The immediate objective of the first interview with a prospect for planned giving in academic fund-raising should be to gain the confidence of the prospect. Suggestions include: making an appointment for the interview, learning about the prospects before meeting them, avoiding technical language and fast talk, and asking questions. (MLW)

An interview with Raul Vargas, the director of the University of Southern California's Office for Mexican American Programs is presented. The office provides scholarships for some of USC's Hispanic undergraduates, raises scholarship money through alumni and corporate contacts, and acts as a liaison between the university and the Hispanic…

Alumni media experts were asked to donate their time and talents to the Wittenberg fund raising campaign. A Communications Advisory Committee was formed and a comprehensive public relations plan was proposed to penetrate media in selected areas. Some committee suggestions included faculty interviews, editorial support, public service time. (MLW)

Telephone surveys are faster and only slightly more expensive than surveying by mail. One successful effort involved planning, setting objectives, studying market research techniques, drafting a questionnaire, using computers when feasible, sending a presurvey mailing, doing the calling, and preparing a final report. (MSE)