For the Record, An AACRAO Podcast

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 

Making 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. Asking for help and patience from people is a good way to build rapport.  
• Lean on your mentors and other support networks, especially state and regional organizations. Again, don’t be afraid to ask for help or assistance or guidance. The AACRAO community is large and strong.  
• Acknowledge and support your staff! They’re doing hard work (and also going through the transition of a new director). Stay humble and be quick to praise and reward your team. 

Hosts:

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

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

Guests:

Chris Dorsten, University Registrar
Kent State University
cdorsten@kent.edu 

Molly McDermott-Fallon, Assistant Vice Provost & University Registrar
University of Cincinnati
molly.mcdermott@uc.edu 

References and Additional Information:

Leadership and Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Increasingly, 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 some light on all of the other things IT divisions do as part of their support for the institution.    

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships with your information technology division is crucial to the success of your work in the registrar’s office. Involving IT early and often in your strategic planning will go a long way to avoid problems with resource allocation and expectation management. 
• IT divisions are tasked with enormous responsibilities across institutions. Support of the student systems is one aspect of what they do, and recognizing that they have significant other areas of responsibility can help ease frustrations and encourage collaboration. 
• Technology will continue to change at an increasing rate. It’s critical to get comfortable with change as a constant and not get too attached to one specific way of doing something. Your IT division is there to help but it must be a true partnership.  

Hosts:

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

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

Guests:

Kemal Badur, Chief Technology Officer 
University of Chicago

Ed Clark, Chief Information Officer  
California State University

References and Additional Information:

Leadership and Management

Technological Knowledge

Post-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 lens of the medical school registrar.  

Key Takeaways:

• Medical school registrar positions require many of the same kinds of skills and motivations as other registrar positions. 
• The interview was recorded on March 13, 2023, so references to Match Week and Match Day occurred in the third week of March for 2023. Match Week is a huge deal for medical school students. For registrars it is akin to supporting a separate commencement ceremony in terms of data preparation and reporting. 
• Technology remains a challenge for medical school registrars, in particular the way student information systems are not necessarily designed with the specific needs of medical schools in mind. 

Portia 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 conversation!

Adrienne 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 relationships work best when expectations are clear for each side. Sometimes that means being explicit in your ask: “Will you be my mentor?” 
• There are many ways to mentor: career advice, support and encouragement, sounding board for psychosocial development, etc.

Guests:

Adrienne Bricker
University Registrar
Ohio State University
bricker.164@osu.edu

Jennifer Love
Director, Texas One Stop for Enrollment Services
University of Texas - Austin
jennifer.love@austin.utexas.edu 

The 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 out the best in their people.  

Key Takeaways:

• Everyone in your organization has the capacity to be a leader. Yes, even you. Getting people to think of themselves as leaders and to recognize the ways that they are already leaders is an important part of being a transformational leader yourself.
• Transformational leaders empower others to empower themselves. They lead by example, are reflective, empathetic, and solution-oriented. They are change agents, and focused on bringing about meaningful change at their organizations. 
• Transformational leadership is an ongoing process. There is not a “one and done” action that you can do and say “I’m a transformational leader.” It takes self-reflection, vulnerability, a willingness to be adaptable and flexible, and a willingness to change. 

What 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 students who need them are aware of them. 

Key Takeaways:

• First generation students have different support needs than students whose families have more experience navigating the college environment. And they may not even be aware that they have those needs until they’re in educational trouble. Institutions need to be proactive with outreach and be persistent with follow-up.
• Administrators should review their policies, websites, and communications, through the lens of a first generation student (or even work with actual first generation students in this effort!) to make sure that they are clear and communicate the anticipated message.
• If you work as a registrar for 16 years and serve as the president of a regional association, you’re always going to be welcome in the AACRAO family, even if you move on to your dream job of teaching at a community college. And the universe will remind you of this in ways you couldn’t imagine. 

Law 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 Registrar.

Key Takeaways

• Law Schools have to adhere to a different set of standards and practices than other parts of an institution as required by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some of these require additional administrative oversight provided by the Law Registrar, like extended exam schedules, anonymous grading, verifying grade distributions, and calculating class rank, among others.
• The National Network of Law Officers (NNLSO) is a great way to connect with other individuals who work at law schools (including registrars!). NNLSO hosts a breakfast for members at every AACRAO Annual Meeting and sponsors sessions throughout that conference specifically aimed at Law Registrars’ interests. 
• Law Registrars rely on their campus counterparts for a lot. Keeping your Law Registrar in mind (if your institution has a law school, obviously), communicating and collaborating with them can make everyone’s lives easier. Reach out, make a connection, and build a strong working relationship. 

Hosts
Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University

Guests
Amy Chu
Senior Director, Academic Services & Registration
New York University School of Law

Jerri Cunningham
Director of Academic Services & Registrar
Baylor University

Lisa Erck
Associate University Registrar & Law School Registrar
University of the Pacific - Sacramento

Did 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, registrars have been involved at every step of the way. This episode highlights the historical interplay of society and higher education through the lens of the student learning assessment practices, e.g. grades.  

Key Takeaways:

• There were a variety of different approaches to assessing student learning in early US higher education. These systems coalesced around categories, ranking, and quality points to give us the standard letter grade system we know today. 
• The enduring variance in institutional grading schemes and grading practices highlights the inherent power of the faculty at each different institution, and makes the work of the registrar critical for accurate record-keeping. 
• Grades and grading schemes will continue to evolve and change, as external pressures (like a pandemic) necessitate new approaches to grading, and as faculty continue to explore the best, and more appropriate ways to assess and communication student learning and achievement.

Host:

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

Very Special Guest:

LTC (Ret.) Doug McKenna, Ph.D.

Additional Resources:

Doug McKenna - HE721 - “Making Grades” learning activity 

We 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 there. Your emergency management team should be able to assist. 
• Registrar’s offices have a specific set of responsibilities that need to be accounted for in the case of an emergency; planning for a worst case scenario is a good idea. Assume no power, no internet, and no system status for some period of time.
• Designated, authorized individuals in the registrar’s office may need to create a “driveaway kit” that includes information about student class schedules, emergency contact information, and any other critical forms, documents, or information that your institution may need. 
• Often, the majority of the work relating to a weather emergency happens once the storm (or event) itself has passed. Maintaining flexibility, understanding, and working with compassion with your staff, your students, and your faculty can go a long way to restoring some semblance of normalcy. 
• Being able to coordinate with other registrars is very helpful! AACRAO and your regional association can help you make those connections.     

Hosts:

Sarah Reed, Registrar
University of California Hastings College of the Law
reedsarah@uchastings.edu 

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

Guests:

Brian Boyd
University Registrar
University of Central Florida
brian.boyd@ucf.edu
https://registrar.ucf.edu/

Additional Resources:

ready.gov - Federal resource for emergency planning

Continuity of Operations Plans - FEMA guidelines

Core Competencies and Professional Proficiencies:

Leadership and Management

Collaborative Decision Making