Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) conducted a telephone survey and two focus groups to determine why students who enrolled for the first time during fall 1999 did not return for the following spring 2000 semester. The main reasons that 557 telephone survey respondents gave were that approximately: (1) 17% had either transferred to another institution or had achieved their academic goals; (2) 62% cited "life circumstances," which included financial reasons, family reasons, conflicts with employment, and new employment opportunities; and (3) 12% had academic problems or were dissatisfied with NVCC services or instruction. The focus groups provided additional information about factors contributing to not returning. Competing demands on their time, energy, and personal finances, lack of money or time, scheduling or transportation difficulties, and uncertainty about which classes to take were mentioned as factors contributing to their decisions not to return. Some participants indicated that more information or access to counselors might have helped them stay in school. Many planned to return in the future. NVCC might help students by communicating more clearly about registration processes, financial aid, and counseling services; extending counseling office and registration hours; offering online registration; and offering more evening classes. Survey instrument is included. (PGS)