This study sought factors related to student retention by comparing characteristics of students in "poor" standing (academically-dismissed and probation students) during the 1994 and 1998 academic years at the University of Akron, Community and Technical (C&T) College with students in good standing. Initial findings indicate: (1) the percentage of students classified as being in good standing in the C&T college fell from 85% in 1994 to 74% in 1998; (2) significant differences in academic standing were found by race, with African Americans making up the greatest percentage of students in poor standing, followed by Hispanic students; (3) successful students had a higher mean age (28-29 years) for both academic years than students in poor standing (25-26 years); (4) only 9% of part-time students were in poor standing, compared with 13% of full-time students in 1998; (5) while DFWs (failure to complete successfully) of C&T students increased between 1994 and 1998, some courses with highest DFWs were non-C&T courses such as remedial and developmental courses and math. Recommendations include: (1) counseling, remedial, and developmental programs and instruction may need to be strengthened; and (2) sensitivity training for staff, faculty, and administrators is needed to address the needs of the growing minority, often economically disadvantaged, student population. Contains nine tables. (PGS)