Trends in Higher Education
Performance-Based Funding

While states and institutions across the country experiment to find successful funding formulas, all will agree that performance-based funding (also termed outcomes-based funding) is once again gaining momentum. A majority (60%) of states have already adopted measures to allocate public funding on the basis of outcomes, and many more plan to follow suit. The time is now for your institution to begin thinking about how performance-based funding models can represent state and institutional interests while achieving better student outcomes at your institution. Join us for a webcast that addresses key national trends and developments within performance-based funding. In addition, our expert presenters will address ways your institution can collaborate with legislative personnel in developing fair and equitable formulas for allocation.

Direct Mail: Back to Basics

Direct mail continues to be a staple for most advancement shops and annual giving efforts, but the popularity of flashy mailers can leave you wondering what might be best for your shop. To ensure that the foundation of your mailing efforts is strong, it may be time to return to a more basic approach to your direct mail strategy. Join us for an online training as our expert instructor provides cost-effective direct mail strategies for segmenting, messaging, and scheduling that seamlessly integrate into your overarching annual giving strategy.

Advancement Events: Effectively Closing a Campaign

The conclusion of a campaign is the time to recognize the donors, volunteers, and development officers who made success possible. Doing so is critical because these are the stakeholders who will support your institution in the future. Join us online to learn how to effectively close a campaign and lay the foundation for your campus’ next major fundraising effort. Our expert facilitators will share insights on: Planning and budgeting for celebratory events Recognizing donors, volunteers, and development officers Teeing up future fundraising endeavors

Donor Appreciation: Leveraging Existing Events

Many donors regularly attend campus events associated with athletics, the arts, or other campus traditions. However, due to complicated logistics and limited budgets, donors may not be shown the appreciation they deserve. Don’t miss another opportunity to recognize your donors and deepen their engagement. Join us online to learn how you can demonstrate appreciation for your donors at campus events. Our expert instructor will address the following: How you can leverage existing events as stewardship touches for your donors Logistical and planning considerations to keep your events running smoothly Appropriate follow-up for attendees and non-attendees

Establishing a Cash Flow Forecasting Model for Your Institution

Managing institutional liquidity remains a crucial element of financial risk management at any institution. As external financial realities challenge many treasury offices, cash flow forecasting acts as a strong mitigating strategy for financial risk aversion. Those who are able to more accurately project and plan around cash flows have a strategic advantage in maintaining liquidity strength and investment planning. Join us for an online training that walks through the critical components of establishing a cash flow forecasting model at your institution. Our expert instructor will walk through key challenges related to administrative collaboration, discuss how to work toward cash flow accuracy, and provide tips on how to design financial strategies around your cash flow forecast.

Advancement Events: Effectively Launching a Campaign Webcast Recording

Your campaign launch sets the tone for your entire fundraising effort. This is your opportunity to develop buy-in and lay the foundation for a successful start to the campaign. With stakes as high as this, you need a coordinated strategy when launching a campaign. Join us online to learn how to plan for a successful campaign launch. Our expert facilitators will share insights on: Successful campaign launch events Planning and budgeting for each event Effective event follow-up

Build Critical Thinking through Project-Based Learning

A recent Inside Higher Ed survey highlights that 97% of provosts believe their institutions effectively prepare students for the workforce.  However, AAC&U reports far fewer employers agree. In fact, only 26% of employers give high marks to recent graduates’ ability to think critically. To bridge this gap, institutions must begin integrating an approach that forces students to solve real-world problems through deeper and more critical thinking. Join us online for an in-depth examination of one proven approach: project-based learning courses. We will cover critical issues including: Defining the targeted skill set Finding external community partners Scaling project-based learning experiences Assessing the impact in critical thinking

Building Social Media Efforts for International Student Recruitment

Social media is a cost-effective way to reach and engage prospective international students. Yet, many offices refrain from using social media because they don’t know what platforms their prospective students are using and what posts will resonate with that audience. Join us for a webcast that will help get your institution’s social media efforts for international student recruitment off the ground. This program will address questions such as: Based on my international recruitment goals, where should I be posting? What should I post, and how frequently should I be posting? How can I plan ahead to maximize my limited time and resources?

Successful Young Alumni Programming

Engaging with young alumni remains one of the most important, yet often one of the most elusive, strategies for maintaining your donor pipeline. Many institutions struggle with creating and staffing programming that resonates with this ever-changing audience. Join us online to hear how one institution successfully partnered alumni relations and development together on young alumni programming. You will learn: Tips for overcoming young-alumni-specific challenges What kinds of events attract young alumni attention How to plan your own engaging programs

Engaging Faculty to Improve Corporate Relations

Effectively engaging corporate partners can be challenging for academics. Differences in philosophy and work design lead to gaps in partner expectations. Understanding the mindset and goals of your corporate partners is key in creating more effective industry relationships for your institution. Join us for an online training that demonstrates the 7 “industry approved” strategies to more effectively work with corporate research partners. Our expert instructor will provide practical tips for: Unifying working processes Adapting to corporate expectations Developing partnership growth Aligning future research paths