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)

Ingredients for a successful alumni association membership campaign are outlined, including clear objectives for the campaign; support of staff, board, and administration; careful timing; focus on college events; strategically targeted mailing audience; appropriate type of mailing; unique message; attention-getting format; follow-up; and use of…

A student member of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's student alumni association discusses numerous advantages of student participation with alumni, including contacts with campus officials, friendships, valuable networking opportunities, job-hunting assistance, and a sense of loyalty; the characteristics of good student members; and factors in…

Arguments for and against formal alumni chapters are outlined. Pros include increased membership, better leadership, and strengthened development potential; cost effectiveness is possible. Cons include direct and indirect costs; informal alumni structures are seen as equally effective. (MSE)

Advice is offered for developing and strengthening college alumni special interest groups. These include setting clear guidelines; striving for membership quantity and enthusiasm; focusing on a mission; developing strong and creative leaders; sharing responsibility among staff; setting reasonable objectives; and finding financial support. (MSE)

A survey of 133 college alumni association directors investigated trends in chapter organization and services. Results revealed new emphases on community service and continuing education to appeal to a younger, more diverse, more career-oriented membership. Although chapter social activities continue, they are less emphasized. (MSE)

A study investigated the type, activities, and regional context of alumni associations at 124 2-year colleges. Results indicate the most successful programs had more staff and fiscal resources, were well established, had fewer alumni in the area, were not members of the National Council for Resource Development, and emphasized personal…

Those who manage college alumni association World Wide Web sites should prepare for three trends: (1) alumni Web sites are featuring more valuable offerings, including forms to update personal information, program information, extensive class home pages, and class notes; (2) more campuses are using professional designers; and (3) campuses are…

The University of Missouri's alumni association is using technology to recruit new members, increase retention, and provide benefits and services. Examples include the use of members' electronic mail for communication, use of personal barcodes on membership renewal notices, and automatic membership renewal using credit and debit accounts. (MSE)