This paper addresses the problems involved in the screening and retention of students in human service education. A review of the goals of these screening and retention processes is presented along with the identification and exploration of internal and external program variables affecting them. The open admissions policy of many institutions which may confound the screening process is discussed and informal processes which can effectively retain students with potential and discourage students with unlikely potential are presented. Admission requirements to the Pan American University Human Service Program are enumerated and the methods used to evaluate student progress toward specific course objectives in academic and professional-social areas are discussed along with the policies regarding student dismissal. This paper concludes that, by emphasizing the retention process, a more positive approach to facilitating academic and professional student growth will occur and most graduates will become effective human service helpers and managers. (Author/NRB)