Because of the direct impact on the financial health of the College, whether reflected in successful public relations support of the recruitment effort or in direct income from private support, this division has traditionally produced annual reports of results, assessed them, and adjusted its programs to improve performance.

There are several good examples of changes resulting from an ongoing assessment which resulted in substantial improvements in the programs.

• A 1992 re-assessment mid-course in the $35 million Campaign for Sweet Briar College adjusted the fund-raising and public relations goals to focus on the Science Initiative. This and subsequent adjustments in professional staffing resulted in a successful conclusion of the campaign in 1994 with over $38 million raised and the enhanced reputation of the College as a destination for women students interested in science.

• In 1996-97, analyses of annual results lead to a new emphasis on soliciting gifts of $1000 and above, recognized through membership in "the Boxwood Circle", that proved to comprise more than 85 % of unrestricted budget support. This emphasis resulted in growth from 466 members in 1995-96, to 718 in fiscal year1999-00.

• Also in the mid-nineties, an assessment of the public relations program resulted in adding web communications and media relations functions to the office in recognition of marketplace trends.

• Comprehensive external assessments in 1998, for Development (Campaign Readiness Assessment by GG&A, Inc.) and one in 1999, reaching beyond traditional public relations (Market and Communications Assessment by Art & Science Group, Inc.) resulted in a series of recommendations that are being implemented in both departments. A five-year campaign operating plan and a draft case statement provide the blue print for development. The key result for public relations was the hiring of a new Executive Director of Communications and Marketing who is charged with long-range planning for that important College area.

Copies of both recent assessment reports and annual Goals and Objectives documents for the last five years are available in the Office of the Vice President for Development and College Relations.