The role of this office is increasingly seen as a service unit to schools,and internal changes are made on an ongoing basis in support of this principle. Central division staff are encouraging deans, faculty and staff to create their own public relations opportunities, in coordination with university relations, while also pursuing university opportunities for special events, such as visits from Mikhail Gorbachev and Janet Reno, the Southern Governors' Association Summit, and the Honors Program Symposium on the Middle East. Incorporation of fundraising into the university planning process has recently become an institutional priority, reflecting the need to consider private gifts at the beginning of a planning process. The development office has engaged in annual planning for the past six years, and school-based fundraising has been evaluated annually for the past two years. In order to show all sources of external funding, the development office works with the office of the vice-president for research to prepare monthly reports about external funds coming to the university.
Plans are also underway to develop joint press releases and other publications of mutual interest.
After the campaign, these policies were reviewed, modifications were suggested, and a post-campaign plan successfully submitted for board approval. VCU fundraising policies conform to those of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the National Association of College and University Business Officers. All fundraising activities relate to institutional purpose, are approved through the development office, and are evaluated twice a year. These policies and procedures have been approved by the board of visitors and are referred to the board to be updated as necessary. Policies and procedures focus on increasing awareness of the importance of effective development programs throughout the university.