Faced with high rates of student attrition, Santa Barbara Community College (SBCC) established a committee to assess the effectiveness of the college's support services; review research on student retention; and recommend ways of improving student success through academic skills assessment, student academic advisement, articulation and coordination of support services, and integration of academic skills assessment into the instructional program. The committee offered recommendations regarding assessment, advisement, early warning and coordination of support services, institutional fit, and college honors. The following recommendations were implemented: (1) beginning in fall 1983, all full-time students or students who wish to enroll in reading, writing, English as a Second Language (ESL) or certain math classes have been assessed in reading, writing, and math skills; (2) new students are assigned to group advising sessions prior to registration, and students on academic or progress probation are required to have counseling; (3) short courses in reading, writing, study skills, and other areas have been developed, and a referral form and directory was prepared; (4) activities and programs were developed to improve the match between the college's goals, programs, structure, environment, and expectations and the needs and expectations of students; and (5) honors courses were drafted. Studies conducted since the implementation of these recommendations showed a general improvement in certain classes and lower attrition rates. Grade and attrition data are appended. (HB)