Two successful alumni continuing education programs at Columbia University (New York) are an annual seminar event offered in New Mexico and Italy and an on-campus evening colloquium series. The travel program sparks intellectual exchanges and allows cultivation of prospective donors. The colloquium series uses an interdisciplinary approach in…

A survey of 648 United States and Canadian colleges and universities concerning their alumni education programs revealed that, although programs vary greatly, the most prevalent types are campus nonresident, foreign travel-study, and on-campus resident programs. In many cases, alumni office and continuing education divisions cosponsor programs.…

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)

Institutions are turning to marketing to combat the trends of declining enrollments, decreasing applicant pools, diminishing interest in traditional degrees, competition for students, and increasing costs. A marketing audit can analyze an institution's strengths and needs. (MLW)

In 1971, Indiana University's alumni association joined the continuing education division to offer an annual week-long miniuniversity for alumni, families, and nonalumni. Over 100 on-campus classes showcasing the university's finest faculty have been offered for all age groups. Extracurricular social events and child care are also available. (MSE)

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)

Describes collaborative efforts among the alumni relations departments of three Maine liberal arts colleges. Discusses how the cooperative effort began, unexpected benefits, the give and take of partnerships, and adding partners. A sidebar provides examples of four other cooperative efforts. (EV)

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…

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…

Five innovative programs found at entrepreneurial alumni associations around the country are described including: camps and vacation centers, sports newsletter, book publishing, audio tapes, and seminars.

Describes how MIT, Stanford, and Rensselaer are systematically mining the "knowledge capital" of their graduates to support more than just the efforts of the advancement division and traditional partners such as admissions and career services. They are developing comprehensive programs that help link alumni volunteers with every unit…

Successful techniques for administering alumni associations are described, including a live mascot (University of Redlands, California, bulldog), ethical/social focus reflecting institutional mission (University of Notre Dame, Illinois), humorous gifts for board members resulting in high attendance and participation (University of Idaho), and…

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)

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

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)