A former "Friend," a planned historical Web site and fundraising goals were among the bright spots highlighted today by the University of Michigan's Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs.

Vice presidents from three administrative wings - research, communications and development -updated the committee, the elected executive arm of faculty governance, in the Fleming Administration building.

While outlining goals and obstacles faced by communications, Vice President for Communications David Lampe confirmed former "Friend" David Schwimmer recently approached the U-M Film Office with a script. Schwimmer's was one of 33 inquiries fielded by the office this year.

The office has seen 13 projects completed since it formed in 2008 in response to the state tax credit meant to lure Hollywood to Michigan.

Lampe gave a general overview of his office, an expansive web of 10 communications outlets, in addition to the central office, that's operating on a $5.4 million budget this year. 

Other highlights included:

• A Web site is in the works detailing the history of the university. 
• One of the university's goals is to spread its message internationally. Spanish-language communications division Portal en Espanol has worked well so far; SACUA members wanted to know if there were plans to expand languages to include Chinese. "That would be a decision made by faculty and administration," Lampe said. "And it would have to be funded. The provost's office might be involved."
• The office of communications is working with the library to catalogue its many video productions. The expansion of video and other multimedia efforts is a continuing goal.

Vice President for Development Jerry May admitted the university may be at its "philanthropic bottom." May updated the governance committee on how development is working to maintain fundraising goals in a hard economy and without a central fundraising campaign. U-M concluded "The Michigan Difference" fundraising campaign in December 2008; it raised $3.2 billion.

The fundraising goal this year stands at $200 million to $300 million, May said. The office, which operates on a $944,552 budget, is working particularly hard to maintain relationships with donors who don't feel comfortable giving now, but will likely give when the economy picks up, May said. 

The office also is focusing on stewardship, how an organization thanks donors and makes them feel appreciated. Development has sent 2.5 million e-mails and hosted dozens of events to thank donors for support, May said.

Giving is down about 22 percent, which is in line with many other universities, where giving has often dropped 20 percent to 40 percent, May said.

Development is now looking to upgrade its 19-year old IT system with one that will be used for the next big campaign, hopefully by 2011, May said.

Vice President of Research Stephen Forrest made a presentation during a half-hour executive session that was closed to the media.

Juliana Keeping covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter