One of the hottest movements in banking right now is affinity credit cards. For banks, they mean a new source of credit customers. For institutions and alumni organizations, they can mean an easy, inexpensive way to keep the institutional name in front of alumni. (MLW)

Several ways in which colleges and universities without direct access to the Internet can make use of its services are offered, including establishing an account with a commercial vendor, using inexpensive local providers, and connecting through nearby campuses. (MSE)

A discussion of the relationship between campus public relations professionals and media relations consultants looks at why consultants are used, the best ways to use a consultant, searching for an agency, establishing fees and parameters, and making the relationship succeed. (MSE)

As the demand for qualified college fund raisers intensifies, institutions are turning to executive search firms. Professional recruiters increase access to candidates, can be persuasive, act as a buffer in salary negotiations, and free senior administrators from time-consuming personnel work. However, some firms show less responsibility than…

A panel of five leaders in college advancement discusses what advancement services are, their mission, integration of fundraising and information services, the role of the advancement services manager in senior administration, advancement services as a profession, professional information exchange, and future directions for advancement services.…

It is proposed that online searching of fee-based search services offers institutional advancement professionals an efficient and often cost-effective method for researching donor prospects. Strategies for streamlining in-house online searching and for using vendor services effectively are outlined, and a number of databases and other useful…

Ways in which college public relations officers have addressed public concerns about higher education are detailed. Campus communicators are encouraged to cooperate within and among institutions to encourage public appreciation of higher education's role in society. (MSE)

College advancement services can take the burden of many financial and analytical functions off the shoulders of development officers. Centralizing development-related financial functions can streamline clerical tasks and improve efficiency, consistency, continuity, accessibility of expertise, and capacity. Proficiency in a wide range of financial…

A university's commitment to community service is vital to establishing productive working relationships with important community offices and committees. Several public relations officers were asked to describe the different ways they cultivate understanding. Experiences of Syracuse University and the University of Scranton are described. (MLW)

Four common services offered by college alumni associations for their alumni (credit cards, telephone services, mortgages, and insurance) can provide benefits to alumni while they raise money for the institution. Considerations in planning such services include what products to offer, choice of company, customer service standards, end-of-contract…

A centralized records database for advancement services saves time, money, and confusion. The centralized advancement services model works best when fundraisers and technical supporters work together in planning and setting strategy as well as on specific requests, concentrating on the same priorities. (MSE)

Online college alumni magazines should have a different format and construction than print magazines. Online magazines are best suited as quick-stop information services that supplement but do not duplicate the print periodical. The approaches taken by the University of Chicago (Illinois), University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Middlebury…

A checklist of 10 ways to use computers in a college or university public relations office is presented including: storing information, streamlining tasks, distributing news, handling hometown releases, maintaining mailing lists, communicating, producing publications, coordinating calendars, getting organized, and troubleshooting. (MLW)

In college and university advancement, prospect research has become streamlined with the Internet. Searchers can enter corporate, foundation, and other sites for up-to-date information on a variety of topics. Several campus development officers have established their own home pages to share information with colleagues. Online addresses for campus,…

Suggestions from recruitment consultants for working with an executive search firm to recruit an advancement officer include drawing up a clear and candid job description, streamlining the search committee, providing the candidate with information about the institution and prospective peers, and giving a positive impression. Advice for candidates…