Given their potential, "Big Data and Analytics" can help institutions of higher education to thoroughly examine newly emerging challenges, explore and identify new ways to address them, and predict future outcomes for growth. Considering how new "Big Data and Analytics" are, existing knowledge about the potential value to…

The alumni group Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse (DFTD) was founded in 2018 to monitor the state of free expression, diversity of viewpoints, and ideological balance at Davidson College. DFTD was also founded to undertake research to help clarify whether perceived problems in these key areas are real. Fall 2021 survey of major…

This guidebook offers an approach to understanding and centering the lived experiences of students from low-income and minoritized identities as they progress along their journey to a college degree. Universities that wish to achieve equitable student outcomes may consider using this approach as one of several that will inform and catalyze action…

At many institutions, the vice president of institutional advancement oversees the functions of development, alumni relations, and marketing and communications. University leaders expect these functions to be integrated and to work hand-in-hand to advance the institution's mission, particularly in the area of private donations. The reality is that…

Disparities in college access for underrepresented urban students are one of the most urgent educational problems of America's education system. In response to growing national concern, this longitudinal study investigated how school leaders worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to implement research-supported student services in order to…

Current realities and practices in higher education have resulted in greater collaboration among campus units. Limited resources have forced departments to share programs, activities, space, and personnel. Branding efforts have prompted consistency in communication and even in practice. Institutional strategic plans reflect increased collaboration…

This book provides context about the experiences of Black graduate and professional students attending HBCUs. Indeed, such research is important, particularly since HBCUs play a significant role in the number of Blacks who receive doctorates and professional degrees (i.e. M.D., D.D.S., J.D. etc.), especially in science and engineering. In fact,…

Many small-shop alumni directors with no-frills budgets have found volunteer alumni help worth the organizing efforts. Some creative ways that colleges and universities have found to inspire new interest among the uninvolved are described. (MLW)

This article offers suggestions to alumni affairs offices who are dealing with increasing numbers of outspoken or angry alumni. Advice includes responding promptly, listening carefully, getting the facts ahead of time, keeping alumni informed, and monitoring the hot spots. Examples of how various colleges and universities handle alumni complaints…

Provides advice for small alumni offices on how to sponsor an alumni travel program, focusing on booking a travel agent, deciding where to go, using faculty as tour guides or lecturers, making time for alumni office staff to go along, remembering special touches, visiting local alumni, avoiding overt fund raising, and being prepared for problems.…

One of the hottest movements in banking right now is affinity credit cards. For banks, they mean a new source of credit customers. For institutions and alumni organizations, they can mean an easy, inexpensive way to keep the institutional name in front of alumni. (MLW)

Discusses the need for alumni directors to have a good working relationship with their college or university chief executive officer (CEO). Alumni directors need to increase their visibility, meet with the CEO on a regular basis, show results, plan around the CEO's schedule, and mediate conflicts between alumni and the CEO. (MDM)

Advice is offered on promoting diversity within the college alumni association, based on the University of Kansas Alumni Association's experience. Suggestions include providing offerings that appeal to everyone; challenging alumni to participate in reaching out to others; and inviting alumni involvement when dissatisfied. (MSE)

This article profiles "Northeastern University Magazine," discussing how this alumni magazine has changed its focus over the last several years to appeal to a younger audience and to present stories that cover the institution and its graduates as subjects worthy of study in themselves. (MDM)

Provides advice to small alumni offices on how to manage alumni relations and the annual fund campaign, noting that small offices need to develop a flexible attitude, consider the benefits of performing both tasks, work with people they can count on, manage their time carefully, and balance both activities. (MDM)