An organizational needs assessment (ONA) process was developed to gather information about the basic skills upgrading needs and issues in the Division of Residence Operations of a state university. Forty-four participants from management, union leadership, and all job levels in the university's custodial and maintenance departments participated in the ONA through focus groups and individual meetings. Two focus groups and varying numbers of individual participants expressed a need for basic skills upgrading in the following areas: English as a Second Language (ESL), reading, mathematics, writing, basic computer skills, oral communication, basic trade skills, and other areas (General Educational Development test preparation, test-taking skills, and Spanish). The ONA participants also emphasized the importance of the following to future basic skills upgrading programs: cultural diversity, job-related content, hands-on training, and accessibility of training to all full- and part-time employees. Short- and long-term recommendations for developing a basic and trade skills development program for the university's custodial and maintenance employees were formulated. (Appended are the focus group agenda, individual meeting questions, and a table detailing the reported need for skills upgrading.) (MN)