This research study was intended to understand the level of student effectiveness in academic support services. The study sought to discover the academic support services' strengths and weaknesses within the institution. The research took place on the campus of a private historically black college. The study formulation was a qualitative case study. There were 16 participants interviewed. Data was collected from structured demographic questionnaires, participant responses to semi-structured interviews through open-ended questions, and direct observations. The findings of this study indicated that the effective academic support services were: advising, tutoring, and the library. The findings indicated the perceived advantages of academic support services and student retention were: advising, tutoring, and instructor interactions. The study findings also indicated that there are needed improvements for the academic support services such as: library and information technology (IT) upgrades, more tutors, and more student-centered resources. Based on the finding it is recommended that the academic support services need to continue to provide services that meets student's needs. The academic support services need to conduct an evaluation of the current services and conduct a student need assessment to identify gaps in services and why. The academic support services need to ensure the department/program's mission, goals, objectives and services are in alignment with what is being provided. The academic support services need to ensure that all services offered are disseminated and students are aware, as well as how to access the services. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]