Several ways in which colleges and universities without direct access to the Internet can make use of its services are offered, including establishing an account with a commercial vendor, using inexpensive local providers, and connecting through nearby campuses. (MSE)

The ways in which advancing technology will affect college and university public relations and the mass media in the next century are examined, and a survey of 60 campus public relations specialists and 40 journalists concerning predicted changes is reported. Implications for campus communications with the media are also discussed. (MSE)

Many daily and some weekly newspapers have developed online services that colleges and universities may use to their advantage for disseminating campus news. To use these public relations opportunities, campus information personnel must become comfortable with the technology, investigate commercial online vendors, forge relationships with the…

Ways in which college alumni officers are using emerging technology to enhance regional programming and distance communication are described, including World Wide Web sites, electronic mail, and satellite and video technologies. Suggestions are made for getting started: defining goals, doing research, offering inexpensive connections, and…

Ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication and record-keeping in college and university planned giving programs are outlined. Simple techniques are offered for using laptop computers, planned giving software, and institutional databases to improve access to information during travel and on campus. (MSE)

A variety of strategies for college public relations professionals to improve communication with the news media is offered, based on the experiences of a number of institutions. They include providing a workshop about the institution for reporters, personal contact between administrators and reporters, making information about the institution…

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)

The potential of CD-ROM and floppy disks in college student recruitment is explored. Benefits, research strategies, selection of format, creation of content, production values, and details of delivery are discussed. It is argued that carefully planned and effectively produced CD-ROMS and floppy disks can supplement computer network capabilities as…

Four common difficulties in development and maintenance of a World Wide Web site are those of capturing control of the ever-changing medium and providing product consistency; providing relatively easy and rapid access for users; coping with copyrights when there are so few legal guidelines; and preserving privacy for use of credit cards. Solutions…

Four innovative ways in which a college (Bryant College, Rhode Island), two universities (University of Maryland and Chapman University (California), and a preparatory school (University Preparatory Academy, Washington) have made the most of media coverage are described. Ideas include using information technology to spread news, using…

Describes ways in which college and university public relations professionals have addressed the challenge of information dissemination in an era of rapidly changing electronic communication. Others are encouraged to know their audiences, discover commonly used technologies, include television in the mix, make the most of a World Wide Web home…

Computer networks are changing the way public relations offices are staying in touch with faculty, staff, and students. Applications include electronic bulletin boards and newsletters, campuswide videotext availability, events calendars, and employment listings. The costs vary considerably depending on existing equipment and systems and program…

The Internet and other technological tools are rapidly becoming an expected means of communication for college and university public relations offices. Making this transition requires conquering fears of new technology, building on existing staff public relations skills, reorganizing operations to accommodate new tasks, enjoying the new…

Use of the World Wide Web, a set of connections that organizes the Internet for users, is suggested as one way to enhance college or university information systems. Possible practical applications include student recruitment, alumni relations, media relations, advertisement of institutional specialties, and interactive communications with specific…

Varied ways in which colleges and universities are using the Internet to present their offerings to both their own communities and the public as well as to gain access to information is examined. Applications include presentation of institutional information, community data, media relations, electronic mail, internal communication, and…