Out of concern for declining participation in its local alumni clubs, Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) surveyed 10,400 alumni nationally, 800 club officers, and alumni officers of 10 other colleges and universities. Resulting profiles of recent and older graduates revealed substantial population changes, suggesting the need for adaptation of…

Understanding reporters' needs and devising solid programs to meet them have done much to enhance the public relations office of the Texas Health Science Center at Dallas. A lot of time is spent hunting for new sources, developing good media lists, and keeping these lists up-to-date. (MLW)

Getting the authority necessary to edit an effective alumni periodical is discussed. According to an informal survey of 35 award-winning CASE editors, most are reasonably satisfied with their degree of authority. Many alumni magazines are dull because editors are afraid to rock the boat. (MLW)

Interviews with 30 million-dollar donors to colleges and universities, including 17 individuals and representatives of 8 corporations and 5 foundations, revealed that donors gave with the expectation of receiving some return but sought indirect rather than direct benefit: enhancement of the institution, community, or society at large. (MSE)

A recent Council for Advancement and Support of Education survey of 115 campus editors concerning the autonomy of their publications found editors have more editorial freedom, in comparison with a 1981 survey, but feel some pressure from direct supervisors and fund raisers to write or avoid certain stories. They generally feel their publication is…

Two articles look at higher education public relations issues. The first reviews three studies of public opinion of higher education, undertaken through broad survey, focus groups, and a survey of civic leaders. In the second article, five college and university public relations professionals reveal their battle plans to respond to public…

An informal survey identified qualities that make a good mentor. Some traits mentioned repeatedly as being important include: unselfishness, leading by example, setting high ethical standards, being a cheerleader, being a critic, challenging people to be their best, and honesty. (MLW)

An informal survey of college editors via electronic mail (e-mail) found that many felt inter- and intrainstitutional e-mail was an efficient method of communication but also elicited some concerns. Some respondents noted it did not replace face-to-face communication; flaming and overload were also noted as negatives of e-mail. (MSE)

The reasons for writing or not writing statements of editorial mission, goals, and policy are discussed. The editors of two commercial-magazines that don't have a written editorial policy discuss why. (MLW)

Tips for editing effective college publications include developing a mission statement and using it for selecting appropriate articles; evaluating progress; regular correspondence with key constituencies; studying other periodicals; getting ideas from readers; inviting guest editorials; reading all institutional publications; reviewing back…

Racism remains a serious problem for Blacks working in institutional advancement at predominantly White colleges and universities. Blacks responding to a winter 1984 survey, however, expressed optimism about the future. (MLW)

Describes ways in which college and university public relations professionals have addressed the challenge of information dissemination in an era of rapidly changing electronic communication. Others are encouraged to know their audiences, discover commonly used technologies, include television in the mix, make the most of a World Wide Web home…

Clout, or the authority invoked in certain situations, is discussed as it pertains to public relations officers. Five ways to cultivate the president are presented and some effective power plays are described. (MLW)

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)