A foundation official offers practical advice for making a grant application more appealing. Pointers are given for the preparatory stage (planning a precise request, setting priorities, selecting proposal writers), making the presentation (precision, punctuality, polish), and preventing awkwardness in style and tone of writing. (MSE)

Based on experience with the 1994 earthquake, staff members of California State University at Northridge offer advice on coping with the aftermath of a crisis. Suggestions focus on early information dissemination both on and off campus, follow-up communication, finding things to celebrate, and remaining flexible and psychologically prepared for…

Large, flashy college fund drives may be falling out of favor with alumni and friends of the institution. Advancement professionals recount their experiences and suggest ways to adapt campaigns to new needs and environments. Inherent problems with large campaigns are enumerated, and the importance of clear communication to audiences on and off…

An informal survey of college editors via electronic mail (e-mail) found that many felt inter- and intrainstitutional e-mail was an efficient method of communication but also elicited some concerns. Some respondents noted it did not replace face-to-face communication; flaming and overload were also noted as negatives of e-mail. (MSE)

This article discusses the ways that universities deal with controversial issues that are widely publicized in the popular press. Citing specific cases involving the University of Virginia, the University of Utah, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University (Rhode Island), it examines institutional public relations in the wake of…

Outlines a five-step, reality-based process for dealing with special-interest groups: (1) value controversy; (2) know the school district's mission; (3) identify the interest groups; (4) choose an appropriate strategy--evasion, conciliation, bargaining, opposition, or consensus; and (5) periodically evaluate how the district has handled issues.…

In the probusiness 1980s, marketing and public-relations schemes were characterized as legitimate contributions to the curriculum, helpful teaching aids, or effective school-business cooperation models. By the late 1980s, commercialism in schools had become so rampant that Channel One was regarded as a school-reform proposal. Today, profit-making…

Cornell University (New York) president Frank H. T. Rhodes has been a highly successful fund raiser for the institution through his personal attributes and loyalty to the university. Rhodes postponed retirement to see the current fund drive almost to its end. Other accomplishments also distinguish his tenure as president. (MSE)

Posits that organizations in crisis situations must address multiple audiences with distinct needs. Analyzes the public communication offered by Jack in the Box restaurants during a food poisoning outbreak. Finds that ambiguity may provide organizations with a means for satisfying the divergent needs of their audiences--even where these distinct…

This interview with the executive director of the National Association for Gifted Children documents responses to questions about gifted program advocacy, including opposition to differentiated education for gifted students, effective lobbying techniques, and relationships with legislators and the business community. (DB)

Principles for college market research include (1) only ask relevant questions; (2) ask key questions often; (3) compare responses; (4) ask important questions of many people; (4) keep the research simple; (5) don't cut corners; (6) listen to the customer through focus groups and complaint systems; and (7) share the information with people who can…

Marketing professionals offer these suggestions to college communicators: segment audiences; convey the campus' position on issues; express the same theme in various communications; frame the message in the context of meeting the audience's needs; let editorial content guide design; use sophisticated but cost-effective design; solicit opinions;…

A survey of 1,967 alumni of a college school of business was designed to enhance strategic institutional planning. It had four objectives: (1) to identify skills developed or enhanced by the program; (2) to identify program strengths and weaknesses; (3) to determine levels of expectation and student satisfaction; and (4) to identify issues for…

A veteran school leader advises aspiring superintendents to focus their job search according to desired geographical area, type of community, and salary range and to prepare thoroughly for interviews. On-the-job success strategies include watching professional image, finding out about predecessors, communicating educational goals, honing public…

Presents a multipart exercise developed to facilitate a semiotic approach for teachers of journalism courses concerned with feature writing and photography, in advertising copywriting classes, and for public relations projects involved with image development. Notes that the lessons for each sequence are based upon a process of discovery through a…