Colleges and universities can use electronic services such as bulletin boards and electronic mail to both reach out to and keep in touch with alumni. Such services are already being used with some success. Many institutions will find that the technology is already in place on campus. (MSE)

This article outlines reasons why some colleges and universities choose to hire outside firms to manage telephone fund-raising campaigns and offers considerations in selecting the appropriate firm. Issues addressed include finding firms, inviting bids, checking references and facilities, making requirements clear, sustaining the relationship, and…

Techniques for college public relations professionals to use in promoting a cooperative relationship with the student press are outlined. These include being available to students, having regular meetings, providing access to administrators, providing information that creates context for news, and releasing news directly to the student press. (MSE)

Alumni periodicals can play an important part in a college fund-raising campaign. It captures alumni interest in the institution, provides news about campus events, and can highlight specific campus needs. Such periodicals can cover campaigns in several formats: features, news articles, dedicated section, annual report insert, regular column, or…

An in-house media training program can help college faculty feel comfortable with taped and on-camera interviews. Everyone benefits: faculty gain valuable experience; the media and public obtain quick, concise, and clear information; and the campus gets good public relations. Effective programs are carefully designed, realistic, and include…

The results of a questionnaire given to child care center directors, Head Start directors, and prekindergarten directors in public schools revealed that administrators do not view public relations, or "planned communications," as a high priority. (BB)

A guide to planning college and university anniversary celebrations that attract the attention of both friends and strangers recommends creating substantive programs related to current public interest; faculty involvement; broad-based and varied programing; media participation; attention to both past and future; and adequate budget. (MSE)

Recounts how several community colleges have reaped public relations successes through positive media coverage. Explains strategies for working with the media to get good coverage of college events and trends. Offers examples of award-winning communications efforts. (DMM)

Use of computer technology for specialized communication networks at University of California (Oakland), Lafayette College (Pennsylvania), Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania), the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook is described. The systems feature different forms of internal and…

Characterizes the rhetoric of three articles from a 1991 Library Quarterly symposium on the closing of graduate library school programs as self-serving. The effect of placing the issue in a context of victimization is criticized. Changing social forces and a poor theoretical base are considered as possible causes of program failures. (eight…

As the shrinking pool of applicants forces colleges to adapt new approaches to recruiting, media campaigns are emerging as an effective way to send key messages to target audiences. Media relations can lend credibility (news coverage is considered more credible than advertising); save money; reach targeted areas; and communicate key themes. (MLW)

Changing priorities in corporate and foundation giving, and sometimes in individual philanthropy, pose new challenges and create new opportunities for sources of external funding. The institution of higher education must prepare well for its requests, search carefully and persistently for new donors, make an effective case, recognize donors…

Describes a public library's winter vacation sleepover program for sixth and seventh graders. Planning, promotion, activities and games used, feedback, cost, and ideas for the future are discussed. (EAM)

Contends that school boards have failed to translate their vision of education to the community. Suggests using up-to-date methods like telemarketing, working with the news media, and televising board meetings. Maintains that boards must find ways to convince the community of the importance of long-term goals for education instead of short-term…

The University of Minnesota trapped and killed birds to reduce bird damage to research grain plots. When the Animal Rights Coalition demanded the practice be stopped, the situation became a public controversy. Presents an abridged form of this case as a focus for consideration of research methods, interest group agenda, and the universities' role…