Responding to a Weather Emergency

This 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 audience.  She ties her reflections on this experience to the game of life and shares how the lessons she’s learned from podcasting may resonate with the listening audience.  

Key Takeaways:

• Sarah’s intention in this episode is to transparently share the impact of the many people who have contributed to this meaningful journey and share so much love back to them and the listening audience (yes, that means YOU!)
• Delve deeper into the shared personal experience (the good, the challenging, and the meaningful) from Sarah’s journey of falling into podcasting and some of the challenges she faced in learning to podcast and co-hosting podcasting on For the Record.
• Hear some of the tips and lessons that Sarah has learned in her journey of podcasting that resonate most with her.
• Addressing the imposter phenomena. Sarah shares some of her own experience with imposter phenomena and what she’s learned about this experience of phenomena from her For the Record guest speakers during the past two years.

Host and Guest:

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
sjr@berkeley.edu  

References and Additional Information:
Video Link: You Are Enough, Motivational Speaker Lisa Nichols 
(Sarah’s favorite recording from her favorite motivational speaker)

https://youtu.be/egUJJcB5hoA?feature=shared 

Inspired 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 onboard institutions into the world of digital credentials, and a community to explore and advance the ecosystem. Also, you’ll hear about an “unconference” where all the sessions are planned on the spot. 

Key Takeaways:

• The TLN is more about trust than about technology; the technology is a tool, but the exchange of ideas, support, and the governance framework is critically important for moving microcredentials forward. 
• There is an inherent tension between what we (as institutions) decide is “trusted” versus what we leave out of the trusted category; we (as institutions) need to be conscious of that gatekeeping and not perpetuate prior equity discrepancies. 
• We are still working through all of the complicated questions about non-credit, credit, blends of each; what’s included on the transcript; whether the transcript is still the appropriate place to represent student learning (or if it ever did!); and want you to join the conversation. 

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu 

Guests:

Insiya Bream, Registrar & Associate Vice President
University of Maryland Global Campus

Meena Naik, Director, Skills First Design
JFFLabs

Noah Geisel, Microcredentials Program Manager
University of Colorado

Kate Giovacchini, Executive Director, Trusted Learner Network
Executive Director Engineering, Enterprise Technology - Engineering Core
Arizona State University

References and Additional Information:

Trusted Learner Network

The Badge Summit

https://conferences.upcea.edu/convergence2023/ 

https://www.aacrao.org/signature-initiatives/learning-mobility/digital-credentials 

https://academicaffairs.rutgers.edu/microcredentialing-and-digital-badging 

This 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 for 30 years, with recent sessions on developing positive working relationships and updating business processes.  Scott is an honorary member of AACRAO, AACRAO’s highest honor. Honorary Membership is awarded to retired or retiring members in recognition of a career of active involvement and contribution to AACRAO.

Key Takeaways:

• Work/Life integration is a way to think about incorporating the different realms in one’s life into a cohesive whole rather than framing work/life balance as a push/pull tension.
• Transitions in your work life will happen and continue to happen. Be open to change, be open to learning, take the time to cultivate meaningful relationships wherever you are. 
• Understand how to “count the cost” of the commitments you make at work–ideally before you make them, to ensure that you have the capacity to do well all of the things you agree to do. 

Host:

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
sjr@berkeley.edu  

Guest:

Scott Dittman
Consultant and Retired University Registrar
sdittman@wlu.edu 

References and Additional Information:
Video Link: The Power of Not Reacting by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhZalV4PRbo 

Articles:
Chris Porteous, "Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance: Is One Better Than the Other?", https://www.lifehack.org/927152/work-life-integration-vs-balance, March 8, 2023.

Taking vacation and time off improves your well-being: https://hbr.org/2023/07/how-taking-a-vacation-improves-your-well-being

Holiday Resources:
Maintain mental health during the holiday season: https://namica.org/blog/handling-stress-during-the-holiday-season/

15 Tips for holiday peace of mind and coping with holiday greif this festive season
https://bc.cmha.ca/news/15-tips-for-holiday-peace-of-mind-and-coping-with-holiday-grief-this-festive-season/

15 Inspiring Books to Read Over the Holidays
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/15-inspiring-books-to-read-over-holidays-courtesy-of-adam-grant.html

15 of the most binge-worthy books to read over the holiday break:
https://theeverymom.com/books-to-read-over-holiday-break/

20 Best Books of 2023
https://www.aboutamazon.c

Another 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 from the beginning. 

Key Takeaways:

• There was a significant amount of collaboration and involvement from stakeholders to push a report with recommendations on microcredentials forward. Reach out to others across your institution to study, explore, and identify ways that microcredentials will work for your institution. Institutional culture will dictate a lot! 
• Incorporating the microcredential review and approval process into existing administrative systems makes things easier for everyone involved. And don’t forget the assessment piece!
• Microcredentials can be a way to make concrete abstract concepts that students are learning as part of their degree programs. Look to your curriculum’s learning objectives for opportunities!

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu 

Guests:

Christopher Retzko
Director of Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Rutgers University
retzko@oq.rutgers.edu    

References and Additional Information:

https://conferences.upcea.edu/convergence2023/ 

https://www.aacrao.org/signature-initiatives/learning-mobility/digital-credentials 

https://academicaffairs.rutgers.edu/microcredentialing-and-digital-badging 

Recording 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 echoes of reactions to online learning in the current conversations around microcredentials; they’re an idea whose time has come, but we will continue to need to articulate the “why” even as administrators push into the “how.”
• The partnership between UPCEA and AACRAO in relation to microcredentials is mutually beneficial; UPCEA members have been on the cutting edge of developing microcredential programs, and AACRAO members remain grounded in the verification and certification of credentials. 
• UPCEA continues to focus on the many and varied initiatives launched before and during the pandemic. And plans are already underway for next year’s Convergence conference in October in New Orleans, LA. 

Host:

Doug McKenna,
University Registrar, George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu 

Guests:

Bob Hansen, Ph.D.
CEO, UPCEA
www.upcea.edu   

References and Additional Information:

https://conferences.upcea.edu/convergence2023/ 

https://www.aacrao.org/signature-initiatives/learning-mobility/digital-credentials 

https://upcea.edu/membership/ 

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-That-Rises-Must-Converge/dp/0374504644 

Academic 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, socializing, and enforcing a solid set of foundational scheduling practices is challenging but important work. Articulating ways that academic scheduling can support (or hurt!) student success is also important framing. Student-centric scheduling practices are best.
• It is critical to have buy-in and support from all levels of the institution when revising any scheduling practices. Academic schedule development can be fraught, but strong working relationships will go a long way to easing some of the issues. Support from the Provost’s Office and Deans will, too.
• The work is ongoing, collaborative, sometimes frustrating, and requires a commitment to communication, a reasonable amount of patience, dedication to maintaining the student focus, and the ability to admit and own mistakes. In short, academic scheduling is hard work!

Host:

Doug McKenna
University Registrar
George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu

Guests:

Ashley DeSantis
Assistant Registrar
SUNY at Albany
andesantis@albany.edu    

Jessica Lansing
Associate Registrar
SUNY at Albany
jllansing@albany.edu  

References and Additional Information:

Leadership and Management

Technological Knowledge

The 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, Sarah invites each guest to share how they have been seen/unseen and where they are on their own journey towards complete authenticity.  In conclusion, Sarah invites you to take a moment of pause and self-reflection with her before closing out with today's affirmation.

Key Part 3 Takeaways:

Students know how to apply to college, but they may not be exposed to all the other steps and aspects needed (ACT, SAT, apply for housing, etc.) to successfully navigate the transition from high school to College.  There is a critical need to reassess the pathways to higher education and the way to support adult and returning students.  Let us not hear, “But this is the way we’ve always….” This conversation flips assumptions and traditional frameworks on their head!  There are perhaps untapped opportunities to more closely align Registrar and Admissions department work and hand-offs and to incorporate those closure connection opportunities (and training on what we do and the process) at AACRAO!  #Real talk about the impact of COVID on the workforce, managing the responsibility of keeping the office afloat during staffing cuts.  It’s important to listen to your needs both at work and at the AACRAO conferences.

Host:

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
sjr@berkeley.edu 

Guests:

Charles Buckner
Associate Director of Recruitment
Nevada State University
charles.buckner@nsc.edu 

Matthew Spencer Sutherland
Recruitment Associate
College Unbound


Megan McHenry
Registrar
Bates College
mmchenry@bates.edu 
 

Additional Information:

Link:  BD Wong | Plenary Speaker 

Sarah would love to hear what resonated with you! What gave you pause?  What moved you? What was an ah-ha moment? Please share your episode thoughts and feedback or connect with Sarah at sjr@berkeley.edu  | www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjreed11| registrarpodcast@gmail.com 

The 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 guest to share how they have been seen/unseen and where they are on their own journey towards complete authenticity.  In conclusion, Sarah invites you to take a moment of pause and self-reflection with her before closing out with today's affirmation.

Key Takeaways:

We have a unique journey, and each of our journeys makes us the perfect fit for our line of work (a.k.a. there is no one “right” way to advance or become ___ [insert job title].  As shared by each guest’s unique journey, part of what makes you, you -your talents and skills- make you perfect for the role. Tips and tricks for leading teams.  Moving to permanently remote work- can work!  There is power in modifying work language – how it can be used to enhance connection and belonging or break it.   Our journey and store are what make us, and even painful experiences can blossom fruit when used as a gift to inspire connection or service to others.  Processing our “authenticity” journey can be perceived differently across generations and space, place, and openness to connection.  What untapped possibilities and synchronicities can happen when we make room for “woo-woo” in Higher Ed. and in life?

Host:

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
sjr@berkeley.edu

Guests:

Insiya Bream
Registrar and Associate Vice President
University of Maryland Global Campus
insiya.bream@umgc.edu    

Kristi Fonseca-Williams
Trainer & Instructor, Office of the Registrar
Texas Tech University
kristi.fonseca-williams@ttu.edu  

Helen Garrett
University Registrar
University of Washington
helenbh@uw.edu  

Additional Information:

Link:  BD Wong | Plenary Speaker 

Sarah would love to hear what resonated with you! What gave you pause?  What moved you? What was an ah-ha moment? Please share your episode thoughts and feedback or connect with Sarah at: sjr@berkeley.edu  | www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjreed11

Back 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 share how they have been seen/unseen and where they are on their own journey towards complete authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

In Part 1, we chat about the experiences of attending the AACRAO conference for the first time; we dive into the perspective of change management from a millennial; we learn tips on what to think through when evaluating applying for advancement and a potential move across the country, and how a team can help onboard a new member; we share in the experience of a colleague who unpacked her feelings and learns to embrace her whole self both personally and professionally. Finally, each guest explores where they have been seen/unseen. In conclusion, Sarah invites you to take a moment of pause and self-reflection with her before closing out with today's affirmation.

Host:

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
sjr@berkeley.edu 

Guests:

Erin Sturgis
Director of Student Records
Johns Hopkins University
esturgi1@jhmi.edu 

Whitney Costner
University Registrar
Coker University
wcostner@coker.edu 

Laurie Law
Associate Registrar
Albany Law School
llaw@albanylaw.edu 

Additional Information:

Link:  BD Wong | Plenary Speaker 

Sarah would love to hear what resonated with you! What gave you pause?  What moved you? What was an ah-ha moment? Please share your episode thoughts and feedback or connect with Sarah at: sjr@berkeley.edu  | www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjreed11

AACRAO’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 Day, and then we hear from nine members who participated in Hill Day 2023.     

Key Takeaways:

• AACRAO provides everything you need to be successful in this adventure: online training, videos, issue briefings, and reference handouts. You may feel nervous, but you will be prepared!  
• Advocacy work is very similar to registrar work: we build relationships, we provide information, we listen to pain points, and we offer solutions. Advocating for higher education on the Hill is right in a registrar’s wheelhouse.
• Knowing about the issues facing higher education and the legislative efforts under way to address those issues is an important part of being an effective advocate. You can do a lot to effect positive change even at your state level just by educating yourself on the issues and doing some outreach to your representatives.  
• Hill Day is a fun way to get involved. Members commented on how easy it is to make your voice heard, and many committed to continuing the advocacy efforts beyond the event. 

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu 

Guests:

Michelle Mott, Director of Public Policy
AACRAO
mottm@aacrao.org 

Scott Campbell, Associate Vice President and University Registrar
University of Chicago
scottcampbell@uchicago.edu 

Lisa Emery, Sr. Associate Registrar
University of Michigan
emeryl@umich.edu 

Shannon Gerke Corrigan, Registrar and Title IX Coordinator
Fox Valley Technical College
shannon.gerkecorrigan8969@fvtc.edu 

Angela Goodwin, Associate Registrar
Point Park University
agoodwin@pointpark.edu 

Tara Kent, Director - Office of the Registrar
American Musical & Dramatic Academy
tkent@amda.edu 

Ramie Nation, University Registrar and Advisor to the President for Accreditation
Baker University
ramie.nation@baker.edu 

Jacquelyn Sims, Assistant Registrar
George Mason University
jsims@gmu.edu 

Sara Sullivan, Sr. Associate Registrar
University of Iowa
sara-c-sullivan@uiowa.edu 

Ashley Wheelis, Deputy Registrar
University of North Texas
ashley.wheelis@unt.edu