10:00 AM-NOON 
Residence Hall Registration and Check In

10:00 AM-12:30 PM 
Institute Registration

12:30-1:15 
Welcome and Faculty Introductions

1:15-2:30 
Independent Schools Primer

2:45-4:00 
A Culture that's Simply Irresistible
Ever wonder what makes for a strong team and how your personal work style may impact it? It may come as no surprise, but the word team is used so frequently that many are unaware of its full meaning—or its full potential. The most successful, high-performing teams are made up of competent individuals who share mutual accountability for achieving a common purpose, lending clear meaning to the phrase, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Explore the differentiating capabilities necessary to perform at optimal levels, discover what science indicates about the characteristics of high-performing teams, and walk away with an insightful view of your own work style to become a more valuable and effective team member.

4:15-5:30 
Cohort Session #1: Getting to Know You + Think, Pair, Share

5:45-7:00 
Welcome Reception

7:00
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Explore Boston; dinner on your own

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30 
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Annual Giving 101
  Annual giving fuels the mission and vision of your school and is at the center of every strong advancement program. Annual gifts provide critical resources for the school and serve as the gateway to philanthropic engagement. After this introductory session you will have a solid understanding of the role that the annual fund plays with your constituents and how it supports the school’s budget. Discuss annual fund terminology, learn how to create solicitation calendars and set annual goals, explore methods of solicitation and giving, and learn how to make your annual fund an engaging and fun part of your advancement program.
• Building a Culture of Philanthropy
  Everyone in the organization—the head of school, board of trustees, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, and grandparents—all play a key role in building a philanthropic community. Philanthropy is egalitarian; everyone can give. Development professionals have the opportunity to make this possible for all, and to ensure that every donor feels proud of their investment in your school. In this session, we unpack ways to empower, encourage and support a culture of philanthropy in which time, treasure and talent are celebrated and expected. 

10:45 AM-NOON 
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Alumni Relations 101 
  What is the purpose of your alumni relations program? How can you strategically inform and engage your school's alumni? Learn how to create a program that not only builds loyalty, raving fans and identifies new volunteers, but also impacts your school's admission and philanthropic goals. Discuss how to develop engagement strategies that cover the alumni life cycle (events, networking, mentoring, reunions, class giving), as well as share ways to measure success with alumni metrics.
• Major Gifts 101

  What exactly is a major gift? The answer can be different at every institution and there is both an art and science to the work.  Learn how to define it at your school as we review the basics of a successful major gift program. How do you manage a portfolio? How do major gifts impact the annual fund? What are the different types of giving and ways to give to best meet the donor’s interests and the school’s priorities? This session offers all the basics you need to be ready to “hit the road" and is a perfect lead in for Major Gifts 102!

NOON-1:15 PM 
Lunch

1:30-2:30 
Career Candyland: All Institutes Joint Session
As a new advancement professional, you have found a career that offers tremendous opportunity for growth, but along the way, you may not find the time or the right coaching to strategically set yourself up for success. As you begin your career journey, you need to think about what you should be doing, and importantly, what you should not be doing, to arrive in the right place. Amy and Alexis have counseled and advised hundreds of advancement professionals on this topic. Using a fun concept, they’re going to illustrate the important steps you must take to advance your career, as well as the obstacles to avoid which can derail you. You’ll come away with some tips, insights and ideas to achieve success as your own journey evolves.

2:45-4:00
Elective Sessions (choose one; open to attendees across all institutes)

• Campaign Planning 101
  Campaigns have a way of exposing any and every weakness within an institution—they are complex, intense and demanding—and therefore require relentless focus on the part of the entire school community. Assessing the readiness of your team, leadership, institution and community is a critical step in effectively launching a transformative effort to advance the mission of your school. As campaigns grow in size and scope, your ability to gauge the institution's preparedness for the road ahead is equally key to your ability to meet the dollar goal. Learn about both the assessments and deliberate planning you can do to ensure you enter your next campaign from a position of strength.
• Developing Your Case for Support
  Whether pursuing the most ambitious campaign in a school’s history or in the midst of critical between-campaign years, a highly functioning advancement office is always preparing its base for an appeal. This session guides you through the questions to ask and the steps to take while crafting the all-important case for support. It is designed for professionals who write for development, whether it’s annual giving appeals, case statements, major gift proposals, or stewardship reports. Motivate and steward your donors with consistent messaging and improve your fundraising results.

4:15-5:45 
Cohort Session #2: Lean-In and Learn

5:30-6:30 
All Institute Happy Hour
Hosted by Boston University

6:30
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Free evening; dinner on your own

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30 
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Annual Giving 102 
  Annual giving is more than asking for giving participation and bridging the gap between tuition and the student experience—it is about building a pipeline of loyal donors who will answer the call during a campaign and transformative giving effort. Learn how to design, implement, and steward a successful annual giving campaign, including ways for launching or advancing giving days (Giving Tuesday), accurately segment constituents to ensure concise reporting, build realistic gift pyramids, effectively manage volunteers’ time and talent, and properly recognize every gift to your school.
• Building Your Narrative
  What is a school’s narrative, and why does it matter in the world of advancement? Do you know your school’s mission statement? Its values? Its history? Its strategic plan? How can clear, consistent, and powerful messaging lead to increased engagement and success in fundraising? Explore the multitude of ways your school’s story is told, and learn how you can more effectively bring your mission and values to life in your advancement work. Bring your story to life, whether to strengthen the annual fund, build the endowment, or shape a campaign.

10:45 AM-NOON 
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Reunion Programs and Alumni Giving
  A solid reunion program should build and strengthen your alumni association and help grow your annual giving program. "Doing" reunions the right way can yield more than 40 percent of your alumni giving total to the annual fund and can be the backbone of a successful and thriving alumni fund. The reunion program allows your school to engage alumni in new ways, bring them back to campus, challenge them to dream big, and eventually ask for leadership gifts. Learn more about programming that builds a strong sense of identity among your alumni classes and grows your annual fund.
• Major Gifts 102
  A successful major gifts program brings individual donors closer to the mission and the work of your school. Explore the process of building a major gifts program and examine the specific work of identifying and cultivating prospective donors, conducting solicitation meetings, and closing and stewarding major gifts.

NOON-1:15 PM 
Lunch 

1:15-2:30 
Cohort Session #3: Writing Your Operational Plan and Refocus

2:45-4:00 
Elective Sessions (choose one; open to attendees across all institutes)

• Campaign Planning 102
  What does it take to hit the goal? The success of your school's campaign depends on the clear focus of the advancement team. As part of a deeper dive into the specific work of an independent school campaign, explore the four essential campaign elements (prospects, case, leadership, plan) with the hope that everyone will leave with tangible skills in each of those areas.
• Leadership is Everyone's Responsibility
  Ever wonder if you are a born leader? The truth is, leaders are made, not born. In a rapidly changing and complex world, it's more important than ever to cultivate leadership at every level of the organization to ensure our ability to effectively and efficiently navigate challenges and leverage opportunities. Explore seven critical transitions you can make to enhance your competence as a strategic leader, enabling you and your team to meet your greatest aspirations with confidence, care and creativity.

5:00-5:30 
Buses Leave from 33 Agganis Residence Hall for the Boston Waterfront
Last bus leaves at 5:30

6:30-10:00 
Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise

10:00-10:30 
Shuttles Return to Residence Halls

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-10:00 
Journey to Making the Ask
As a school, we have to ask. But "making the ask" is the easy part. Getting to that point takes hard work, preparation, research and diligent planning. Review everything from getting the appointment, to meeting preparation, to sitting down with donors. In small group settings discuss tactics that make the job easier for fundraisers, and get clarity on how the entire office can make this process more effective. Learn from faculty members and bring your own experiences to share with others.

10:10-11:20 
Cohort Session #4: Making the Ask and Reflections

11:30 AM-NOON 
Commencement Ceremony and Closing

NOON 
Institute Adjourns

Residence hall life is an integral part of the CASE Summer Institute experience. To collaborate and network with your colleagues, CASE strongly recommends staying on campus in order to get the most of your time at the institute.

Residence hall accommodations at Boston University are included in your conference registration. Accommodations include a private room in an air-conditioned four bedroom, two bathroom suite. Please indicate when you register if you require any accommodations due to special circumstances or medical issues.

The residence halls will NOT be available before 10:00 AM on the first day of the institute or after 2:00 PM on the last day. If you plan on arriving earlier or later, you are responsible for arranging your own accommodations.

You will receive a suggested list of what to bring with you prior to your arrival but many amenities are included, such as linens, towels, a full size refrigerator and a microwave.

Residence hall accommodations on campus are included in your conference registration but if you choose to stay off campus you are responsible for making your own hotel reservation. Any hotel expenses are not included in your conference registration fee.

If you extend your visit, or prefer to stay off campus, you will need to arrange your own accommodations. Please see a list of nearby hotels below.

Hyatt Regency Cambridge
575 Memorial Dr
Cambridge, MA
617-492-1234

Hilton Boston Back Bay
40 Dalton St.
Boston, MA
617-236-1100

Hotel Commonwealth
500 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA
617-933-5000

Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA
617- 267-1607

Mandarin Oriental, Boston 
776 Boylston St.
Boston, MA
617-535-8888

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway
125 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA
617-236-8787

Sheraton Boston Hotel
39 Dalton St.
Boston, MA
617-236-2000

Westin Copley Place Boston
10 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA
617-262-9600

Both residence hall check in and conference registration will take place on the Boston University campus; to plan your travel appropriately, see information below and consult the institute program for exact arrival and start times. Early check in will not be available. A light lunch will be provided at check in when you pick up your institute materials.

Travel by plane
It is recommended you fly into Logan International Airport (BOS). You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. A cab ride from the airport to the residence halls is approximately 20 minutes.

Travel by car
If you're planning to travel to Boston by car, parking is available on the Boston University campus for an additional fee. Both daily and weekly overnight passes can be added to your institute registration during checkout. More information about picking up your overnight or daily parking passes will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Travel by Train 
The Amtrak train station closest to Boston University is Back Bay, located at 145 Dartmouth Street. The closest T Stations are St. Paul Street and Boston University West on the Green Line.

Public Transportation
Once you arrive at Boston University the BU Shuttle at T Subway are a great ways to get around campus and explore Boston.

Attire: Casual dress is appropriate for the entire institute, including shorts, t‐shirts and sandals. The average July temperature is 85° F and low is 65° F, so please pack accordingly. Note that meeting rooms and residence halls may be chillier than expected, so it is recommended you bring a sweater or a jacket for the day and warm pajamas for evening.

Area restaurants do not require a coat or tie, though you may want to pack business casual attire for the dinner cruise. Remember to bring layers as it may be chilly in the evening, especially for the Dinner Cruise Thursday, August 1 on The Boston Harbor.

Each residence hall suite is equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator.

Recommended items for those staying in the residence halls. These are suggested items to ensure your personal comfort.

• ALL personal toiletries, including soap and shampoo
• Bath towels/bathrobe. Although a towel is provided in your room, you may want your own full-size towel.
• Additional hand soap
• Hair dryer
• Additional linens for twin bed and extra pillow
  Although sheets, blanket, and pillow are provided, you may want to bring your own to ensure your personal comfort.
• Additional blanket
• Warm pajamas
• Sweater
• Rain gear and/or umbrella (walking is required rain or shine)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers
• Cool and casual/semi‐casual clothing
• Shower shoes (You may be sharing a shower with another attendee)
• Laptop and tablet (not required)
• Chargers for your electronic devices
   

Institute attendees will be staying in either 10 Buick Street or 33 Harry Agganis (South)Residence Halls. 

Forget Something?
Drug Stores and shopping are located in nearby Kenmore Square and Fenway Park neighborhoods.

Residence Hal Check In: Check in is from 10:00 AM-NOON on Tuesday at the front desk of your assigned residence hall. You will receive your room key and can drop off your luggage. 
Check out on Friday afternoon is available until 2:00 PM. Plan your travel accordingly; early check in and late check out is not available.

If you purchased overnight parking, park in the loading zone outside your residence hall and run in to get your parking pass with your room key. More information about overnight and daily parking will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Institute Registration: Institute registration will run from 10:00 AM-NOON on Tuesday, July 30.

The conference will begin at 12:30 PM in the School of Law located at 765 Commonwealth Ave. 

If you arrive after NOON, check into the residence halls and proceed to the School of Law to pick up your conference material and join the institute sessions in progress. 

Travel by plane:
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. A cab ride from the airport is 20 minutes. A taxi and/or rideshare (Lyft or Uber) is the best option when traveling to If you're planning to travel to Boston by car, parking is available on the Boston University campus for an additional fee. Both daily and weekly overnight passes can be added to your institute registration during checkout. More information about picking up your overnight or daily parking passes will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Travel by car: If you're planning to travel to Boston by car, parking will be available for an additional fee on the Boston University campus. More information about overnight and daily parking will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Travel by train: Amtrak trains serve the Boston area. The best destination for Boston University is the Boston Back Bay Station (BBY) located at 145 Dartmouth Street.
 
Accommodations in the residence halls will NOT be available before 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 30, or after 2:00 PM, Friday, Aug. 2. If you plan to arrive in Boston outside of these times, please be sure to make alternate lodging arrangements.

Internet Access: Internet access will be available in the residence halls and meeting rooms. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are welcome onsite for your personal and professional use but are not required. Attendees will receive a prompt to sign in to the Wi-Fi before the institute begins.

Meals: Institute attendees will receive a prepaid meal card when they check in at registration. Please use this card for your lunches. If this card is lost or you use the total amount provided before Thursday, Aug. 1, you will be responsible for payment for your lunch. Please return card to CASE at the end of the institute. Any attendees who do not return their cards will be assessed a fee.

Breakfast, snacks and coffee breaks will be available throughout the institute. Dinner will be on your own Wednesday evening.

Highlights and Networking Events: There will be numerous opportunities for you to network with your peers during group meetings, meals and breaks. See the Special Events page for more information. 

contact your program manager, Sabri Math, at smath@case.org with any questions.