In the first episode of For the Record, we discuss the position of the registrar, its place in higher education’s history, the evolution of the role and the way technology has influenced that evolution, and the many and varied responsibilities registrars are charged with. 

Key Takeaways: The Registrar is a critical position within higher education institutions; Technology has changed and continues to change both the work that we do and the role that we play at our institutions; Registrars need to be leaders, managers, collaborators, as well as technically competent data stewards. 

References / Links:

Duderstadt, J. J., Atkins, D. E., & Van Houweling, D. (2002). Higher Education in the Digital Age: Technology issues and strategies for American colleges and universities. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.

Geiger, R. (1999). Ten Generations of American Higher Education. In P.G. Altbach, R.O. Berdahl, and P.J. Gumport, (Eds.), American higher education in the twenty-first century : social, political, and economic challenges (pp. 38-69). Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press.  

Halfond, J.A. (1984). The history of higher education and the registrar’s changing role. College and University. 59(4): 351-356.

Lanier, D.C. (1995). The mission of the registrar today. College and University. 70(2): 64-71.

The Changing Roles of the Registrar – by Doug McKenna

AACRAO Publications on records and registration

Extra Credit Reading Section: 

Higher Education in the Digital Age: Updated Edition (The William G. Bowen Series)

Research Universities and the Public Good, Jason Owen-Smith