The Internet and other technological tools are rapidly becoming an expected means of communication for college and university public relations offices. Making this transition requires conquering fears of new technology, building on existing staff public relations skills, reorganizing operations to accommodate new tasks, enjoying the new…

In an interview, a school district director of communication shares his experiences about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Ontario and offers timely advice for practitioners, including a proactive communications team and coordination of information with state and local health, police, and fire departments. (MLF)

Strategies for encouraging affiliation in commuting students include special public relations efforts, providing special opportunities and access, providing special services such as free telephone use, offering leadership opportunities, presenting social activities at needed times, including off-campus students in traditional events, promoting…

A survey of 784 minority group applicants to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst who were accepted but did not enroll indicates that prospective students are very aware of racial incidents on campus and made college choice decisions based in part on that information. Black students were particularly affected. (MSE)

Eleven examples of community relations programs that have earned CASE Recognition Awards in 1988 and 1989 are presented. The programs include school-college partnerships, programs for the needy, and programs for the community at large. (MLW)

Discusses the accreditation of public relations education programs. Suggests caution in interpreting the educational results of the expansion that has occurred in public relations--as a professional field and as an educational discipline. Offers recommendations on curriculum design for public relations programs. (MS)

Surveys college and university public relations directors, their presidents, and the media whom the public relations people identified as their primary newspapers. Reports what the public relations people and presidents said about themselves and what the media said about the public relations people. (MS)

Use of the World Wide Web, a set of connections that organizes the Internet for users, is suggested as one way to enhance college or university information systems. Possible practical applications include student recruitment, alumni relations, media relations, advertisement of institutional specialties, and interactive communications with specific…

This article reviews issues and circumstances surrounding the death of a University of Louisville (Kentucky) dental school faculty member found to be positive for the human immunodeficiency virus. it addresses administrative aspects including public relations, patient relations, epidemiological review, and staff counseling. (MSE)

The departure or death of an important college or school fund raiser can threaten campaign morale and momentum. The experiences of development programs in such situations illustrate a variety of strategies for management, including good record keeping and institutional communication, teamwork, assuming business as usual, having two people in…

Colleagues of the late Virginia Carter Smith, former communications vice president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), comment on her special qualities and contributions to the organization and its administration. (MSE)

Advice for stretching the capacity of the small college public relations office includes planning well; using strategy; searching out creative ideas; choosing quality over quantity in press releases; using student and volunteer workers; developing strong media relations; accepting advice; and anticipating problems. (MSE)

Describes effective communication strategies for administrators. The three steps are to know your audience, understand the type of information you are presenting, and make appropriate use of different modes of communication. Tips are offered for oral, written, and nonverbal communication. (LMI)

Highlights ways to make parents feel that they are an integral part of day-care programs, such as organizing orientation tours for new parents, discussing the administration of the program with parents, and introducing teachers and staff to parents. Notes that, by sharing program details with parents, day-care centers can create stronger…

Notes problems that center directors can face in everyday encounters and proposes a technique that can facilitate and help preserve fairness in difficult situations. Details the four components of the model: describe, express, specify, and consequences. Suggests that this strategy combines emotion and logic into a short message with clear…