A design for improving the quality of information available for continuous operational study of student retention at the University of Hartford in Connecticut was examined involving a microcomputer based decision support system for student retention research. The system, an interactive modeling approach to conduct longitudinal and comparative studies, used multi-year admissions, financial aid, and academic data integrated with student surveys of college adjustment, reasons for leaving, student involvement, and college experience. The system enabled users to model attendance patterns and degree attainment for selected student subpopulations. Improvements in the system were considered necessary in order for it to provide feedback that is timely, not only for purposes of research, but for operational use in improving student recruitment and retention strategies. Contains 12 references. (GLR)