For the Record, An AACRAO Podcast
74 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratingsA Registrar Podcast by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), hosted by Doug McKenna.
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Episodes
The Degree Audit
April 17, 2024 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBDegree audits are somewhat of a technological marvel. In the first episode of season 7, we explore what a degree audit is, what it does, and ways that institutions can (and should) be using the data degree audits provide in order to make their students’ lives (and their own) easier. Along the way we talk about curriculum development, the Catalog and the role it plays as the foundation of the audit, and the way catalog year governs requirements students are held to. Key Takeaways: “Degre...
Teaching Out the College Closure
April 01, 2024 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBUS 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 institu...
Farewell from Sarah, with Love to the Listeners
February 21, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBThis is an episode of love and gratitude from University Registrar and For the Record Co-Host Sarah Reed, with love to the listeners. Sarah Reed is stepping away from co-hosting For the Record and is sharing her reflections about how she stumbled into podcasting, the journey of podcasting, her thoughts about and processing this change of stepping away from something she has deeply enjoyed, and other reflections she learned through the process and from guests directly to the listening audien...
Trust in the Digital Credential Age
January 24, 2024 16:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBInspired by a session at the Convergence conference co-sponsored by AACRAO and UPCEA, this episode delves into questions of trust in the digital credentials higher education is moving quickly toward–and is in fact already awarding in droves. The Trusted Learner Network (TLN) is the focus of the conversation and ways that the TLN is designed to tackle core challenges of quality, accessibility and value in the world of digital credentials by developing governance frameworks, technologies to on...
Reflections of a Semi-Retired Registrar
December 13, 2023 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBThis episode explores the life path and journey of a registrar- beyond the individual career changes- to learn more about what has inspired these changes, and upon a lived life thus far. We take time today to reflect, pause, process, and learn. Scott has spent 47 years working in higher education, including positions in development, admissions, financial aid, records, and registration, and institutional research at three institutions. He has presented at “early adopter” technology sessions...
Microcredentials at an R1 Institution
December 13, 2023 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBAnother episode recorded at the Convergence conference co-hosted by UPCEA and AACRAO focusing on credential innovation. Microcredentials have popped up in many places, but what about at a research-intensive institution? This episode explores the ways that Rutgers University went about discerning the best path forward with microcredentials. Chris Retzko, Director of Academic Assessment and Accreditation shares his experiences working with the implementation and roll out of microcredentials fr...
Convergence: An Interview with UPCEA CEO Bob Hansen
November 06, 2023 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBRecording live from the inaugural Convergence conference in Washington, DC, co-hosted by UPCEA and AACRAO! Convergence brings together higher education professionals to discuss credential innovation. #Credovation! In this episode, Bob Hansen, CEO of UPCEA, shares the impetus for the Convergence conference, reflects on the state of credentials in higher education, and looks to the future of collaborations with AACRAO. And gives his favorite Flannery O’Connor book. Key Takeaways: There are ...
If I Had a Classroom, I’d Schedule It in the Morning
November 06, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBAcademic Scheduling is an incredibly complicated part of the registrar’s responsibilities. There are multiple moving parts with competing interests often vying for a limited set of physical resources. Managing this process well is critical to successfully supporting your students through their academic journeys. Jessica Lansing and Ashley DeSantis, both from SUNY at Albany, share their process of working across the campus to improve the scheduling process. Key Takeaways: Establishing, soci...
Part 2 of 3 - Annual Meeting Conversations with Sarah
September 15, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBThe conversation continues. UC Berkeley's University Registrar and For the Record Co-Host, Sarah Reed, interviews colleagues at the 2023 AACRAO Annual Meeting about what resonates personally and professionally for them in this multi-part series. Sarah was inspired by the 108th Annual Conference Opening Plenary Speaker, BD Wong, and the vulnerability and strength he shared when unpacking his personal and professional journey and intersecting identities. In a nod to BD, Sarah invites each gue...
Part 3 of 3 - Annual Meeting Conversations with Sarah
September 15, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBThe 2023 conversation continues and concludes. UC Berkeley's University Registrar and For the Record Co-Host, Sarah Reed, interviews colleagues at the 2023 AACRAO Annual Meeting about what resonates personally and professionally for them in this multi-part series. Sarah was inspired by the 108th Annual Conference Opening Plenary Speaker, BD Wong, and the vulnerability and strength he shared when unpacking his personal and professional journey and intersecting identities. In a nod to BD, Sar...
Part 1 of 3 - Annual Meeting Conversations with Sarah
September 08, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBBack at it again, UC Berkeley's University Registrar and For the Record Co-Host, Sarah Reed, interviews colleagues at the 2023 AACRAO Annual Meeting about what resonates personally and professionally for them in this multi-part series. Sarah was inspired by the 108th Annual Conference Opening Plenary Speaker, BD Wong, and the vulnerability and strength he shared when unpacking his personal and professional journey and intersecting identities. In a nod to BD, Sarah invites each guest to shar...
Hill Day
August 29, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBAACRAO’s Hill Day is an opportunity for members to become advocates in the halls of power in the United States capitol complex. Hill Day is a way for members to increase their awareness of AACRAO’s legislative agenda, help communicate that agenda to members of congress, and develop the skills necessary to increase their advocacy efforts from local to national. In this episode we hear from Michelle Mott, AACRAO’s director of public policy, about AACRAO’s history with and motivations for Hill ...
You’re the Registrar…Now What?
August 15, 2023 15:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBMaking the jump from associate to registrar, especially if it involves moving from one institution to another, can be an exciting and challenging time. In this episode we hear from two registrars about their experience with that transition: what were the highs, the lows, the pain points, and how they navigated those situations. Lots of nuggets of wisdom and pieces of practical advice abound! Key Takeaways: Use your “new card.” Be authentic about not knowing everything right away. Askin...
De-Mystifying Information Technology Services
July 19, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBIncreasingly, the work of the registrar relies on technology. Having a vibrant and positive working relationship with your Information Technology (IT) services division–whatever it’s called at your institution!--is vital to working efficiently and effectively. In this episode we talk to two IT leaders about the way their divisions run, what makes them tick, and what keeps them up at night. This wide-ranging discussion is not limited to the student side of their work, but is intended to shed ...
The Medical School Registrar
June 09, 2023 04:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBPost-secondary institutions in the United States are many and varied. Medical schools, in particular, pose specific and unique challenges for administrators. In this episode, we talk to two medical school registrars about the ways their work differs from and aligns with the work of a non-medical school registrar. Learn about the different accrediting bodies and courses of study medical students pursue, and about some of the key touchstones of a medical student’s experience–all through the le...
AACRAO Podcasts Cross-Episode Release: Annual Meeting Edition
May 17, 2023 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBPortia LaMarr (HEARD co-host), Loida Utley (Transfer Tea), and Sarah Reed (For the Record co-host) took a moment at the AACRAO Annual Meeting to record this cross-podcast conversation. Hear them talk about opportunities for connection between professions (e.g., financial aid, registrar, and admissions); where they feel seen (and where they haven’t); and how they have learned to advocate for themselves. Oh, and Portia’s unwavering commitment to figuring out what birds people are. It’s a great...
An Update from the Mentoring Working Group
April 25, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBAdrienne Bricker and Jennifer Love return to the podcast to discuss the work of the AACRAO Mentorship Working Group, to talk about their research and the process of being involved in a working group, along with some of their experiences with mentoring. Plus we talk about breakfast food. Key Takeaways: The AACRAO working group on mentoring examined whether and how to implement a formal mentoring program for the AACRAO membership; the report from the group will be released soon. Mentoring...
Transformational Leadership
March 24, 2023 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBThe world is facing many challenging situations that require strong leadership. Even if you aren’t in a “leadership position,” you can be a leader. Transformational leaders are those who empower and enable those around them to achieve their highest potential. In doing so, their teams thrive. In this episode, we hear from Bianca Thompson-Owen as she shares her thoughts and reflections on various leadership styles, how failure is a key to growth, and ways that transformational leaders bring ou...
The First of Everything
March 14, 2023 16:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBWhat is it like to be the first person in your family to be the first of everything? The first to attend college, the first to earn multiple advanced degrees, the first to be elected president of a regional professional association? In this episode Dr. Soraira Urquiza talks about her higher education and career journeys, highlighting the specific challenges first generation students encounter. We also discuss resources institutions should provide for first gen students and ways to ensure the...
The Law School Registrar
February 17, 2023 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBLaw Registrars are registrars, it’s right there in their title! But how much do you really know about the differences between the range and scope of responsibilities of a Law Registrar as compared to a University Registrar. In this episode, we talk to three individuals about their experiences working in a Law Registrar’s Office, identify and discuss the key challenges and “extra” administrative responsibilities, and highlight the skills and knowledge one needs to be successful as a Law Regis...
History of Grades
January 20, 2023 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBDid you know that what we consider the “standard” letter grade system is a relatively recent phenomenon in US higher education? The history of grades and grading schemes is a long and circuitous tale that illustrates how higher education has evolved over time. From the first categorization of student learning in 1785 at Yale to the first letter grade system in 1897-1898 at Mount Holyoke, through the standardization of student records and grading schemes in the early to mid-20th century, regi...
Responding to a Weather Emergency
December 19, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBWe are seeing an increase in the frequency and strength of major weather events, or emergencies caused by weather events: Hurricanes, snow storms, wildfires, etc. In this episode, we use the backdrop of Hurricane Ian to discuss preparedness for weather emergencies on campus. Key Takeaways: A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is a critical document that enables rapid and thorough response to an emergency situation. If you haven’t reviewed your COOP, or if you don’t have a COOP, start t...
Transfer Guides (and More!)
September 20, 2022 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBImproving the transfer experience for students is a high priority for a lot of institutions, and nationally making transfer better is a huge conversation. In this episode, we hear from a faculty member from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Lauren Schudde, who has conducted research on the transfer process from a 2-year institution to a 4-year institution. In a lively discussion that ranges from systemic inequality to transfer articulations to football weekends, we hear some recommendat...
Women Supporting Women
August 11, 2022 22:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode, three women share their experiences with supporting and being supported by other women and what that support has meant for their careers and themselves personally. In a lively conversation, we discuss ways that allies can and should provide support, as well. Sara Sullivan, Becky Keogh, and Beth Warner talk about dealing with slights, lifting others up, the changing AACRAO leadership demographics, and dealing with that little inside voice. Key Takeaways: Women can and shoul...
Project Management for Registrars
July 15, 2022 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThe modern registrar’s office moves readily from one project to the next in our work to support student success and provide outstanding service to the university community. Employing best practices from a project management framework can go a long way to making those projects run more smoothly, efficiently, and more successfully. Rita Peaster and Aaron Apel talk about their background and experience with project management frameworks, provide insights into ways to improve your office’s overa...
In Memoriam Tina Falkner
May 27, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBThe AACRAO community was shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Tina Falkner at the end of March, 2022. She was such an incredible presence within AACRAO and state and regional associations, who was incredibly generous with her time, energy, and expertise. Collected here are but a sampling of the testimonials and remembrances of Tina from people who knew her.. Contributors: Doug McKenna George Mason University Ingrid Nuttall University of M...
Registrar Reflections from the Annual Meeting
May 13, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBRecording 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 pl...
Registrar Reflections from the Annual Meeting
May 13, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBRecording 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 pl...
Conversations with Sarah - Part II
April 29, 2022 07:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBRecording 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,...
Annual Meeting Conversations with Sarah - Part 1
April 22, 2022 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBRecording 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, ...
Microcredentials and You
March 30, 2022 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBThere 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...
That Registrar is Sus
March 07, 2022 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBImposter 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 acknowl...
A Deeper Dive Into AACRAO
January 14, 2022 20:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBThe 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. Ke...
Moving from a Small School to a Big School
December 08, 2021 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBThere 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 registra...
Registrars Reflect
November 24, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBAt 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 s...
Considerations When Closing an Institution
October 29, 2021 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBIncreased 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 f...
Fall 2021 Return to Campus Plans
August 27, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThe 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 ...
Community Colleges: A Hidden Gem
August 16, 2021 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBCommunity colleges play a vital role in the higher education ecosystem. With more than 6.8 million students enrolled in for-credit classes, four-year institutions can and should be partnering with community colleges to help students succeed in achieving their educational goals. In this episode we talk to Barbara Hopkins and Jen Nelson, both of Northern Virginia Community College, about the benefits of community colleges, the student experience, ways four-years can partner to assist with stud...
The Academic Calendar
July 02, 2021 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBDescription: Most people don’t give the academic calendar a second thought...those people are not registrars. The way the academic year has been structured has changed over time, and will likely continue to change. Registrars will remain front and center in the management of the academic calendar. In this episode we dive into the history of the various calendar categories, highlight some considerations for creating an academic calendar, and present best practices for making sure the dates ...
Making the Most of Mentoring
June 09, 2021 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWith a significant number of registrars eligible to retire within the next ten years, mentoring the next generation of higher education registrars and admissions officers is critical. Adrienne Bricker and Jennifer Love join us to discuss the work of the AACRAO Mentorship Working Group, and to talk about their research and experiences with mentoring. Key Takeaways: Mentoring is traditionally understood as a more senior person helping a more junior person with their career, think “taking s...
Learning Organizations
May 17, 2021 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBWhat is a learning organization and how do I know if I’m in one? In this episode of For the Record we talk with Erin Mason of UConn (and soon to be Ball State) about the characteristics of learning organizations and how you can implement them in your own institution. Is your office devoted to transparency, the creation of shared meaning-making, the values of learning, amassing knowledge and co-creating knowledge? If yes, you’re well on your way to having a learning organization. Key Tak...
Connect | Educate | Advocate
March 26, 2021 19:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBFor the Record – Season 3 Episode 13- Connect, Educate, and Advocate with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus Episode Notes Description: With the recent significant rise in racist rhetoric and violence against Asian Americans, members of our community are experiencing fear, anger, and anxiety. In this episode of For the Record, we talk to two members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus to hear their sentiments about the current spate of violence and to tal...
Prior Learning Assessment in Higher Education
March 08, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBRegistrars regularly oversee the practice of how credits are recorded in the academic record and how these credits apply towards educational credentials. Registrars are also often at the forefront of helping to shape the institutional policies related to Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Listen as Becky Klein-Collins of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) talks through the origins of PLA and Competency-Based Education (CBE), the ways PLA and CBE can assist older or non-trad...
Campus Partners: The Office of Financial Aid
February 12, 2021 15:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBFinancial Aid is a critical student service office that relies heavily on the student data stewarded by the Registrar’s Office. Many of the things we do in the registrar’s office affect the work of financial aid counselors. Understanding what the flow of the financial aid cycle is, and how the work of the registrar fits into it, can make a big difference for operational efficiencies. In this episode we visit with a director of a financial aid office to talk about some of the ways these two c...
Access, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice
January 29, 2021 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBIn a conversation with two members of the AACRAO Black Caucus, this episode focuses on the practical applications and implications of equity and inclusion work. Along the way we talk about the work of the Black Caucus (and caucuses in general), ways the pandemic has challenged registrar’s offices and students alike, and ways that you can begin to engage with diversity, equity, and inclusion work. It’s critical to make space for challenging conversations, and to give grace during those conver...
Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Data Standards
January 11, 2021 20:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBSince 2015, AACRAO has been leading the charge in the development of a Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR). Partnering with other organizations such as NASPA, and working with a grant from the Lumina Foundation, AACRAO has made considerable progress in these efforts. CLRs seek to capture, record, and communicate learning when and where it happens in a student’s higher education experience. In this episode we’ll talk with Tom Green and Mark McConahay about the history of the project, the vari...
A Commentary on the State of Affairs in the United States of America
January 11, 2021 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBOn Wednesday, January 6, 2021, a group of armed insurrectionists stormed the United States Capitol building in Washington, DC, as Congress held a joint session to certify the election of Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris. This episode talks about the implications of this attack on US democracy, how it affects our institutions, and encourages people of good will to be active and engaged in their response. Special Guest: LTC (Ret.) Doug McKenna, Ph.D (That’s my Dad!) West Point Class of 1968; ...
Registrar as Superhero
November 13, 2020 03:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBSometimes registrars find it difficult to explain to people who don’t work in a registrar’s office what exactly a registrar does. And sometimes a video comes along that not only explains it but does so in an hilarious way. Guest: Tina Miller, Senior Associate Registrar and Chief Residency Officer University of Washington, Seattle Campus [email protected] Key Takeaways: Just watch the video and enjoy!
How to Work Smarter
October 05, 2020 13:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBIn today’s environment of constrained resources, we are all expected to be more productive. While strategic planning is important, strategic doing is where the rubber meets the road. In this episode we will talk about tools, methods, and approaches to help you focus and operate more efficiently. We’ll discuss resources for individual experimentation within the broad category of “productivity.” Guest: Heather Abbott, Deputy Registrar, Yale Law School Email: [email protected] Key Take...
Registrar Tips, Tricks, and Hacks - Vol. 1
September 14, 2020 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBThis is Volume 1 of crowd-sourced registrar tips, tricks, and hacks. Thank you to the brave contributors who called and left their nuggets of wisdom to make this episode possible. If you’d like to contribute, follow the instructions below. Contributors: AnnaMarie Bianco, Associate Vice President and University Registrar, Georgetown University “Learn as much as possible. Be open, invite criticism.” Emily Shandley, University Registrar, Yale University “Make change happen through continu...