Nationally reported crimes at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) and the University of Florida highlight the need for campus information offices to keep their communities informed about security issues. While following requirements of the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, campus communicators can also interpret, clarify, and…

Describes the development of a five-part plan for dealing with emergencies and crises in day care centers. The plan involves a handout that provides general information about the program, the designation of spokespeople, procedures for responding to both common and extreme emergencies, and media guidelines. (SH)

An Ohio school district is taking positive action to improve the public image of student transportation. The program attempts to fulfill parents' special needs. Presentations are made to a variety of community groups regarding the transportation operations, inhouse communications are encouraged, and feedback is welcomed. (MLF)

Radio is a relatively simple and effective way to make campus news and information available to the public. Establishing a college radio news service is not difficult, and developing a sound-bite service requires little equipment or expertise, just careful attention to quality and technique. More sophisticated systems can be developed easily. (MSE)

Author's Civil War study group is built around 124th New York State Volunteers (famed "Orange Blossoms"), historic regiment recruited in Orange County in 1982. Several local high school students have participated in program by donning authentic military uniforms and civilian dress of era, conducting primary research, and presenting…

Examines and compares the existing models of public relations education in the United States and Europe. Discusses differences in educational philosophy, skills versus theory training, and implications for professional advancement. Recommends a model based on knowledge rather than skills. (HB)

A small Idaho school district gained public support for a school levy by producing and distributing a videotape of school activities and district needs. The videotape provided a clear, concise presentation of information while avoiding confrontations that often occur with other methods of communication. (Author/SV)

A discussion of the relationship between campus public relations professionals and media relations consultants looks at why consultants are used, the best ways to use a consultant, searching for an agency, establishing fees and parameters, and making the relationship succeed. (MSE)

An informal survey of 19 media relations firms whose clients include schools, colleges, and universities revealed that institutions can contribute most to the success of the consultant-client relationship by planning, establishing goals and expectations, building a team, and identifying worthwhile stories. (MSE)

The University of Massachusetts at Boston has developed a telephone information service to respond to the growing number of telephone admissions inquiries. Trained information specialists with the most current information on programs, deadlines, and policies and procedures work in a specially designed room in which information is readily…

Guidelines offered for working with college alumni volunteers in student recruitment efforts include enlisting local alumni leaders' help; communicating expectations and procedures; requiring up-to-date records on local schools; prompt response to volunteer communications; and recognizing volunteer contributions. (MSE)

Presents Paul Salmon's old-fashioned, common-sense guidelines for success in practical school administration. The maxims advise on problem ownership; the value of selective neglect; the importance of empowerment, enthusiasm, and effective communication; and the need for positive reinforcement, cultivation of support, and good relations with media,…

Considers the role of the English department head in a time of fiscal constraint and retrenchment. Describes the special responsibilities necessitated by lean financial circumstances. Discusses department/administration relations and the public relations aspect of chairing a department. (HB)

Uses a case study and an interactionist perspective to explore the way in which community service draws together power elites in a community's communications network, provides a context for peer evaluation, and is an effective means of maintaining internal surveillance. (SR)

Problems in media coverage of higher education in New England are examined, noting high turnover in journalists covering colleges and universities and journalists' lack of time to visit campuses. What coverage there is appears to be focused heavily on a few prestigious institutions and state colleges where news is easily gathered from bureaucrats…