Strategic planning for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education includes creation of an information system, establishment of local chapters, emphasis on professional development, improvement of minority-group representation, review of governance, development of a marketing plan, expansion of public support of education, and adaptation…

Fifteen innovative ideas for activities by student alumni associations, based on existing programs, are described briefly. They include activities for career awareness and development, fund raising, student fun, service to alumni families, alumni orientation to the current campus community, graduation festivities, and service to the community.…

At George Mason University (Virginia), a consulting firm designed a program to train university administrators to deal with the media effectively. On-camera simulations, followed up with practice sessions in the university's telecommunications department, were an effective method of preparing for difficult media questions. (MSE)

College and university advancement managers offer these keys to motivating employees: open communication, acknowledgement of management style, team building, encouragement of innovation, spreading opportunities broadly, promoting personal growth, creating reward systems, evaluating fairly, and strong leadership. (MSE)

Lifelong learning in the United States is no longer a trend but a way of life. Alumni relations should take advantage of this interest by increasing graduates' chances to learn with alumni continuing education. Six steps to success based on Penn State's experience are provided. (MLW)

A 10-step approach to detailed planning, organization, and promotion of class reunions is presented. Steps include plan adequate lead time, centralize leadership, develop an overall plan, outline promotional efforts, develop a budget, develop a checklist for the event, structure the reunion weekend, and coordinate the weekend. (MLW)

Provides advice for small alumni offices on how to sponsor an alumni travel program, focusing on booking a travel agent, deciding where to go, using faculty as tour guides or lecturers, making time for alumni office staff to go along, remembering special touches, visiting local alumni, avoiding overt fund raising, and being prepared for problems.…

Colleges and universities are achieving modest results in using the World Wide Web for fund raising. Suggestions for developing/updating Web sites include: providing basic information such as pledge forms and development office contacts; tailoring the site to campus and potential donor interests; using the site to support other efforts; providing…

A survey of schools, colleges, and universities about how they make their award ceremonies memorable is discussed. The best prizes, the best award categories, and the best awards ceremonies are described. (MLW)

An institutional development audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a program, its operations, and its people. Information is analyzed to assess: institutional mission, personnel and organizational structure, financial resources, program management, communication, and overall program effectiveness and efficiency. (MLW)

Planning a college president's inaugural ceremony is discussed. A timeline, an invaluable tool for planning an inauguration, is provided.(MLW)

The long-range planning strategy used at the University of the Redlands to boost alumni program productivity and increase the program budget is outlined. The effort consisted of a series of planning weekends and a number of subtle strategies to justify added resources. (MSE)

Experiences of the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas Wesleyan University illustrate steps in planning special events. Steps include reconsider the proposed event; coordinate with other campus activities; make a master plan; know the target audience; highlight unique features; build a budget based on facts; evaluate everything; and keep…

Every year between September and June, McMaster University's (Ontario) Alumni Adventures in Continuing Education program organizes eight lectures, seminars, and outings. The program is designed to appeal to a general audience aged 24-80, and offers a variety of both traditional and unique events such as observatory visits, walking tours, and…

Ways to create and implement a master marketing plan for college campuses are described. The best marketing plans describe both objectives and methods for all appropriate areas within the institution. (MLW)