It is proposed that, to keep editors of institutional publications happy, their supervisors use such techniques as productive communication in both individual and group sessions; recognition of achievements; setting goals and objectives for individual and professional development; and sensitivity to needs for support of various kinds. (MSE)

Choosing a consultant to help with a computer system will have more impact on an office than any other decision made during the year. The major advantage of hiring computer consultants is that they bring in-depth expertise to the organization. Some basic rules for choosing a computer consultant are provided. (MLW)

Suggestions are offered for implementing fund-raising phonathons which solicit prospects in their native language. The multilingual phonathon programs at the University of California (Irvine), St. Mary's University in Nova Scotia, and Concordia University (Quebec) are described, including recruitment of bilingual callers, training, and…

Colleges and universities should critically review their publications periodically to save money and also as a way to present a more cohesive institutional identity. Ten recommendations are made for conducting a productive publications audit; they include choosing an evaluation method, selecting participants, making the experience pleasant, and…

Advice on how to find the best software for institutional needs is presented. Purchasing prewritten software, acquiring custom-written software, and improving ready-made software are discussed. Questions to ask before buying software are provided. (MLW)

In a question-and-answer format, the assistant vice president for development and director of alumni relations at Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) discusses how alumni directors can gauge their programs' effectiveness, how his institution addresses the issue, and how a Council for Advancement and Support of Education project to develop…

This article provides ideas on how to conduct alumni telephone surveys: (1) use the information gathered; (2) implement a survey; (3) develop appropriate questions; (4) test a survey instrument; (5) train interviewers; (6) collect the data; (7) analyze the results; (8) report the results; and (9) use the results to take action. (MDM)

This article provides advice on how to plan and conduct an alumni census through the mail, drawing on the experiences of Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts, which undertook such a survey in 1992. It focuses on costs, information needs, questionnaire design, mailing considerations, reporting the results, and expected response rates.…

Sixty training tips are presented for university phonathon fund-raising managers, focusing on training materials, the training session, role playing, talking points with trainees, togetherness, food and prizes, morale boosters, talking points with prospects, and how to ask for a pledge. (DB)

Electronic service companies are marketing electronic career services to college and university alumni associations. These electronic alternatives to traditional placement services offer schools a way to provide alumni with a desired service while increasing alumni association revenue. Typically, both applicants and companies pay a fee for a…

Services that colleges and universities can offer to support alumni job placement and career development are noted, and practical suggestions for creating, administering, and advertising them are outlined. Program ideas include seminars, career-development courses, career placement, counseling and resume services, electronic services to support…