Two overlapping nationwide studies, one funded by the Ford Foundation and the other by the U.S. Department of Education, provide information covering policies, procedures, and practices that enhance or impede the academic success of minority students in universities and community colleges. Topics include understanding the problem of minority underrepresentation in today's higher education; barriers to cooperation between universities and community colleges; the urban community college's role in educating minorities; effecting the transition to urban universities; the states' role in improving minority education; what community college students expect from higher education; how transfer students evaluate their educational experiences; improving transfer programs and practices; assessing the urban educational pipeline; and helping minorities achieve degrees (recommendations for community colleges, universities, and state boards). Appended is a seven-page questionnaire on transferring from a community college to a university. 56 references. (SM)