Within the context of a discussion of approaches to student development and retention, this paper describes a program of student development involving a person - a preceptor - who takes responsibility for a student's growth and well-being. Introductory material outlines the traditional approach to student development and discusses ways in which student development could function more effectively. Next, a review of the literature is presented in the areas of counseling and career development, faculty advising, and attrition/retention, and key characteristics of successful programs are highlighted. Then, major features of the Career and Academic Planning System (CAPS)/preceptor program are presented, emphasizing the program's objective to break down traditional barriers between counselors, advisors, instructors, and student personnel specialists. Next, the report describes the development of the CAPS program at Jefferson State Junior College from the early 1970's and the growing role of the preceptor in monitoring and evaluating the work of each student. Finally, the process of implementation is addressed, with respect to programmatic considerations; the logistical arrangements developed to assign preceptors to students; and the costs of program development. (HB)