Some barriers to fund-raising productivity are identified. A checklist of characteristics of an ideal development program drawn up by a panel of nationally recognized experts was included in a questionnaire sent to participating campuses. (MLW)

A written campaign plan is seen as essential for annual fund success. It should contain details on all aspects of the campaign: strategy, leadership, organization, goals, and events, plus the schedule and deadlines for each of these. (MLW)

Minicapital campaigns at the 25th and 50th reunions at Williams College are described. Leadership, organization, timing, budget, purpose, marketing, and a solid foundation of positive alumni attitudes toward supporting the college help to make a successful campaign. (MLW)

Improving productivity in alumni programs involves finding the right combination of budget, staff, and program that will energize the alumni. Whitman College has found that spending money, time, and energy to motivate and train volunteers, educate staff, and involve students yields rich dividends. (MLW)

Some things to consider before planning separate alumni activities or associations for young alumni include common assumptions about young adults' interests, spending patterns, willingness to do fund-raising, and interest in meeting older graduates. (MSE)

The history of voluntary support during recessions is mixed, but the question is less whether a college should launch a fund-raising campaign than whether it can afford not to. By waiting for good economic times to campaign, the message of urgency is weakened. (MSE)

As a profession, alumni relations is moving from its ancillary function into the mainstream of safeguarding the life of universities. The development of alumni associations and alumni relations is traced from its beginning to this position of importance. (JMD)

How Hampden-Sydney College achieved 50 percent alumni participation in its annaul fund appeal is described. The plan included national and regional phonathons, an intensive mailing campaign, and an alumni contact program through area clubs. Some tips included: using alumni volunteers, enlisting student workers, and using the president and college…

A capital campaign to build facilities for a new nursing division at Aurora College is described. Three suggestions are provided: draw up a detailed plan, there is no substitute for personal contact, and hard work is essential. (MLW)

Fifteen different institutions offer suggestions for managing small shops by: long range planning, setting priorities, organizing and systematizing, defining staff regimen, using outside help, and finding reinforcement through feedback and freely offered ideas. (MLW)