Relationships between scientists and campus communicators are often poor because the two inhabit very different worlds. Bridging the gap depends on improving communication, which in turn can have far-reaching benefits for both. Efforts to reconcile the two worlds are essential. (MSE)

A number of factors keep college alumni staff and development officers from forging cooperative relationships, and campus and graduates suffer as a result. These factors include competition for resources and professional opportunities and stereotypes of administrator roles and characteristics. Successful partnerships require shared values and…

There is good reason for college fund raisers and business officers to collaborate on common financial interests. Communication is a key element of such cooperation. Other needs include agreement on accounting and reporting of institutional finances, agreement on stewardship of gifts (particularly with restrictions or endowments), and common…

Misunderstandings between a university's attorney and its public relations office can arise because of differing goals, schedules, rules of evidence, and levels of respect accorded them. Cooperation can be fostered by forging a bond before a crisis arises, sharing expertise, thinking ahead, remaining flexible, and analyzing successes and failures.…

Alumni administrators in private schools can participate in choosing and acclimating a new school head by pushing for an alumni constituency committee to meet candidates; asking candidates directly about alumni work; offering the new administrator early and wide exposure to alumni; and educating and promoting the new head. (MSE)

Five college and university fund-raising professionals discuss ways in which uncoordinated solicitations of gifts from the same prospective donor(s) by different schools or departments can be avoided by planning, coordination, and communication. Advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized administrative approaches are considered.…

A college chief advancement officers describes the qualities that make a president an ally in fund raising. These qualities include vision and leadership, commitment to the campus, commitment to advancement, integrity, honesty, perseverance, patience, optimism, communication skills, energy, willingness to learn, humor, creativity, understanding of…

Advice to help a college or school development officer work effectively with a new chief executive officer includes participating in the search, making early contacts with the new administrator, coordinating working styles, keeping staff informed and comfortable with new processes, and launching new fund-raising initiatives as soon as possible.…

Advice for college alumni administrators on selecting, preparing for, and working with a new president includes participating on the selection committee; getting to know the president and his administrative style; adopting the president's point of view; demonstrating to him the campus' assets; introducing him to alumni; and working cooperatively.…

Institutional development research officers are problem solvers who can take a kernel of information about individuals and create a profile of their lifestyle and finances that provides fund raisers with a beginning point for contact. In turn, fund raisers in the field often can provide researchers with new information for profiling. Program…

A university president outlines basic rules for chief development officers to work effectively with the institution's leader. Desirable qualities include loyalty, honesty, shared enthusiasm, assertiveness, efficiency, ability to provide support, good program management, ability to work alone as well as with the president, good focus, and…

College public relations and government relations officers have traditionally come from different backgrounds and have different ways of communicating. In future, they must work together to preserve and enhance quality, despite increased competition for state and federal support. Successful institutions have cultivated such cooperation. Approaches…

Advice for college and university fund raising abroad includes taking a long-term approach; researching prospects and cultural contexts carefully; building on existing strengths; working through alumni; cooperating across campus; recognizing cultural differences; and preparing to reciprocate. (MSE)

Suggestions for college development officers for improving efficiency in researching potential donors include networking with parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, and even the college president; using class notes, local and national business publications, and computer databases; and using personal organizational ability, imagination, and…

Classic problems between college fund raising and public relations professionals include misunderstanding of roles, unrealistic expectations, differing goals and perspectives, and inequity of administrative support. Cooperation can be fostered through communication about goals, shared objectives, reduced isolation, teamwork, open communication,…