Possible changes in U.S. Postal Service rates and services, resulting from a planned restructuring, are discussed. College administrators are encouraged to review mail class use, available discounts, and even the design and quantity of materials mailed out. (MSE)

Statistical modeling provides a method for colleges to use alumni-development information to create an equation predicting who is likely to respond positively to fund-raising appeals. This can make fund raising more cost-effective, provide higher returns on minimal investment, provide results quickly, and improve competitiveness. Resources…

College public relations professionals offer advice to make the most of a small staff. Ideas include effective use of available technology, media services, and student intern and worker skills; use of external services; carefully planned dissemination of information; staff training in media relations; and setting priorities. (MSE)

Donor recognition societies, or gift clubs, are used by colleges and universities to thank and encourage donors. For such giving mechanisms to fulfill their potential, they must be carefully planned and administered. Issues to consider include setting gift levels based on institutional goals, establishing rules for counting eligible gifts, and…

Three high-technology approaches are suggested to make college and university development efforts more efficient: (1) use of automated systems for phonathons; (2) use of local area networks to speed access to databases; and (3) exchange of information on electronic bulletin boards. (MSE)

In college and university advancement, prospect research has become streamlined with the Internet. Searchers can enter corporate, foundation, and other sites for up-to-date information on a variety of topics. Several campus development officers have established their own home pages to share information with colleagues. Online addresses for campus,…

Organizers of auctions, fairs, rummage sales, and other fund-raising events at schools and colleges offer suggestions for making sales run smoothly, avoiding burnout, and complying with the law. These include ideas for improving efficiency, using volunteers effectively, making changes to accommodate new situations and conditions, and addressing…

College and university fund-raisers offer suggestions for successful direct-mail campaigns, telephone campaigns, and fund-raising auctions. Ideas include specific persuasive techniques for different types of donors, motivational and support mechanisms for volunteers, and appealing activities and rewards for campaign participation. (MSE)

Four experienced college alumni volunteers offer information and opinions on how and why they became volunteers, how they serve, amount of time spent volunteering, what the alumni office does that is most helpful, how to keep volunteers from feeling overburdened, how to reward volunteers, and working with a spouse. (MSE)

The outspoken new president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) intends a rapid evolution of services for the organization, including better education for advancement professionals in higher education, more varied and technologically rich delivery methods, better use of technology in all areas, closer ties among…

Results of a national survey of colleges and universities concerning alumni involvement in off-campus community service programs indicate a broad variety of activities. Steps to take in establishing and managing an alumni association community service project are outlined. (MSE)

Campus event planners need to know all they can about the risky business of special-events insurance, including coverage types and options (institutional vs. outside-user, workers' compensation, cancellation/abandonment, nonappearance, weather, death/disgrace, boutique/niche insurance), basic insurance issues, alcohol issues, estimating needs, and…

The ways in which five college and university alumni offices increase their effectiveness by pairing up with departments and offices across campus are described. These cooperative efforts include alumni program involvement with academic departments, career development services, admissions office, student organizations, and government relations…

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)

The experiences of a university president who loves fund-raising are described. Supporting institutional missions, philanthropy as an American custom, competition, the satisfaction of seeing grants work, and the fellowship of development professionals are discussed. (MLW)