This article discusses reasons why a number of colleges and universities are privatizing (having outside sources take over) some administrative and support functions such as publications as well as reasons why other institutions have rejected this growing trend. In each case, true costs of the change are a central consideration. (MSE)

Four major trends in corporate funding that may be seen as problems for higher education are outlined. Trends include corporate downsizing, decreased corporate giving, fewer one-time gifts, and increased emphasis on elementary secondary education. Specific examples are given of institutions turning these potentially negative trends into…

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)

Issues management in college public relations involves identifying issues and trends early, debating alternative responses, deciding on the best approach, and designing and carrying out an action plan. Experience at the University of Minnesota with the issue of animal rights has shown the method can be very useful. (MSE)

A survey of CASE and three other associations of higher education administrators showed a high turnover rate (17.3%) in advancement offices. Turnover rates for functional area, type of institution, size of unit, and voluntary and involuntary terminations are shown. (MLW)

Between 1981 and 1985, advancement officers' salaries stayed slightly ahead of inflation but didn't increase as much as other white-collar workers' salaries. A 1985 CASE survey of institutional advancement professionals' salaries investigated factors that influence salary, and gender was found to be a significant influence. (MLW)

Strategic planning defines the university's mission, scans the environment and identifies challenges and opportunities for the university, assesses institution's strengths and weaknesses, sets priorities, and outlines strategies for achieving goals. Strategic planning at the University of Miami is discussed. (MLW)

Ten years after a first survey of journalists covering higher education, a follow-up survey found substantial changes in personnel and more coverage of higher education in larger newspapers. Journalists prefer that campus public relations officials distribute less self-promoting mail and fewer nonnews stories, provide expertise and access, and be…

The more that is known about what appeals to alumni, nonalumni, businesses, and other types of organizations, the more institutions will know which traits to stress in fund-raising appeals. Year-to-year variations in the amounts of money given to education by different groups were studied. (MLW)

Gift planning is increasing in Canada's colleges and universities to offset effects of retrenchment. New annuity vehicles and the emergence of university Crown Foundations offer tax breaks that support private giving to institutions. In addition, a simplified process for gifts is anticipated. (MSE)

A survey of 133 college alumni association directors investigated trends in chapter organization and services. Results revealed new emphases on community service and continuing education to appeal to a younger, more diverse, more career-oriented membership. Although chapter social activities continue, they are less emphasized. (MSE)

Predictions from alumni directors for alumni administration in the next decade include: need for new sources of revenue, changes in demographics that will require changes in program content, more time and money for continuing education programs, use of communication technology, liability insurance crisis, alumni associations run more like…

A national survey found that job changes among 3,322 college advancement professionals are more frequent than in other college administrative areas, but the rate is declining. Data are reported, with analysis, on turnover by functional area (development, alumni relations, public relations, combination), institution type, size of unit, and by…

Those who manage college alumni association World Wide Web sites should prepare for three trends: (1) alumni Web sites are featuring more valuable offerings, including forms to update personal information, program information, extensive class home pages, and class notes; (2) more campuses are using professional designers; and (3) campuses are…

College development specialists predict trends in corporate matching gifts including increased competition, reduction in gift size, more diversity, more employee input, sophisticated use of technology, more global and democratic giving, gifts reflecting the general economic climate, and larger gifts for top recipients). They recommend better…