Four basic models of the organization of college and university communications offices are described: advancement, news bureau model, agency, and marketing models. Pros and cons of each are discussed, and the structure of this function at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is presented as an ideal…

A new national survey of college fund raising practices suggests that colleges and universities are not following Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) guidelines for campaign length and donation accounting. The voluntary standards seek to build uniformity and comparability in procedures, but many institutions continue to use…

Ideas are offered for targeting groups in college and university fund raising, including reunion class giving, using volunteers, soliciting parent giving, asking faculty and staff to give, and helping students establish an early giving habit. Specific solicitation strategies are provided for each group. (MSE)

Outlines training suggestions for college volunteers in fund-raising phonathons: presenting the basics (nature of charitable giving, fund-raising on their campus, the annual fund, and specific reasons for soliciting); using role-playing as a training technique; monitoring and retraining as needed; and keeping volunteers motivated. Use of…

A survey of almost 150 colleges and universities found many are beginning to use integrated marketing approaches. Institutions report the most significant increases in all targeted areas (annual fund, applicant pool, enrollment yield) when their integrated marketing programs have the support of an alumni or trustee committee. Other findings…

Advice for the college scholarship administrator in dealing with donors include conveying clear policies, avoiding restrictions, setting minimum endowment levels, educating estate professionals, publicizing scholarships, and having donors meet recipients. Suggestions for handling internal tasks include simplified administration, clear fees policy,…

The design of a University of Hartford (Connecticut) decision-support information system for college advancement programs is detailed, specific research and management applications are examined, and the analyses and reports generated by the system are discussed. Early collaboration between institutional researchers and advancement and alumni…

A Local Education Fund (LEF) is a third-party, nonprofit entity whose agenda, at least in part, consists of developing supportive community and private sector relationships with a public school system. It provides limited private sector support to launch initiatives and broker relationships leading toward school improvement. LEFs are funded by the…

This booklet describes the earliest phases of planning a development program for a Catholic school. To ensure the success of such a program, there is need for the following: an initial common, basic understanding of and commitment to where the school is going on the part of all involved in the leadership of the school; involvement by leaders and…