Two models of administering college and university alumni chapters--using volunteers or paid staff--are compared, based on comments from alumni directors who have addressed the issues. A flexible club structure, which integrates a fully structured, chartered-chapter model with two versions of predominantly staff-driven models, is proposed as…

Four basic models of the organization of college and university communications offices are described: advancement, news bureau model, agency, and marketing models. Pros and cons of each are discussed, and the structure of this function at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is presented as an ideal…

The administration's adviser to the Illinois State University Student Alumni Council examines the benefits of student participation in alumni affairs, outlines some considerations in the creation and development of a new student alumni program, and suggests program possibilities for different constituencies, including alumni, students, future…

Recommendations for planning a successful training workshop for college alumni volunteers include assuring the association is organized and the program well timed; making sure everyone agrees to budget and/or financial commitments; using seasoned volunteers to conduct a feasibility study and determine training needs; making training enjoyable; and…

Ideas are offered for targeting groups in college and university fund raising, including reunion class giving, using volunteers, soliciting parent giving, asking faculty and staff to give, and helping students establish an early giving habit. Specific solicitation strategies are provided for each group. (MSE)

Outlines training suggestions for college volunteers in fund-raising phonathons: presenting the basics (nature of charitable giving, fund-raising on their campus, the annual fund, and specific reasons for soliciting); using role-playing as a training technique; monitoring and retraining as needed; and keeping volunteers motivated. Use of…

A survey of almost 150 colleges and universities found many are beginning to use integrated marketing approaches. Institutions report the most significant increases in all targeted areas (annual fund, applicant pool, enrollment yield) when their integrated marketing programs have the support of an alumni or trustee committee. Other findings…

An estate planning seminar is a personal and cost-effective tool for alerting college constituents to a financial opportunity. Such seminars are not hard to coordinate, are a service to alumni and friends, and may bring long-term benefits to college and participants. Experiences at a number of colleges illustrate diverse approaches. (MSE)

Most college fundraising volunteers are uncomfortable asking for money. A training technique designed to help volunteers overcome these fears takes three hours and addresses attitudes about money and requesting it, good and bad solicitation, and the elements of effective solicitation. A program schedule and practical exercises are offered. (MSE)

Alumni associations wishing to attract younger graduates with their programming may find they need to assess the interests and needs of this group carefully including their reasons for participating in continuing education programs, time constraints, travel costs, family responsibilities, and professional development needs. (MSE)

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…

Predicts the nature of college fund-raising campaigns in 2007, based on recent trends. Notes that campaigns will be shaped by student enrollment growth, competition for diminishing public dollars, and polarization of American incomes. Argues that campaigns should only be long enough to meet objectives, fit within a long-range advancement plan, and…

Advice for the college scholarship administrator in dealing with donors include conveying clear policies, avoiding restrictions, setting minimum endowment levels, educating estate professionals, publicizing scholarships, and having donors meet recipients. Suggestions for handling internal tasks include simplified administration, clear fees policy,…