Capital campaign strategies that helped rally support for seven community colleges are described. An attractive college profile, enthusiastic volunteers, effective training, community contacts, and high internal morale helped create good donor support. (MLW)

A university's commitment to community service is vital to establishing productive working relationships with important community offices and committees. Several public relations officers were asked to describe the different ways they cultivate understanding. Experiences of Syracuse University and the University of Scranton are described. (MLW)

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the public relations staff and the chief executive officer team up to improve community relations. To improve minority relations, the university participates in a precollege mentor program. Experiences at the University of Vermont are described. (MLW)

Three successful college-community relations programs include weekly televised conversations between president, students, faculty, and staff (University of Michigan); a neighborhood outreach and college awareness program (Virginia Wesleyan College); and a conference to help campus and community understand motives of and reactions to prejudice and…

Results of a national survey of colleges and universities concerning alumni involvement in off-campus community service programs indicate a broad variety of activities. Steps to take in establishing and managing an alumni association community service project are outlined. (MSE)

Regardless of the size of a constituency or development office staff, a prompt and personal thank-you letter for every college donor gift is a must. This ritual is as crucial to a successful development program as any other step in the fund-raising process. (MLW)

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)

University public relations directors are offered guidelines for conducting an economic impact study to evaluate the institution's worth to the community. Discussed are positive and negative aspects of such studies, the selection of a formal or informal research approach, testing study validity, and disseminating the information. (DB)

Ways in which colleges and universities have made connections within their local communities that have enhanced local fund raising are described. A central theme in successful programs has been presenting a purpose that is meaningful to the community. (MSE)

This study examined how eight metropolitan newspapers in five states covered their local public research universities in 1994. It looked at the editor's role, how competition and ownership affect coverage, how university public relations (PR) professionals are adjusting to changing coverage, how PR professionals deal with negative or unfair…

Advice is offered for making the children of alumni welcome at campus events and reunions, illustrated with the experiences of several colleges. Suggestions include cooperating with the campus legal office concerning risk and liability of child care, using community facilities that cater to children, starting small and expanding with success, and…

Fund-raising auctions and related dinners produced by a private school, a community college, and a state university alumni association are described. Profiles include details of location, budget, proceeds, and reasons the events were successful. (MSE)

To establish and maintain supportive relationships with its host community, a college must develop strong campus plans and projects. Cohesiveness, clear communication, and courtesy are good foundations, and a good campus plan includes a mission statement, community knowledge, goals, target audiences, and specific town-gown activities.…

A survey of 133 college alumni association directors investigated trends in chapter organization and services. Results revealed new emphases on community service and continuing education to appeal to a younger, more diverse, more career-oriented membership. Although chapter social activities continue, they are less emphasized. (MSE)

Eight high-profile college administrators offer recommendations for successful public relations administration, including being proactive, getting connected on campus and in the community, knowing how to talk to the media, being a good listener, crafting the key messages, knowing the chief administrator, seeing the big picture, and hiring…