The College Board developed guidelines for prepayment plans based upon concerns expressed during and after the 1987 Invitational Conference on College Prepayment and Savings Plans. The guidelines are provided. (MLW)

In part one of a two-part series, a mathematician and former college president looks at how best to utilize and invest endowments. Consideration of the needed and desirable percentage return on investments is discussed. (MSE)

With the variety of available investment options and a volatile securities market, it is vital that boards make wise choices about employee retirement programs. Issues to consider when discussing pension-plan changes are presented. (Author/MLW)

Two important responsibilities of a trustee investment committee are the selection of the managers and the asset allocation of the endowment fund. Benefits from outside management include the ability to select firms that specialize in a particular segment of the market and the spreading of assets to reduce risk. (Author/MLW)

Claremont Men's College's investment policy that concentrated on three growth and three growth-and-income mutual funds is described. Diversification, professional management, accounting, exchanges, liquidity, expenses, and how a mutual fund works are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The chairman of the financial committee of the Smith College Board found that it is wise to avoid getting directly involved in investment, but that it is better to fix goals and guidelines, leaving specifics to professional management. Comments and examples are provided by Henry H. Porter and William A. Wilson. (LBH)

The treasurer of Smith College describes their use of the unit method of investment, in which each endowment is given shares in the total investment pool, and the total return concept, which emphasizes the use of a modest portion of investment appreciation for operating purposes to supplement the yield from interest and dividends. (JT)

Investment strategies for colleges and universities are discussed. Colleges must begin their strategic investment planning with regular sources of income to ensure year-to-year survival. Cash management, short-term investment, investment grade, and creating endowment are discussed. (MLW)

Whether a university has a "balanced budget" is influenced by board decisions on investment, endowment utilization, and allocation of unrestricted gifts. One can only hope to protect endowment against inflation under economic conditions that make it possible to achieve a total return rate significantly higher than the rate of inflation.…

The debate about the "cashability" of faculty pension benefits raises questions about intent, fairness, and who controls what. Boards must weigh whether to allow faculty and staff to withdraw or transfer pension funds such as TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund). (Author/MSE)

Guidelines for planning a fund-raising drive are offered, focusing on things not to do and rationales not to consider. Reasons to avoid include: "our constituency is confused;""to attract major prospects;""to get volunteers;""we are in a crisis situation;""our centennial is coming up;""rivals are having campaigns;" and "it's time." (Author/LBH)

A plan is outlined that would encourage charitable contributions made jointly by corporations and their shareholders. Shareholders would agree to forgo one quarterly dividend and the corporation would match the contribution to any charity. Legal and tax implications and problems are discussed, as are advantages of the plan. (MSE)

Albion College established a study team of board members, faculty, and students on both sides of the South Africa divestment question to educate the campus community and determine institutional policy. After a year of study, the team decided to invest in South Africa rather than withdraw resources and reduce influence. (MSE)

A cooperative, interinstitutional plan offering individual tuition accounts based on lump-sum payments as a means of saving for college expenses is proposed as an alternative to loan options, savings bonds, and tuition futures. (MSE)

The responsibility of college governing boards to make appropriate investments is discussed in terms of current protests over doing business with South Africa. It is suggested that the "prudent investor" rule is paramount, that divestment has little real effect on policies of companies, and that human rights criteria should be considered…