considering transfer to do so. The ETI was conceived, planned, and implemented through a relatively complex process, involving academic and student affairs staff, and student peer advisors. ETI's three-week, residential summer program began with a two-day retreat to begin the bonding process between students and staff and to provide orientation without distractions. Team-taught classes on the theme of "Communication: Human Survival/Creativity" were held from 8:30 to 11:00 daily. Afternoons afforded a variety of workshops, social/recreational opportunities, and blocks of time for study, library research, and the use of computers. To gain admission to the program, students were nominated by faculty and advisors in community colleges throughout Arizona and then selected by a committee of representatives from the two collaborating institutions. Students were asked to complete an application and essay, and submit a letter of recommendation and transcript showing a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. ETI activities sought to increase the students' knowledge of campus resources, enhance their survival skills, help them understand their expectations, and sharpen their academic and personal skills. During the first summer, 24 students, including 17 Hispanics, 5 Blacks, 1 Asian, and 1 Native American, participated. They viewed their interaction with staff as the most positive element of ETI, and they stressed the value of the support, motivation, and sense of togetherness they received from each other. Based on an assessment of the pilot effort, recommendations for modifying and improving the program were developed. (ALB)