Two successful alumni continuing education programs at Columbia University (New York) are an annual seminar event offered in New Mexico and Italy and an on-campus evening colloquium series. The travel program sparks intellectual exchanges and allows cultivation of prospective donors. The colloquium series uses an interdisciplinary approach in…

Steps in developing a major college donor weekend program are outlined, including goal setting; tailoring events to reflect the best the institution has to offer; drafting an appropriate guest list; calculating costs; dealing with common problems such as low attendance, damaging media coverage, and guest list errors; and getting feedback. (MSE)

A survey of 648 United States and Canadian colleges and universities concerning their alumni education programs revealed that, although programs vary greatly, the most prevalent types are campus nonresident, foreign travel-study, and on-campus resident programs. In many cases, alumni office and continuing education divisions cosponsor programs.…

An institutional development audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a program, its operations, and its people. Information is analyzed to assess: institutional mission, personnel and organizational structure, financial resources, program management, communication, and overall program effectiveness and efficiency. (MLW)

Institutions are turning to marketing to combat the trends of declining enrollments, decreasing applicant pools, diminishing interest in traditional degrees, competition for students, and increasing costs. A marketing audit can analyze an institution's strengths and needs. (MLW)

In 1971, Indiana University's alumni association joined the continuing education division to offer an annual week-long miniuniversity for alumni, families, and nonalumni. Over 100 on-campus classes showcasing the university's finest faculty have been offered for all age groups. Extracurricular social events and child care are also available. (MSE)

A public relations audit can show how efforts measure up, whether they are parents programs, media relations, or faculty/staff communication. A sample inventory form is included. (MLW)

The administration's adviser to the Illinois State University Student Alumni Council examines the benefits of student participation in alumni affairs, outlines some considerations in the creation and development of a new student alumni program, and suggests program possibilities for different constituencies, including alumni, students, future…

College alumni associations are using a variety of approaches to improve alumni participation. Surveying alumni for needs and preferences can be fruitful. Program ideas include career planning, parent programs, community service, student relations activities, and high school recruitment. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation is crucial to…

Recommendations for planning a successful training workshop for college alumni volunteers include assuring the association is organized and the program well timed; making sure everyone agrees to budget and/or financial commitments; using seasoned volunteers to conduct a feasibility study and determine training needs; making training enjoyable; and…

Potential uses of computers in alumni office administration are discussed, including management and manipulation of numbers, calendar maintenance, events management, and communications, and tips for implementing a computerized system effectively are provided. (MSE)

The University of Arizona's experience with a small-scale fund-raising project to establish a memorial scholarship illustrates that the development office's efforts in guiding a motivated group of donors can pay off. Planning elements included establishing a team, delegating tasks, handling mail and telephone calls, generating enthusiasm, and…

Five innovative programs found at entrepreneurial alumni associations around the country are described including: camps and vacation centers, sports newsletter, book publishing, audio tapes, and seminars.

A coherent, comprehensive communication plan to support college fund raising includes setting goals and objectives, determining target audiences, defining campaign themes, tying the plan to a campaign timetable and geographic priorities, determining the most effective tactics for delivering campaign messages, resolving cost questions, and…

Properly designed and properly evaluated, entrepreneurial activities can have many kinds of positive financial and non-financial results for an alumni program. A service or product line that alumni can not get from any other source can benefit the budget and both internal and external goodwill. (MSE)