Recent technological advances have put alumni-development computer systems within reach of most colleges and universities. Options, including the types of hardware available, the many ways to match an office's needs to your hardware, and the types of software available are discussed. (MLW)

This article provides ideas on how to conduct alumni telephone surveys: (1) use the information gathered; (2) implement a survey; (3) develop appropriate questions; (4) test a survey instrument; (5) train interviewers; (6) collect the data; (7) analyze the results; (8) report the results; and (9) use the results to take action. (MDM)

This article provides advice on how to plan and conduct an alumni census through the mail, drawing on the experiences of Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts, which undertook such a survey in 1992. It focuses on costs, information needs, questionnaire design, mailing considerations, reporting the results, and expected response rates.…

Syracuse University's use of a personal computer to keep track of alumni reunion registration is described. They can take reservations over the phone, produce lists of returning alumni according to different categories, give catering current meal counts, keep track of special requests, and write personalized confirmation letters. (MLW)

A step-by-step guide to conducting readership surveys by computer is presented. Planning a computerized survey, handling the responses, and analyzing the data are discussed. (MLW)

Presents 10 questions that development officers should be able to answer from their database and the powerful implications this data mining has for both annual and major giving programs. Discusses development officers' increasing need for in-house expertise in data analysis. (EV)

This article discusses techniques for calculating the net worth of prospective college and university donors, explaining how to base a net worth calculation on known statistical averages. It then reviews several formulas for estimating a person's giving ability. (MDM)

Good computer files can help colleges find, manage, and solicit alumni volunteers. In 1978 Rhodes College began creating detailed records on alumni and friends, entering gift and biographical data, mostly in coded form, into computerized personal files. (MLW)

An alumni survey is an unbeatable tool for realizing and tapping the potential of alumni. It can also help win recognition of the importance of alumni constituency. A comprehensive survey creates an effective database on each alumnus. (MLW)

Applying prospect research techniques to donors on the college or university annual fund rolls can be effective without high cost. Simple segmenting can be done by manipulating existing computer files, as illustrated by the experience of a number of institutions. Using commercial analysis services can also be cost effective. (MSE)

The spreadsheet can be a powerful tool in marketing. Using a spreadsheet and admissions data, models can be built for: periodic reports of admission status, projections of the size and quality of the incoming class, and long-term recruitment strategy. (MLW)

How the ability of competing institutions to attract private support has changed over time is discussed. Data from 1971 to 1982 on Tufts University and 33 other selective colleges and universities was studied. (MLW)

A study to provide some measurable benchmarks of the advancement process at small colleges is described. Data are presented on budgets, spending per function, professional staff, chief advancement officer, support staff, recruitment costs, fund-raising revenues and costs, and developing institutions. (MLW)

The effectiveness of gift range tables for capital campaign planning is discussed. The gift range table provides a rule of thumb concerning how many gifts are needed at each range of giving to ensure a campaign's success. Feasibility studies are discussed. (MLW)

Techniques in using readership surveys to boost the effectiveness and acceptance of a college publication, particularly those intended for faculty and alumni, are outlined. Steps include planning the research, selecting survey participants, drafting a questionnaire, designing a survey package, monitoring response, and reviewing and presenting…