Day 1, Wednesday, Feb. 16

Noon-1:30 PM
Registration

1:00-1:15
Welcome and Introductions

1:15-2:15
The Art and Soul of Philanthropy
A common sense approach to development. This session sets the stage for the conference by examining the vocabulary of development, redefining familiar terms like fundraising, donation and solicitation. We will consider philosophical and practical thoughts about development, concluding with a quick tour through the Development Cycle.

2:30-3:45
Role of the Dean in Successful Development
The dean has a special role in successful development, including designing the case for support, deepening the engagement of top potential givers and participating in all phases of the Cycle. This session highlights important areas of development for deans and includes ideas and strategies to keep in mind throughout the rest of the conference and beyond.

4:00-5:00
Creating Joyful Givers
Moving a prospective giver from the initial contact to "the ask" takes patience and creativity. When done well, this can create an environment that will make the prospect a donor for life.

5:00-6:30
Networking Reception
Join the faculty and your colleagues at this networking reception. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

6:30
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 2, Thursday, Feb. 17

7:30-8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30
Advisory Boards
Many deans find that an active and engaged advisory board is a key component of successful development programs. But what are the actual benefits, and what kind of staffing and planning are necessary to create and nurture your advisory board for development purposes? Find out at this session.

9:45-10:45
Making the Artful Ask
The "ask" is one of the smallest parts of the development cycle, yet one that is critically important and causes the greatest anxiety. When the development cycle is successful, the "ask" will be artfully done and should be a natural and enjoyable part of the process for everyone involved.

11:00 AM-NOON
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Managing Prospects (repeated at 9:45 AM on Friday)
  Some of the major issues in development at our universities and colleges are the questions "Who is assigned each major prospect?", "How do we manage the process?" and "Who has the privilege of contacting whom"? Finally-a rational approach to all these pivotal and divisive questions.
• Campaign Fundamentals (repeated at 2:00 PM today and 9:45 AM on Friday)
  Campaigns seem ubiquitous and continuous. This session provides an overview of the basic elements of campaigns. Discuss the unique and critical roles of deans and others in campaigns.
• How a Dean Plans for Development
  Strategic planning for development is similar to academic strategic planning, but there are also differences. Which of your priorities are best suited to private funding? Who are these givers likely to be? What resources will you need? Find out at this session.

12:15-1:45 PM
Luncheon and Plenary Session: The Dream Team
Hear from a dean and development officer "dream team" about how they collaborate, how they divide up and coordinate the work of development, and what they value in each other personally and professionally.

2:00-3:00
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Discussion on Fundraising and Development for Colleges of Arts & Sciences
  At many institutions, colleges of arts and sciences are among the largest units on campus in terms of students and alumni, but their wide array of academic programs—often ranging from humanities and social sciences to the physical and life sciences and beyond—can present challenges. This informal session allows participants to share their own experiences and issues with colleagues and discuss best practices.
• Artful Ask Workshop (repeated at 3:15 PM today)
  Building on the concepts addressed during the Making the Artful Ask session, we will discuss the steps necessary to build our confidence and to best position ourselves for success in face-to-face solicitation.
• Ethical Issues in Development (repeated on Friday at 9:45 AM)
  Ethical issues are more top-of-mind than ever in development. Transparency, accountability and the highest ethical standards of personal and institutional conduct are vital to our success. Review ethical issues related to our work in development and consider the tools and approaches we use to ensure we all remain on the highest ethical ground.

3:15-4:15
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Development Officers Forum
  An informal and interactive discussion session for development professionals to reflect on the content of the conference. Participants can share best practices related to staffing deans, traveling with deans, preparing deans for prospect visits and other issues.
• Artful Ask Workshop
  Building on the concepts addressed during the Making the Artful Ask session, we will discuss the steps necessary to build our confidence and to best position ourselves for success in face-to-face solicitation.
• Clinic on Advisory Boards
  An informal and interactive Q&A/discussion session following up on the Advisory Boards session. Participants can raise their own challenges and share experiences with others on issues related to forming and working with advisory boards.

4:15
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 3, Friday, Feb. 18

7:30-8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30
Showing Gratitude
Good "stewardship" of gifts and donors is important, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is a part of the continuing cycle of development that leads to the next gift. It goes beyond saying "thank you." Explore creative ways to show the transformative impact of major gifts.

9:45-10:45
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Managing Prospects
  Some of the major issues in development at our universities and colleges are the questions "Who is assigned each major prospect?", "How do we manage the process?" and "Who has the privilege of contacting whom"? Finally-a rational approach to all these pivotal and divisive questions.
• Ethical Issues in Development
  Ethical issues are more top-of-mind than ever in development. Transparency, accountability and the highest ethical standards of personal and institutional conduct are vital to our success. Review ethical issues related to our work in development and consider the tools and approaches we use to ensure we all remain on the highest ethical ground.
• Campaign Fundamentals
  Campaigns seem ubiquitous and continuous. This session provides an overview of the basic elements of campaigns and discusses the unique and critical roles of deans and others in campaigns.

11:00 AM-NOON
The Mystical Mingling: Characteristics of the Development Team
Good development requires the active participation of many people. Who are the main players on your development team, where does the dean fit into the team, and what are some of the important personality traits and characteristics that make for good and successful development?

NOON
Conference Adjourns

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