Not many institutions have a written document that states rules and procedures for accepting and handling gifts. Reasons for having a written policy, developing a policy, and what a policy includes are described. (MLW)

Offers principles for resolving ethical dilemmas in college alumni relations, based on a theory of decision-making using four ethical dilemma paradigms (truth vs. loyalty, individual vs. community, justice vs. mercy, short-term vs. long-term). Practitioners are urged to use quiet moments to reflect on and discuss ethical issues among the staff.…

Many institutions have adopted the guidelines on AIDS in "The General Statement on Institutional Response to AIDS," written by the American Council on Education in cooperation with the American College Health Association. Three steps for developing a campus response include designate campus committee, develop education program, and…

In an era when sophisticated campus marketing calls for sensitive public relations strategies, more institutions are turning to advisory groups. Most of these groups are made up of alumni or parents who know the institutions and have experience in public relations or communications. (MLW)

A 360-unit reference station system at the University of Washington makes important policy information available to all. Each station contains information on university policies, procedures, and services; state and federal regulations; and other matters affecting staff, faculty, and students. (MLW)

Increasing use of computer networks such as the World Wide Web makes it necessary for colleges and universities to formulate policies concerning institution-related postings. This involves designing institutional pages that are well-formulated, accurate, and in compliance with state and federal laws, and establishing policy that allows for some…

The article recommends that colleges and universities have a clear and detailed endowment policy that will meet donors' demands for accountability. The disclosure document needs to address investment policy and use of gifts and be communicated to trustees and staff. A collaborative relationship between fund-raising and financial operations is…

The reasons for writing or not writing statements of editorial mission, goals, and policy are discussed. The editors of two commercial-magazines that don't have a written editorial policy discuss why. (MLW)

Dishonesty in vendor-buyer relations is nothing new. Any alumni director who has contracted with a tour company for alumni trips knows ethical questions can arise, begining with the issue of familiarization, or fam, tours. Some suggestions for setting policies in an alumni office are presented. (MLW)

College and university fund-raising programs should have a written policy to make donor thank-yous part of office routine. Reviewing existing donor files can help codify existing policy and practice. Larger offices may need policies for different gift types and sizes. Innovative ways of recognizing donors, such as special events, gifts, and…

Topics under consideration for federal and state legislative action that may affect higher education are outlined, including research funding, support for National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, student aid funding, job training reduction, deregulation of telecommunications, accountability measures, Medicare and…

Every college should have a campuswide computer publishing policy. Policy options include (1) centralized publishing; (2) franchise, with a number of units doing their own publishing; or (3) limited, with the publications office producing the basics and assisting other units when feasible. To be successful, the policy must also be enforced. (MSE)

Editorial independence is described as a "snare and a delusion." The role of the publisher, who alone can define the purposes and policies of any periodical, is discussed. (MLW)

An endowed chair that is not carefully conceived and fully funded can create problems for institutions of higher education. A well-thought-out policy should guide staff, faculty, and donors concerning level of positions available, minimum donations for each, and titles. Minimum funding figures should be based on predicted endowment income.…

A survey of 254 college public relations (PR) officers that focused on their relationships with their presidents is reported, and results are compared with an earlier survey of presidents. Differences in the two groups' perceptions of the PR officer's role in policy formation, lines of authority, and title are highlighted. (MSE)