Ignoring public relations can have devastating consequences, as one Indiana (LaPorte) district learned after a failed bond measure. School board members should cultivate local news media, ensure that schools send out regular newsletters, use free media coverage, save press conferences for significant events, move board meetings to different…

Offers guidelines for developing a general-purpose fact book for an individual college or university, including: initial considerations of purpose, context for publication, issue orientation, and organization; content issues; inclusion of adequate information on all major topics addressed; and logistical or presentation considerations. (MSE)

A discussion of public attitudes toward higher education and faculty looks at deepening public distrust of the professoriate and tenure, ambivalence about college teaching as a professional pursuit, and the role of public relations efforts to win support within constituencies. Broader definitions of teaching and service, and more substantial ways…

Examines the importance of including instruction in public relations (PR) in journalism curricula. Discusses common misconceptions regarding PR, the evolution of the field, and the social science aspects and ultimate goals of PR. Indicates that it is important to provide students with a balanced introduction to PR. (MAB)

College and university public relations professionals have cultivated faculty volunteers and developed new ways to bring the classroom to alumni by involving faculty in homecoming, reunion activities; requesting nominations for alumni awards; informing faculty how their participation affects former students; socializing with faculty to discover…

Suggestions for inexpensively marketing a college or university planned giving program include taking advantage of existing marketing opportunities in campus publications and mailings; using off-the-shelf marketing materials (newsletter/brochure formats); communicating with prospects individually or in groups (meetings, seminars, personal visits);…

Discusses the need for special libraries to have a marketing plan in order to increase support and plan for the future. Topics include finding the time; budgets and marketing; promoting library services; the use of outside consultants; making market planning a continuous process; and marketing efforts at product shows. (LRW)

A study of 29 educational organizations in Louisiana investigated public relations needs relative to the education of gifted children. Eighteen organizations indicated they would welcome gifted education presentations at their state conferences. The need for a statewide gifted advisory council to coordinate publications, speakers, and advocacy…

Provides advice to universities on communicating research. Before controversy, they should: be ready, know the plan, teach researchers and administrators how to talk to reporters, prepare general background materials, and use the Web. During controversy, they should: do triage, tell the whole story, use the moment, remember internal audiences, be…

Describes how public relations (PR) students' Internet self-efficacy (e-mail, bulletin board system, real-time chat, and Web research) was measured before, immediately after, and 7 weeks after they worked in either geographically dispersed (Kansas and Hawaii) or local (Kansas only) teams to develop a PR issue statement. Finds Internet efficacy…

Knowledge of how broadcast news works, and what the real concerns of the industry are, can help in developing more effective college information dissemination. Understanding newsroom hierarchies, deadlines, schedules, paying attention to quality of the story and presentation, and educating faculty and administrators in media skills will improve…

Board and school system contacts with the public can be improved by providing first-rate service, businesslike meetings, efficient and courteous personnel, and attractive facilities. (MLF)

An Australian campaign to promote French second-language instruction uses the motto, "Big Bucks with a Little French." The campaign accompanies publication of the book "French in Australia: New Prospects," which seeks to reinforce and diversify the image of French and its use around the world, for business and pleasure. (MSE)

Isolation of the college public affairs office from the institution's decision-making process is commonplace, either unintentionally or by design. Specific recommendations offered by creative public relations professionals can help officers avoid isolation from four important groups: the college president, campus, community, and staff. (MSE)

Alumni travel programs provide an ideal opportunity for both learning and nurturing a climate of support for a college. Yale University's (Connecticut) alumni association has found the inclusion of faculty on its educational tours to be highly successful, sometimes constructing entire trips around the faculty member's educational objective. (MSE)