Workshops & Special Events

Enhance your learning with a pre-conference workshop. Registration for the Annual Meeting is not required to register for a pre-conference workshop.

• Two-Day Workshops

  Registrar 101 and FERPA Workshop 

  Two-Day Workshop | Saturday, March 29: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $549 (Member) / $604 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  Spend two days diving into the work of the Registrar’s Office. This workshop is for those new to the profession and will address many of the ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions that make up the work of the registrar. A significant portion of the workshop will focus on understanding and applying FERPA. Attendees will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of the depth and breadth of the work of the registrar, where to find information and answers, and a solid network of professional colleagues. 
  
  Presenters: Doug McKenna (George Mason University), Heather Abbott (Yale University), LeRoy Rooker (AACRAO)

  Registrar 201: Strategic Work and Leadership as a Registrar

  Two-Day Workshop | Saturday, March 29: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM |$549 (Member) / $604 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  The registrar’s role is evolving and expanding across campus and beyond. This interactive two-day workshop explores AACRAO’s proficiencies and core competencies related to the registrar role. The Reg 201 Workshop Faculty will guide discussions to allow attendees to gain insights into these topics, to identify their leadership traits, and to provide tools for strategically focused registrar teams. This workshop is meant for those with at least five years of registrar leadership experience.
  
  Presenters: Helen B Garrett (University of Washington), Rebecca Mathern (Oregon State University), Ann Yater (Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis), Alex Underwood (University of Arizona)

  International Institute

  Two-Day Workshop | Saturday, March 29: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $899 (All Attendees)
  

  
  

  Start off the 2025 Annual Meeting by joining us for the International Pre-Conference Workshop where you will learn strategies and best practices in international credential evaluation. From undergraduate admissions to graduate admissions, this workshop will present strategies for success in international admissions and teach you the basics of international credential evaluation methodology, including educational system models and benchmarks, researching the status of foreign institutions, working with foreign academic records, the use of official and reliable resources, fraud awareness, approaches to applying institution policies to make admissions decisions and applicable transfer credit. The workshop is intended for colleagues who are new to international admissions or would like a refresher in this area, and the material discussed will be applicable to both undergraduate and graduate admissions environments. This is a two-day pre-conference workshop.
  
  Presenters: David Mihalyi (AACRAO) and Julia Funaki (AACRAO)
  

• Full-Day Workshops

  Title IV Compliance in the Registrar's Office: The Basics of HEA, Enrollment Reporting, Audit, and Compliance

  Full-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $329 (Member) / $364 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  Join us for an interactive, workshop on how the Registrar's Office supports institutional Title IV compliance. Topics include an overview of HEA regulations, an overview of enrollment reporting, common audit findings, and crafting an institutional response. You will return to your institution with practical next steps to increase compliance, reduce risk, and gain buy-in from institutional stakeholders.
  
  Presenters: Kelley Brundage (Kansas State University)

  Leading through SEM: Designing, Implementing and Sustaining your SEM Plan

  Full-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $329 (Member) / $364 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  Through the application of best practices and case studies for community colleges and universities, this interactive workshop will explore how to: create your SEM plan; keep your campus engaged in planning; reduce planning fatigue by linking and extending other planning efforts; build a plan to be nimble, agile and innovative; sustain energy throughout the life of the plan; and create effective SEM teams to build institutional capacity leading to enrollment health and increased learner success.
  
  Presenters: Jody Gordon (AACRAO Consulting), Tammy Aagard (AACRAO Consulting)

• Half-Day Workshops

  Developing a Comprehensive Staffing Plan and Navigating from Interviewing to Onboarding

  Half-Day Workshop | March 29: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | $219 (Member) / $241 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  In collaboration with Cornell University's Office of Human Resources, the Office of the University Registrar worked through modeling and planning to determine staffing needs to develop a comprehensive, phased staffing proposal. Using a "think outside the box" approach, we are achieving success and strategically adding new, permanent positions. We implemented a candidate-focused interviewing approach (they feel connected throughout the process) and will share our thoughtful onboarding process.
  
  Presenters: Rhonda Kitch (Cornell University) and Lisa Clark (Cornell University)

  Strategic Leadership and Business Continuity for State & Regional Associations

  Half-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Complimentary for members of State & Regional CRAOs who are registered for the AACRAO Annual Meeting

  
  

  Join this interactive workshop to explore strategies for maintaining continuity in State & Regional associations. In three parts—Setting the Tone, Succession Planning, and Relationship Continuity—you'll engage in small groups, roundtables, and think-pair-share activities. Ideal for current and aspiring leaders, this session will help you sustain agendas, manage transitions, and strengthen member and vendor relationships.
  
  Presenters: Johnika Nixon (Morgan State University), Kristin Smigielski (Parkland College), Katie Rendon (Aspen University), Tina Miller (University of Washington), Amber Ovaska (Central New Mexico Community College)

  Higher Ed Professionals Need Self-Care Too

  Half-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | $219 (Member) / $241 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  The term ‘self-care’ has become very popular in recent years. As higher education professionals, we are givers by nature. We work diligently to support our students, faculty, communities, and fellow colleagues on a daily basis. This workshop is for those who want to learn how to implement self-care in their everyday lives. Pouring into yourself is a necessity in order to keep pouring into others. Join us for this interactive and reflective half-day workshop!
  
  Presenters: Tiffani Robertson (Governors State University) and Dr. Connie S. Newsome (Campbell University)

  You’re Ready to Develop or Implement Innovative Digital Credentials, but where to begin? What to Know, How to Get Started!

  Half-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | $219 (Member) / $241 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  Innovative credentials (badges, microcredentials, CLRs, LERs, etc.) are becoming commonplace and likely have already appeared on your campus. What are they , how do they serve learners and your campus and how should they be administered. What do you need to know to get started? This workshop will provide foundational knowledge of innovative credentials, including governance, quality, validation, data standards and the issues to consider when developing an institutional credentialing program.
  
  Presenter: Mark McConahay (AACRAO Consulting), Rob Coyle (1EdTech)

  FERPA 2.0 Workshop

  Taking Your FERPA Skills to the Next Level

  Half-Day Workshop | Sunday, March 30: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | $219 (Member) / $241 (Non-Member)
  

  
  

  Take a deep dive into FERPA and level up your knowledge! We will provide a quick overview of common FERPA questions and basics followed by information on advanced topics such as sharing data with campus partners, the intersections with research data and FERPA, handling FERPA breaches, responding to data requests and media inquiries, and more. We will also provide scenarios for small group discussions and opportunities to discuss FERPA questions.
  
  Presenters: Stacey Tidball (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities), Ingrid Nuttall (Northeastern University)

• Experience AACRAO for First Time Attendees

  Experience AACRAO

  Sunday, March 30 | 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

  Complimentary for first-time attendees.

  Experience AACRAO is a “college fair” style event intended to introduce first-time Annual Meeting attendees to the many facets of AACRAO. This format fosters meaningful connections and provides practical advice for navigating the Annual Meeting. AACRAO Ambassadors, Caucus Members, Board Members, and AACRAO Staff will be available to share valuable insights on maximizing the conference experience and becoming more involved in the association. Overall, Experience AACRAO serves as an invaluable introduction for newcomers, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to fully engage with AACRAO.

• NEW! Networking Boxed Luncheon

  Monday, March 31 | 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM | $50 (member) / $55 (Non-member)

  NEW in 2025! Enjoy a convenient boxed lunch while connecting with fellow professionals in higher education. This informal event offers the perfect opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and collaborate with peers - all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to expand your network and gain fresh insights in your field.

  Note: the direct cost to AACRAO for a boxed lunch is $46. This includes service fees and taxes paid to the Convention Center. The additional cost of the ticket is to cover AACRAO administrative costs.

• Graduate & Professional Schools Luncheon

  Monday, March 31 | 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM | $75 (member) / $83 (Non-member)

  The Graduate & Professional Schools Luncheon at the AACRAO Annual Meeting is a key event for those involved in graduate and professional education. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in discussions on trends, challenges, and innovations in these fields, while also connecting with peers and experts in higher education.

• Global Learning Mobility Luncheon

  Tuesday, April 1 | 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM | $75 (member) / $83 (Non-member)

  The Global Learning Mobility Luncheon at the AACRAO Annual Meeting is a ticketed event that brings together higher education professionals to discuss topics related to international education and credential recognition. It provides valuable insights into global credentialing practices and fosters networking opportunities to enhance learner mobility.

• NNLSO Events

  NNLSO Board of Directors Meeting
  Sunday, March 30 | 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

  NNLSO Welcome Reception
  Sunday, March 30 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

  NNLSO Breakfast and Opening Session
  Monday, March 31 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM