Arguments for and against formal alumni chapters are outlined. Pros include increased membership, better leadership, and strengthened development potential; cost effectiveness is possible. Cons include direct and indirect costs; informal alumni structures are seen as equally effective. (MSE)

When an institution changes its name, adjusts enrollment patterns, merges with another institution, or undergoes any major change affecting its identity, alumni and donors signal their feelings through their giving. Careful attention must be paid to donor perceptions. (MSE)

Alumni directors can bring creative ideas to traditional tasks by taking a new look at the problem, being aware of personal creative peaks, seeking perspectives outside the office staff, acknowledging that creativity is an attitude, putting new ideas to work, and having fun. (MSE)

Increasingly, colleges are offering affinity credit cards with attractive incentives as a marketing tool. Some in academe feel the trend may compromise educational objectives. Institutions may also face taxation on unrelated-business income generated through the cards. (MSE)

The alumni association president can participate effectively in college fund-raising campaigns by developing a high-quality board, seeking appointments to campus committees, learning about fund raising, cultivating relationships, being a resource before and after the campaign, offering to participate, evaluating programs regularly, and reaping…

A survey of 26,516 alumni representing 120 colleges and universities assessed former students' satisfaction with their bachelor's degrees in 3 areas (personal growth, continuing education, job preparation) and by 4 subgroups (by gender, institution type/size, years since graduation, major). Results are reported, and ways to incorporate findings…

Assumptions that graduate alumni are unresponsive to college fund-raising efforts are inaccurate. More often, the institution ignores them. Although graduate students may not feel affinity with a particular class, they can be reached. Some campus development programs have succeeded by building strong affiliations with deans, faculty, alumni, and…

Using a system of alumni class agents for college advancement can be effective, but common problems include weak class identity, large class size, overburdened staff, and poor class communication. Institutions can help by offering on-campus training for class agents, communicating regularly, and recognizing agents' contributions and successes.…

Increasingly, colleges and universities are establishing retirement communities on or near campus to attract active and generous alumni. The communities provide opportunities for continuing education and intergenerational contact. The working relationships between institutions and retirement communities are varied. Suggestions are made for…

Presents findings from the "2001 Graduating Student & Alumni Survey," conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Results reveal that most students: chose majors that will prepare them for a specific line of work; do not expect lofty salaries or unusual perks; have healthy concerns about conducting a successful job search; and…

The NEAIR 2009 Conference Proceedings is a compilation of papers presented at the Baltimore, Maryland conference. Papers in this document include: (1) A Principle Components Analysis of The Determinants of Student Satisfaction at a Historically Black Institution (Tao Gong and Jacqueline V. Parham); (2) Assessing and Enhancing Graduates'…

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived outcomes associated with girls' school attendance, with a focus on examining alumnae perceptions of the effectiveness of their schools in preparing them for the academic and social aspects of college. Drawing on the responses of more than 1,000 alumnae representing 61 schools, the findings of…

The Frank J. Manning Certificate Program in Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston was established in 1979 as part of an Administration on Aging (AoA) grant to develop and expand services to the elderly citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program was designed to implement concepts associated with productive aging…

One of the areas of increased importance to social work pedagogy is the development of culturally competent practice skills. In focus groups, first and second year students, and recent alumni reflected on their growing awareness and competence concerning cultural diversity. Meaningful patterns emerged emphasizing the importance of psychologically…

This publication addresses fund raising gift clubs and presents reprinted articles on the topic and the results of a survey of gift club programs and techniques at higher education institutions and independent elementary and secondary schools. Gift clubs are programs that motivate donors to give more generously by recognizing those who give at…