Given recent funding cutbacks and lagging opportunities for minority groups in higher education, predominantly white colleges and universities must make a concerted effort to retain minority students and to increase their chances of success. Racism is systemic in institutions of higher education and is reinforced by low faculty expectations for academic success among blacks and other minorities. In order to counteract the effects of institutional racism, first, those in leadership positions must recognize that they have a responsibility to address both the financial and social needs of minority students. College presidents and program developers should encourage an institutional environment that reflects and supports ethnic diversity, and they should actively examine existing practices and policies that might have a discriminatory effect. In addition to strong leadership, successful efforts regarding minority student opportunity and retention require the commitment and participation of the entire college or university staff. The third element necessary for improving institutional responsiveness to and retention of minority students is the ongoing evaluation of any programs that are implemented. Effective formative evaluation can serve as an indicator of progress and a guide for future endeavors toward equal educational opportunities. (Author/GC)