US higher education continues to experience challenges, and sometimes those challenges lead to institutions closing. In this episode we revisit the topic of institutional closure from the lens of the receiving institution. Guests Jackie DeMolee and Hannah Rounds talk about the University of Iowa’s role as the closed institutions’ records repository within the state of Iowa. We learn about the two categories of institutional closure, about the regulatory triad, and ways that receiving institutions can minimize harm for students and assist the closing institution.   

Key Takeaways:

• Both “abrupt” and “orderly” institutional closures can feel sudden for those experiencing them. Providing empathy, giving grace, and being patient with the closing institution’s staff is important. Having a plan or procedure in place in advance will also greatly assist the receiving institution. 
• Digitizing catalogs can go a long way to help students have a soft landing wherever they wind up; being able to reference requirements and course descriptions is important!
• As a receiving institution you have to remember that the students who are coming to you for their records are likely going through a traumatic experience and at the same time have to learn a different system for requesting transcripts, etc. Be patient, provide resources and support, and help students in any way you can.  

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
[email protected] 

Guests:

Hannah Rounds, Curriculum Analyst
University of Iowa

[email protected] 

Jackie DeMolee, Registrar Services Coordinator 

University of Iowa

[email protected] 

References and Additional Information:

For the Record - S4E6 - Considerations When Closing an Institution; 10/29/21; Guest: Ramie Nation

SEEHO College Closures

AACRAO Institutional Closures Report

AACRAO Professional Proficiencies - Knowledge of Student Records Management