A public relations audit can show how efforts measure up, whether they are parents programs, media relations, or faculty/staff communication. A sample inventory form is included. (MLW)

An institutional advancement administrator draws on experience running an office with limited resources to offer suggestions to others, including putting basics in place first, then fine-tuning them, and developing a do-everything publication, a plan for special events and fund-raising, an annual giving structure, and a strong core of volunteers.…

The first of three articles covering child nutrition programs discusses how these programs can be integrated into the school environment through effective management and public relations. (MLF)

The experience of a small liberal arts college in repackaging and remarketing the entire institution to boost continuing education enrollment is described. The marketing team followed current theories, establishing the division as a self-generating unit with a small annual operating surplus. Proceeds are reinvested for periods of low enrollment.…

Colleges' innovative efforts to bring alumni to campus for reunions illustrate how effective provocative promotions can be. Ideas include a game theme in brochures (Lewis and Clark College, Oregon), distribution of a 40-minute video (Gilman School, Maryland), class-targeted brochures (American University, District of Columbia), and a four-mailing…

College and university public relations professionals are encouraged to follow the example of business in managing their publications programs. Planning, marketing those plans to the campus community, involving administration, and assuming accountability are seen as key elements in publications program success. (MSE)

Five veteran college alumni directors share strategies for creating an effective association: deciding what program aspects must be measured; assessing the program realistically; listening to customers; stretching program resources to hold down cost and work more efficiently; and remembering the value of the human touch in program design and…

Planning can help college public relations officials make the most of their time and energy. One approach includes reviewing institutional mission and strategic plan; setting department goals; identifying and targeting audiences; establishing interdepartmental links; and setting out action, crisis, budget, and evaluation plans in writing. (MSE)

Suggestions for effectively evaluating a campus communications program are offered in a model for judging the institution's commitment, progress in program implementation, and user impact. (JMF)

A multimedia campaign led to a 62 percent increase in number of people who called for information about how to aid abused/neglected children in one U.S. community. Analysis suggested that such campaigns should focus on helping actions rather than the problem, should use client-based market research, and should rely on public-private-nonprofit…

The University of Arizona's experience with a small-scale fund-raising project to establish a memorial scholarship illustrates that the development office's efforts in guiding a motivated group of donors can pay off. Planning elements included establishing a team, delegating tasks, handling mail and telephone calls, generating enthusiasm, and…

A study investigated the attitudes of 111 college deans toward marketing in higher education, especially as they relate to the deans' academic fields (pure vs. applied). Results indicated no significant differences between the groups' perceptions and that, in general, deans support marketing but not that marketing improves educational quality.…

A guide to planning college and university anniversary celebrations that attract the attention of both friends and strangers recommends creating substantive programs related to current public interest; faculty involvement; broad-based and varied programing; media participation; attention to both past and future; and adequate budget. (MSE)

College alumni associations are using a variety of approaches to improve alumni participation. Surveying alumni for needs and preferences can be fruitful. Program ideas include career planning, parent programs, community service, student relations activities, and high school recruitment. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation is crucial to…

Pepperdine University's (California) 1980s fund-raising campaign was designed to raise overall institutional visibility, establish an image of quality education, improve institutional image in the business community, increase fund-raising momentum, and raise significant money for immediate capital needs. Theme, staffing, and advertising were key…