Recording at the Portland Convention Center as part of the 107th AACRAO Annual Meeting afforded an opportunity for people to share some thoughts and reflections on their careers, what they find surprising about working in a registrar’s office, and how the AACRAO community has affected them. In this episode, participants of the Registrar 101 and FERPA workshop share some thoughts, with a few additional guests sprinkled in.          

Key Takeaways:

• The AACRAO Annual Meeting is a fantastic place to network, meet people, share experiences, and get invited to participate in a podcast. 
• There isn’t one “right” way to be a registrar; there isn’t one “right” career path. These conversations shed light on the journeys we are all on and ways that our journeys intersect with opportunities to support and encourage each other.   

Guests:
Catarina Moita
Registrar Advisor
Colorado School of Mines
[email protected] 

Loida Gonzalez Utley
Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
[email protected] 

Sarah Reed
Registrar
University of California Hastings College of the Law
[email protected] 

Tyler Henson
Registrar
Middle Tennessee State University
[email protected] 

Tiffany Robinson
Asst. Vice Provost/University Registrar
University of Kansas Main Campus
[email protected] 

Tiffani Robertson
Associate Director of Admissions
Governors State University
[email protected] 

Curtis Cline
Associate Registrar for Graduate Programs
Cedarville University
[email protected] 

Stacy Sharp
Assistant Registrar
Aims Community College
[email protected] 

Danny Freire
Director Enrolment Services and Registrar
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
[email protected] 

LacyJane Ryman
Registrar
Rowan College At Burlington County
[email protected] 

Sarah Strickler
Assistant Registrar for Classroom Scheduling and Curriculum
University of Oregon
[email protected] 

Core Competencies:

Diversity & Inclusion

Leadership & Management 

Recording at the Portland Convention Center as part of the 107th AACRAO Annual Meeting afforded an opportunity for people to share some thoughts and reflections on their careers, what brought them to this particular place, and how the AACRAO community has affected them. Sarah Reed, Registrar at UC Hastings College of the Law serves as guest host for many of the conversations, hence the title of the episodes.         

Key Takeaways:

• The AACRAO Annual Meeting is a fantastic place to network, meet people, share experiences, and get invited to participate in a podcast. 
• There isn’t one “right” way to be a registrar; there isn’t one “right” career path. These conversations shed light on the journeys we are all on and ways that our journeys intersect with opportunities to support and encourage each other.   

Guests:
Sarah Reed
Registrar
University of California Hastings College of the Law
[email protected] 

Emily Shandley
University Registrar
Yale University
[email protected] 

Michelle Tsigaridas Weller
Associate Registrar and Director of Academic Operations
New York Law School
[email protected] 

Dr. Soraira Urquiza
Registrar
American Film Institute Conservatory
[email protected] 

Allan F. “Bud” Livers Jr.
Associate Registrar
The United States Naval Community College (USNCC)
[email protected] 

Recording at the Portland Convention Center as part of the 107th AACRAO Annual Meeting afforded an opportunity for people to share some thoughts and reflections on their careers, what brought them to this particular place, and how the AACRAO community has affected them. Sarah Reed, Registrar at UC Hastings College of the Law serves as guest host for many of the conversations, hence the title of the episode.         

Key Takeaways:

• The AACRAO Annual Meeting is a fantastic place to network, meet people, share experiences, and get invited to participate in a podcast. 
• There isn’t one “right” way to be a registrar; there isn’t one “right” career path. These conversations shed light on the journeys we are all on and ways that our journeys intersect with opportunities to support and encourage each other.   

Guests:
Sarah Reed
Registrar
University of California Hastings College of the Law
[email protected]

Ingrid Nuttall
Director, Office of the Registrar
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
[email protected]

Lisa Erck
Associate University Registrar and Law School Registrar
University of the Pacific
[email protected]

Ologa Iopu
Associate Registrar
Salt Lake Community College
[email protected]

Margo Landy
University Registrar
San Francisco State University
[email protected]

Core Competencies:

Diversity & Inclusion

Leadership & Management 

There is a growing movement in higher education to identify ways to offer more accessible learning for our students and for members of our communities. Microcredentials have the potential to fill that need. Whether for credit or not, course-based or not, transcripted or not, a microcredential can be used to represent a specific learning objective or set of learning objectives. In this episode we talk to colleagues from the University of Colorado - Boulder to hear about their efforts to stand up a microcredential program and what planning, policies and procedures, communication, and technical infrastructure is needed.       

Key Takeaways:

• A microcredential is not the same thing as a “badge.” A badge is to a microcredential as a diploma is to a degree program. A badge can be issued to represent the completion of a microcredential.
• Take the time to be thoughtful and prepare for a microcredential program offering at your institution. You can get a badging platform and start issuing badges tomorrow if you want, but the underlying policies, procedures, and administrative infrastructure are critical for ongoing success.
• Identify your institution’s “why,” when considering offering microcredentials. Are they meant to be revenue generating? Are they free? What are the standards for a microcredential program? Who is your potential microcredential population?  

Guests:

Kristi Wold-McCormick
Assistant Vice Provost and University Registrar
University of Colorado-Boulder
[email protected] 

Noah Geisel
Microcredentials Program Manager
University of Colorado-Boulder
[email protected]
https://twitter.com/senorg/ 

References and Additional Information:

Carey, K. L., & Stefaniak, J. E. (2018). An exploration of the utility of digital badging in higher education settings. Educational Technology Research and Development, 66(5), 1211–1229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9602-1

Global Silicon Valley. (2021, August 18). Stage X The Future of Higher Education | ASU+GSV 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhm75Zc6NOU

Hall-Ellis, S. D. (2016). Stackable micro-credentials – a framework for the future. The Bottom Line, 29(4), 233–236. https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-02-2016-0006

George Washington University - Call for microcredential research proposals (Due April 2022)

ASU to Issue 100 Million Digital Badges by 2030

Credential Engine to Use Linked, Open Data to Improve Learning and Employment Records

Digital Credentials Showcase Learning and Workplace Achievements

The Badge Summit, Boulder, CO; August 1-2, 2022, https://twitter.com/BadgeSummit 

SEM Live: Microcredentials and Badges

Core Competencies:

Imposter Phenomenon was first identified and written about by two female clinical psychologists in 1978. Sometimes referred to as “imposter syndrome,” it describes feelings of inadequacy or fear of being “found out” and is estimated to affect upwards of 70% of professionals, both women and men. In this episode, we talk to a friend and former colleague, Emy Farley, about her experience with feelings of imposter phenomenon, ways she manages those feelings for herself, and strategies to acknowledge and minimize those feelings in others.         

Key Takeaways:

• A registrar’s office is an exceptionally complicated organization within any institution, and it can be intimidating for people starting out in an office. This can lead to feelings that they should know everything right away, and it’s important to nurture an office culture of speaking up to ask questions.
• Affirming accomplishments can go a long way to building someone’s confidence, which can also help diminish imposter phenomenon feelings. Leaning into your strengths and asking for assistance with your weaknesses is another strategy. Teamwork makes the dream work. 
• It is completely valid for a person of privilege to experience imposter phenomenon. But also recognize that people in your office or students at your institution who may not have as much privilege will also be experiencing those feelings, and likely more intensely or more frequently. As a manager, a supervisor, a registrar…as a human being it’s vital to give people grace and space and make sure that they feel welcome and included.  

Guest:

Emy Farley
Workday and ERP Product Manager
Bowdoin College
[email protected]

References and Additional Information:

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006

Craig, L. (2018). Are you suffering from imposter syndrome? Psychological Science Agenda. http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2018/09/imposter-syndrome

Parkman, A. (2016). The imposter phenomenon in higher education: Incidence and impact. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 16(1), 51–60.

Dr. Pauline Rose Clance – CIPS Test and additional information:  https://paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.html

Valerie Young – Imposter Syndrome Expert: https://impostorsyndrome.com/10-steps-overcome-impostor/

TED Talk: Dena Simmons on How Students of Color Confront Impostor Syndrome: https://www.ted.com/talks/dena_simmons_how_students_of_color_confront_impostor_syndrome   

Core Competencies:

Diversity & Inclusion

Leadership & Managemen

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) is not just the sponsor of this podcast. It’s also a vibrant professional association with full-time staff dedicated to advancing the work of records and admissions offices in higher education. In this episode, we hear from Interim Executive Director Melanie Gottlieb to explore the organization and structure of AACRAO and about the  various initiatives, offerings, and support AACRAO offers its members.    

Key Takeaways:

• Check out the interview with Melanie in College & University (link below) that you should check out as an on-ramp into reading an AACRAO journal. Also, the “Campus Viewpoint” feature in C&U is a good way for new staff to get a sense of things happening on campuses across higher education.
• Getting involved in your State & Regional association is a great way to springboard into a leadership role with AACRAO (but you can also just volunteer for a position with AACRAO directly, too). 
• AACRAO has a lot to offer its members: poke around the website, reach out to an AACRAO staff member, explore the member directory and make some connections

Guest:

Melanie Gottlieb
Interim Executive Director, AACRAO
[email protected] 

References and Additional Information:

C&U Interview with Melanie Gottlieb 

AACRAO Signature Initiatives

AACRAO Online Bookstore

Core Competencies:

Leadership & Management

Change Management

There are many different types of institutions of higher education in the United States, and making a shift from a small institution to a large institution can feel daunting or even overwhelming. Four registrars who have made that shift at least once (or more) in their career share their insights on that experience along with what they learned at the smaller institution and what they wish they would have known earlier in their career. And finally they share words of advice for newer registrars or people who are working toward becoming a registrar.

Key Takeaways:

• Bigger is not necessarily better--there are many fine people doing important work at small institutions; this episode is not an advertisement for large institutions;
• A small institution may give you the opportunity to be exposed to a significant number and type of responsibilities, take advantage of this and learn as much as you can;
• A large institution may require different skills to navigate, and take time to learn the culture and what they expect of the registrar position at that institution--each institution is different, regardless of size;
• You may have to move around to find opportunities for advancement; “you may have to move out to come back”;  
• Keep an open mind, master the art of graceful recovery, have a support group, get uncomfortable to keep growing; get involved and say yes to opportunities. 

Guests:

Catherine Mund
University Registrar
University of South Florida
[email protected]

Julia Pomerenk
Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management and University Registrar
University of Oregon
[email protected]

Kelley Brundage
University Registrar
Kansas State University
[email protected]

Paul Robinson
Associate Vice Provost and University Registrar
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
[email protected] 

References and Additional Information:

Small College Listserv:
This Google Group is for members who are registrars at small colleges.

To join send an email to [email protected] | After sending a message to this address you will receive an automated reply from Google asking you to confirm your request. In order to join the group, you must reply to this message to confirm the request.

Core Competencies:

Leadership & Management

Change Management

Business blog about moving into a big company: https://zapier.com/blog/starting-at-a-big-company/ 

At the AACRAO SEM Conference in Miami, Florida, I had the opportunity to present the Registrar 101 and FERPA workshop with Heather Abbott from Yale Law School and LeRoy Rooker from AACRAO. The two-day workshop covers a broad range of registrar functions, responsibilities, and roles. And of course, so much FERPA info. 

I was able to convince some of the participants to share some reflections on any or all of the following questions: 

• What brought them to the registrar’s office? 
• What has surprised them the most about being a registrar? 
• What are they concerned they don’t know enough about? 

And to share an emergent challenge or opportunity their office is facing.    

Key Takeaways:

• There’s an in-person and an online version of REG101, and we’ll offer the in-person version again at the Annual Meeting in Portland in April 2022;
• There are many different kinds of institutions in the United States and so there will obviously be many different kinds of registrars, and many different paths taken to become a registrar; 
• The registrar position requires a broad range of knowledge and skills; AACRAO has a bunch of resources to support and assist with professional development for you and your staff.
  
  
  

Guests:

Angi Long,
Registrar, Lawrence University
[email protected]

Bob Morris
Dean, Enrollment Management, Joliet Junior College
[email protected]

Calandria Yee-Bullock
Registrar, Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology
[email protected]

Lori McNeal
Registrar, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
[email protected]

Nicollette Matesic
Director of Registration and Records, Felician University
[email protected]

References and Additional Information:

AACRAO Training

Core Competencies:

Leadership & Management

Change Management

Professional Proficiencies:

Data Stewardship

Student Records Management

Increased stressors on institutions of higher education in the United States have resulted in the closing or merging of some those institutions. Even prior to the pandemic, institutions were facing reduced state funding, a challenging recruiting environment, and renewed scrutiny about the value of a post-secondary education. AACRAO has recently published a report (linked below) providing guidance on what to do if your institution is closing or if you are at an institution receiving records from another institution. In this episode we talk about the lived experience of the registrar staff at an institution that is closing, from finding out to locking up the office for the last time.      

Key Takeaways:

• There are a number of very significant considerations that must be resolved relating to the students’ records when an institution is going to close;
• Make sure you’re engaging in ongoing best practices with regards to imaging documents and updating student’s degre audits; 
• The closing of an institution will bring out many different emotions from many different people--remember to take time to be present for yourself and your team.
  
  
  

Guest:

Ramie Nation, University Registrar

Baker University

[email protected]

References and Additional Information:

InsideHigherEd - Another Small Private College Will Close - November 9, 2017

HigherEd Dive - A Look at Trends in College Consolidation since 2016

AACRAO Report on Closing and Merging Institutions

Core Competencies:

Leadership & Management

Change Management

Professional Proficiencies:

Data Stewardship

Student Records Management

The delta variant of COVID-19 has spurred changes to the fall 2021 return-to-campus plans for many institutions. In this special call-in episode, AACRAO members share the approach their institution is taking, answering the following questions:

• Who are you, where are you from, and how many students are enrolled at your institution?
• Is your institution requiring students/faculty/staff to be vaccinated, and if so, how are people providing that information?
• Will masks be required? What other mitigation strategies will be used, if any?
• Is your institution back to pre-covid primarily face-to-face / a blend of face-to-face and online / still primarily online?   

Guests:

Rick Sparks, Assoc. Vice Provost and University Registrar
Virginia Tech

Rhonda Kitch, University Registrar
Cornell University

Veronika Carter, Registrar
University of Vermont

Becky Keogh, Associate Registrar
University of Iowa

Pam Wells, Assoc. Vice President and University Registrar
Grand Valley State University

Adrienne Bricker, University Registrar
Ohio State University

Philip Hunt, University Registrar
North Dakota State University

Tara Arneson, Registrar
Champlain College

Douglas Burgess, Asst. Vice Provost and University Registrar
University of Cincinnati

Gene Fein, Asst. Vice President of Academic Records and Services
Fordham University

Carin Thoms, Assoc. Director of Continuity & Compliance
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

John Papinchak, University Registrar
Carnegie Mellon University

Special karaoke version of the Fall 2021 Return to Campus Plans bumper