The parallel political marketplace conceptualization is used to analyze the political environment in which colleges and universities operate, including the effect of citizen/consumer groups on institutional marketing decisions, advocacy organizations, flow of favors and threats in political systems, political roles served by marketing, and…

Discusses challenges to sexual materials in libraries and suggests ways to fight against censorship. Topics addressed include gay and lesbian materials; access by children and young adults; public relations programs; possible responses; selection and reconsideration policies; and the library's role in the democratic process. (LRW)

A survey of 92 medical college admissions officers indicated the admissions interview has two major purposes: assessing candidates' noncognitive skills and public relations. Most interview processes were loosely to moderately structured, and interviewers received minimal training. The interviewer's role is primarily subjective but influential in…

Reviews college and university catalogs for public relations courses. Finds 578 departments offering such courses. Notes that the majority of such courses are offered in communication departments. Takes issue with the findings of an earlier study. (SR)

In a panel format, experienced college publications editors and development professionals discussed their responses to three scenarios describing clashes between alumni magazine staff and development officers: writing donor profiles; reporting negative campus news; and publishing campaign materials in the alumni magazine. Excerpts of the…

Offers five suggestions to college presidents for enhancing the college-community relationship: attending most community or neighborhood meetings to which invited; having the public affairs staff build a mailing list of community representatives; being prepared to do special favors; building an institutional tradition of community service; and…

Four basic models of the organization of college and university communications offices are described: advancement, news bureau model, agency, and marketing models. Pros and cons of each are discussed, and the structure of this function at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is presented as an ideal…

Recent research describes the two components of a collaboration ethic model--person-centered attributes and organizational-level elements. Camps can implement these components within camp; among friends of the camp (alumni, community, and parents); and between camps, resulting in strengthened communities, learning, and increased effectiveness. (TD)

Describes the way in which Wilfrid Laurier University (Ontario), an institution that had worked hard to improve its programs and reputation, addressed a disappointing ranking in a national news magazine. In cooperation with other educators, administrators, and institutional researchers, the university undertook a successful project to have the…

Presents results of a survey of 158 master's degree programs in mass communication disciplines regarding: thesis, project, and coursework-only options; course requirements; and core courses most frequently required. Compares these findings with those from earlier studies. (SR)

A public relations model provided the basis for the five-step ROPES college fund-raising model: (1) research on the institution, the funding opportunity, and the publics targeted; (2) objective setting for both office output and program impact; (3) programming to meet those objectives; (4) evaluation of the effectiveness, not just efficiency, of…

Discusses approaches to teaching a mediated public relations course, emphasizing the World Wide Web. Outlines five course objectives, assignments and activities, evaluation, texts, and lecture topics. Argues that students mastering these course objectives will understand ethical issues relating to media use, using mediated technology in public…

The role of college and university public relations staff in managing relationships between researchers and the media is discussed. Ten specific researcher personality types that present a challenge for public relations professionals are described, and strategies for successful interaction are offered. (MSE)

In a campus crisis, while administrators address immediate needs, trustees must find a balance between involvement and oversight. Trustees should respond by developing a worst-case strategy; establishing early warning systems; defining "due diligence"; emphasizing candor and honesty; picking one spokesperson; protecting institutional privacy;…

Presents results of a membership survey of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Highlights include the diversity of members; concern for access to information; interest in continuing education activities; and public relations needs. The survey instrument, with summary statistics, is appended. (LRW)