Princeton encourages faculty and senior staff to pursue new initiatives and opportunities that will advance the quality of instruction, enhance intellectual resources, and/or contribute to knowledge. Such projects may require funding beyond what is available through the University budget. To support external funding efforts, the University may assist in their success by making available the resources of Princeton’s Development Office.  One such resource is the use of Advisory Councils, which play an important role in advocating on behalf of academic departments.  Advisory Councils can provide excellent opportunities to engage alumni and other interested prospective donors in the work of academic departments, and to create opportunities to educate them regarding the financial needs of the department and ask for their support.