Connecting with Donor of the Future Requires Thought, Strategic Plan

The changing economy and social media are among the factors shaping a new generation of donors, and fundraisers must “get smarter” and learn what motivates this group to give, according to a recent article in University Business.

VSE Survey Shows Sharp Drop in 2009 Giving to U.S. Colleges, Universities

Charitable contributions to colleges and universities in the United States declined 11.9 percent to $27.85 billion, an indication that the impact of the recession on donors and the institutions they support was “even greater than anticipated,” according to CASE President John Lippincott.

Survey Finds Most U.S. Journalists Use Social Media for Story Research

A recent survey of magazine, Web site and newspaper editors and reporters reveals that a large majority of working journalists now depend on social media such as blogs, Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube for background research in writing stories.

Experts Offer Winning Advice for Engaging Donors

In this uncertain economy, advancement professionals are looking for new ways to communicate their schools’ strengths. At the CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference held in New York City last month, presenters from the session “From Basic to Brilliant: Not Your Typical Campaign Communications” gave attendees just that.

HBCUs Can Build Stronger Support through Faculty, Others with Vested Interest

Historically black colleges and universities that engage faculty, staff, alumni and other "vested" individuals in their overall fundraising efforts enjoy stronger giving and volunteer support. That’s according to three presenters at a recent CASE Online Speaker Series.

Gender Gap in Higher Ed Stabilizing in U.S., Canada

The gender gap in higher education has apparently stabilized for most groups in the United States, although it continues to grow among Hispanic students. That's according to a new study by the American Council on Education.

CASE Europe Reports Findings from Latest ICAR Survey

A recent CASE survey reveals that the median number of full-time alumni relations staff at institutions outside of the United States is three.

Successful Talent Management Program Takes Holistic Approach

To attract and retain development staff, treat them like donors. That's the advice from two talent management experts who discussed new strategies and best practices for the changing job market in today's tough economy during a recent CASE conference on strategic talent management.

CASE Asks: Are University Magazines Still Relevant in a Digital World?

A survey of more than 35,000 alumni magazine readers and more than 135 member institutions in the United States shows that magazines are still an effective way to connect with, engage, and motivate alumni and other constituents.

New Report Backs Increase in Undergrad Fees for UK Students

A report released earlier this month recommends that the UK government increase undergraduate student fees by at least 55 percent or a minimum of £5,000 (US$7,834) per year.

UK Government to Cut the Number of Student Visas

The UK government has introduced tougher rules to prevent abuse of its student visa system.

Hands-On Training, Practical Advice at Social Media Conference

True or false: social media is fast and costs virtually nothing? Answer: False. These and other myths will be dispelled at CASE's new social media conference this April in Chicago.

European Rectors, Presidents Are Invited to Oxford

CASE Europe will hold a symposium for European rectors and presidents on 27-28 April at the University of Oxford in Oxford.

Learn How Being Green Can Boost Gifts, Support

"Environmentally friendly" is more than just the latest buzz phrase. More than ever, people are interested in the "greenness" of a product or service, and educational institutions that can green their brands will have a competitive advantage, according to a leading expert in brand marketing and presenter of a Feb. 26 CASE Online Speaker Series.

Deadline Nears for Circle of Excellence Award Nominations

March 15 is the deadline to nominate an innovative program or project at your institution for a 2010 CASE Circle of Excellence award.

Check Out Features, Resources of New CASE Web Site

CASE continued to add new resources and content this month to keep the new Web site fresh and relevant to members.

Learn New Strategies, Connect with Colleagues at IRF Conference

Senior leaders at institutionally related foundations-the foundations affiliated with four-year and two-year public colleges and universities in the United States-can share strategies and learn best practices at the 18th Annual CASE Conference for Institutionally Related Foundations, which takes place April 13-16, 2010, in Bonita Springs, Fla.

CASE VP to be Part of Consultation on UK Gift Aid Reform

Joanna Motion, vice president of international operations for CASE, will participate in a sector-wide discussion group on a reform of gift aid in the United Kingdom.

Act Fast to Nominate Educator for U.S. Professors of the Year Award

April 16 marks the deadline to submit nominations for the 2010 U.S. Professors of the Year awards program.

Europe Advancement Staff on the Move

CASE Europe keeps members informed about their colleagues' advancement—whether moving to a new institution around the corner or across continents.

President’s FY2011 Budget Includes Charitable Deduction Cap, Estate Tax

President Barack Obama's fiscal year 2011 budget plan includes proposals to cap the value of charitable deductions for high-income taxpayers and a permanent extension of the estate tax.

CASE District I has a full schedule for its Spring Breakfast Series.

First up is "Board Development: From Recruitment to Assessment of Trustees," which takes place March 12 and features Cynthia Woolbright, president of the Woolbright Group. On May 19, the breakfast series is "Can You Write Better than a Fifth Grader?" with Tracey Palmer, principal, writer and editor with Palmer Communications, and Maura King Scully, principal with Scully Communications.

Visit the District I Web site for more information and to register.

District V—This year's District V conference is Dec. 12-14, 2010—mark your planners now!

Have an idea for a burning professional development topic? Send topic ideas and presenter suggestions to Steve Crawford at crawfords@denison.edu. And visit the Web site to learn who won the 2009 Pride of CASE V awards.

District VI is under new leadership.

Former chair Jim Salmo has left District VI for a position at Rhode Island College. Kevin J. Thompson, executive director of alumni and foundation at Dickinson State University Foundation, will complete Jim's term and then serve a full two-year term from 2010-2012.

Also, District VI has elected new board members for 2010-2011. Those positions include:

• Treasurer: Dale Wright, University of Missouri-Columbia
• At-Large: Sara Tanke Wald, North Dakota State University
• At-Large: Tanida Ruampant, Colorado State University

District VIII's 2010 conference will be held Feb. 17-19 in Portland, Ore. "Bridging 2010: Advancement Advantage" promises to deliver targeted opportunities for advancement professionals to learn how to bridge generations, cultures, divisions, mediums and the current economic environment.

In addition, District VIII will present a Social Media Bootcamp in Spokane, Wash., on April 23. Participants will learn practical tools, techniques and ideas to create and deploy a social media strategy. Contact Teresa Conway at tconway@ewu.edu for more information.

Please share your questions and comments with Pam Russell via e-mail at russell@case.org or by telephone at +1-202-478-5680.