In 1985-86, Northern Michigan College (NMC) used funds received from the United States Department of Education to develop a system of assessment, advisement, and placement--Placement/Advisement for Student Success (PASS), an integrated system designed to improve student retention. PASS currently consists of three components: summer orientation, advising, and a computerized orientation program. During a one-day summer orientation, students complete the Assessment of Skills for Successful Entry Transfer (ASSET). The program also includes an orientation for parents, mini-sessions led by faculty and counselors, advising by paid faculty PASS advisors, tours of the campus, and registration. The PASS advisor system provides the student with a faculty or counselor mentor who assists in course selection, provides academic (including transfer) and career advice, and monitors the student's progress throughout the year. The computerized orientation program, NMC Experience, consists of ten modules and quizzes that students complete at their own pace. NMC Experience focuses on career planning, student success skills, student activities, health services, academic advising, and understanding college facilities. The results of the PASS program have been impressive. Ninety-six percent of student participants surveyed indicated that they were very satisfied with the PASS system. Retention rates for those students assigned an advisor were 72% in 1987-88, 67% in 1988-89, 74% in 1989-90 and in 1990-91, and 84.3% in 1991-92. PASS advisors surveyed reported a renewed relationship with counselors and students, and a high degree of satisfaction with the program. PASS also generated important data on entry-level student skills and needs, and led to an increased utilization of computer technology. (JSP)