Student Memberships

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You Can Still Apply for AACRAO Funding in 2024

Dec 23, 2024

AACRAO provides financial support to our members, offering grants for our most dedicated professionals and scholarships that create new opportunities for growth and development.

C&U Special Interview with LeRoy Rooker

Dec 9, 2024

College & University (C&U) concluded its “50 Years of FERPA” series with a special interview in the fall issue with LeRoy Rooker, the nation’s leading authority on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Jody Gordon and Stan Henderson, author of the SEM book trilogy

Meet the Authors of the SEM Trilogy: Jody Gordon and Stan Henderson

Dec 9, 2024

In this interview, Jody and Stan sat down with “AACRAO Connect” to discuss why they were compelled to write about SEM, common misconceptions about what SEM is, their nomenclature journey from “student” to “learner,” and much more.

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Meet our Newest Community and Content Facilitator

Nov 11, 2024

Meet the newest of our six Community and Content Facilitators (CCFs), who are here to help you optimize your membership benefits year-round.

Researching the Plan That Secured Enrollment During Crisis - October SEMQ

Nov 11, 2024

A new SEMQ article discovers how strategic planning provided the essential foundation for one institution to navigate crisis, secure critical investments, and sustain enrollment and retention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

University administration professional helping a student.

Ideas for FAFSA Enhancement

Jul 22, 2024

A practitioner perspective on the FAFSA rollout and advice for how to move forward.

Individual holding financial aid documents.

Light at the End of the Tunnel for the FAFSA Rollout

May 14, 2024

FAFSA rollout updates and timeline, learn where we are and where we are going.

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Academic Operations - New Release and Retrospective

Apr 1, 2024

An insider look at the research and work that went into AACRAO's latest publication release - Academic Operations and the Role of the Registrar.

Individual holding fafsa papers in front of a laptop.

Dealing with FAFSA Delays: Suggestions for Campus Officials

Feb 5, 2024

Maintaining a proactive approach to upcoming changes and ensuring a positive experience for students on your campus.

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The Power of Having a Growth Mindset

Dec 21, 2023

Thoughts on how your mindset influences your work, career, and those around you.

Students and Institutional Debt: How They Make Sense of Financial Hold Policies

Nov 13, 2023

A summary of new research exploring how students understand and approach financial hold policies and institutional balances in light of the new federal regulations on transcript withholding.

The Power of Community: Finding Support in Times of Turmoil

Oct 17, 2023

Open call for Jewish and Palestinian Communities.

New and Improved? FAFSA Simplification and SEM

Aug 18, 2023

Are you prepared for FAFSA Simplification? New terminology, guidelines, and best practices.

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Examining Themes and Lessons from the Great Resignation

May 30, 2023

AACRAO's latest College and University journal explores conversations around the great resignation, higher education research, and much more.

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Grant Opportunities to Reduce Barriers to Higher Ed

May 15, 2023

Education Dept. opens the application period for two federal grant programs that aim to expand higher education opportunities for Hispanic/Latino/a/x and Native American students.

Meet the Latest AACRAO Research Grant Recipient

Oct 17, 2022

Understanding the experiences, outcomes, and implications of academic course failure.

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How the Pandemic Affected Positions in Admissions and the Registrar’s Office

Aug 22, 2022

Learn more about COVID-19's impact on higher ed positions and see the most recent data regarding salary.

Man hiding feelings of inadequacy behind a smiling mask.

Self-Doubt, Lack of Confidence, and Imposter Syndrome

Jul 11, 2022

Learn how to recognize and overcome self-doubt, lack of confidence, and imposter syndrome.

Daytime aerial view of Kansas City, Mo skyline.

Detangling International Professional Degrees

May 31, 2022

Learn about the upcoming AACRAO-AICE International Institute & Symposium happening in July.

Group of medical students examining a graph.

Supporting Students in Graduate Health Education

Apr 18, 2022

Exploring the challenges of graduate health education.

Blue and white book cover for the Basic Guide to Financial Aid

Learn the Basics of Financial Aid Administration

Apr 5, 2022

AACRAO releases the Basic Guide to Financial Aid.

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AM2022 Live - Anonymous Grading & Mandatory Curves

Apr 5, 2022

Explore the challenges and opportunities presented by anonymous grading and the pursuit of eliminating bias.

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AM2022 Live - The Changing Face of Higher Education

Apr 5, 2022

A look at how communication, services, and more have changed when adapting to changes in expectations.

New AACRAO Publication - Basic Guide to Financial Aid

Mar 21, 2022

Learn more about the upcoming AACRAO Publication - Basic Guide to Financial Aid

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Meet AACRAO's Scholarship Recipients

Jan 24, 2022

See how AACRAO is promoting engagement and opportunity for young professionals in higher education.

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A Recipe for Remaining Optimistic

Dec 13, 2021

AACRAO Contributor, Julia Pomerenk, outlines her recipe for remaining positive and bringing optimism to the workplace.

Understanding FERPA, Right-to-Know, and more in the Registrar's Office

Nov 29, 2021

Learn how to evaluate your Registrar's Office in areas of FERPA, Solomon Ammendment, Student Right To Know, and much more.

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Identify and Promote Pathways to Quality Credentials

Nov 29, 2021

Learn about the Midwest Credential Transparency Alliance and the work being done to develop and promote pathways to high-quality credentials.

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SEMQ Welcomes New Editorial Board Member

Nov 15, 2021

AACRAO's SEM Quarterly welcomes Irlanda Gonzalez-Price to the editorial board.

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Improving the Registrar's Use of Technology

Nov 1, 2021

Get a preview of the Registrar's Self Assessment and see how your office can utilize it to improve process and efficiency.

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2021 Research Grant Award Recipient Selected

Oct 18, 2021

AACRAO 2021 Research Grant recipient Dr. Angela Brockelsby discusses her upcoming research and goals.

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Starting from scratch: Insights from the NEW U.S. Naval Community College

Aug 23, 2021

Upcoming webinar with United States Navy Community College President, Dr. Randi Consentino.

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AACRAO to Offer Five Scholarships to Partner Data Analytics Course

Aug 9, 2021

AACRAO partners with Element451 to provide 5 scholarships for enrollment analytics course.

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Turn Off the Burner: Conflict Resolution for What Steams You

May 3, 2021

Understanding the various types of conflict management approaches and when to apply them.

Bogus Institutions Documents book cover.

AACRAO Publication: Bogus Institutions and Documents

Apr 19, 2021

AACRAO Releases Guide to Bogus Institutions and Documents which identifies common types of fraud encountered in admissions and registrar offices.

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FAFSA Simplification Act: Pell Grant Program Impacts

Apr 16, 2021

An in-depth look at the FAFSA Simplification act, what has changed, what the impact will be on Pell going forward.

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AACRAO Book Club - "How to be an Antiracist" Recap

Mar 22, 2021

Dr. Soraira Urquiza and Joyce Philip recap our recent Book Club discussion and their thoughts going forward.

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February Book Club: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi

Feb 9, 2021

Author to speak at the AACRAO (106th) Annual Meeting.

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Moderate an AACRAO Collective Gathering

Feb 9, 2021

Stay connected with your fellow AACRAO members.

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Considering a job change?

Jan 26, 2021

Insight into the pros and cons of making a professional change.

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Engaging faculty in SEM

Jan 25, 2021

5 key faculty roles to build institutional success.

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AACRAO Book Club: Have you read anything great lately?

Dec 14, 2020

You're invited to lead one of our lively monthly discussions.

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What you can give back to your staff

Dec 12, 2020

Stress-relieving activities, time off, and small gifts can help people feel appreciated.

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Holistic admissions: Training is key to implementation

Dec 11, 2020

6 components of a successful training program.

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Work smarter, not harder

Dec 1, 2020

Tips for efficiency and "strategic doing."

four students sitting on campus wall in front of brick building. all are wearing masks and looking at their phones. backpacks sitting nearby

Call for authors: COVID-19 response articles

Nov 29, 2020

College & University seeks stories about professional experiences of the ongoing pandemic.

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Leadership advice from an AACRAO stalwart

Nov 29, 2020

Mr. von Munkwitz-Smith reflects on his experiences with AACRAO.

Masked student in library holding a book.

Using behavioral science to improve messaging to students

Nov 1, 2020

One community college used these 5 strategies to shift students' mindset.

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Self-care and boundary-setting in the (home) workplace

Oct 5, 2020

A process you can put in place starting today.

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You are not alone

Sep 22, 2020

AACRAO members are more stressed than ever. Lean on your community.

Field Notes: Tips for self- and team-care and purposeful crisis response

Sep 5, 2020

Reflections on adaptability, stress, and lessons learned.

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Registrars as storytellers

Aug 24, 2020

Building a narrative helps people understand and engage complex issues.

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Field Notes: #IamRemarkable: The art of graceful self-promotion

Aug 23, 2020

Empowering women to acknowledge and share their accomplishments.

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What 2020 means for enrollment

Jul 28, 2020

Without a crystal ball, how can enrollment managers make decisions?

Managing classroom space this fall

Jul 13, 2020

Start with a "living inventory" and establish clear utilization priorities.

Field Notes: Adopting a growth mindset about 2020

Jun 29, 2020

Your self-talk is a conversation with the universe. Make it count.

cork board with a note saying "Thank You!" pinned to the board with a heart sticker

Recognizing the outgoing members of C&U’s editorial board

Jun 10, 2020

“We are grateful for our board members’ contributions to our profession,” says journal Editor-in-Chief Christopher Tremblay.

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Field Notes: (Re)Focus on the core

Jun 10, 2020

5 moves that make both individuals and institutions better able to handle change.

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Ask the FERPA Professor

Jun 10, 2020

Does tuition money added to student paychecks count as financial aid under FERPA?

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During pandemic, institutions seize opportunity for change

Jun 2, 2020

Professional networks, standards, and consensus matter more during challenging times.

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What, exactly, does a registrar do?

Jun 1, 2020

A primer on the ten (million) roles of a registrar.

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Ensuring the Registrar's voice is heard

May 29, 2020

Collaboration, multiculturalism, and more. An interview with Mary Callahan.

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Field Notes: Analog connections in a digital world

May 15, 2020

Research shows benefits to various forms of communication.

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Black Americans and the student loan crisis

May 1, 2020

Recommendations for institutions and the federal government.

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Preserving mental health in a time of uncertainty

Apr 19, 2020

Handling fear, helplessness, agitation, boredom with music, gratitude, and other proven mood-shifters.

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Feeling thoughtful? Inspired? Write for an AACRAO journal

Apr 18, 2020

Take this time to stretch your imagination and build your resume.

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AACRAO staff share stay-at-home survival strategies

Apr 7, 2020

Lessons learned from three weeks of mandatory telework.

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Transcript practice resources: Name changes, disciplinary actions, and more

Apr 6, 2020

Guidance from the updated Academic Record and Transcript Guide.

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Field Notes: 6 strategies for dealing with conflict at work

Apr 3, 2020

How to handle interpersonal tension.

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Pivot!: Registrars’ tight maneuvers in the face of COVID-19

Mar 23, 2020

There will be no 'return to normal' after this. Could that be good for higher ed?

von Munkwitz Smith and Tremblay headshots

College & University Journal announces new editor-in-chief

Mar 22, 2020

Jeff von Munkwitz-Smith will retire this spring; Dr. Christopher Tremblay begins this summer.

Field Notes: Telecommuting during a pandemic

Mar 18, 2020

10 tips to staying sane and productive.

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Field Notes: Cake, communication, and the hidden costs of emotional labor

Mar 9, 2020

Tips for dealing with difficult feelings in the workplace.

Talking transfer: Equity, access, and mobility

Mar 5, 2020

An interview on the complexities around transfer practices and politics.

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A SEM project management tool

Feb 10, 2020

How to manage the intricate, codependent, and time-sensitive processes that accompany any SEM plan.

AACRAO Journals: Scholarship for our professions

Jan 27, 2020

Learn more about the content—and how you can contribute. Both C&U and SEMQ welcome member submissions.

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Field Notes: Deconstructing ageism in the workplace

Jan 27, 2020

All generations have gifts and blind spots.

notebook with "2020 New YEar's Resolutions" written on it with 5 numbers, next to a cup of coffee and a pen

5 practical & potent professional resolutions

Jan 13, 2020

Start today and make 2020 the year for career transformation.

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Field Notes: When "do more with less" becomes too much to ask

Jan 12, 2020

Personal and professional wellbeing in the age of enrollment decline.

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Make your office the best place to work

Jan 10, 2020

In this era of professional mobility, how do you cultivate and keep reliable, long-term staff?

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Stop doing too much

Jan 10, 2020

Set boundaries at work to be more effective and happier.

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Field Notes: A project management tool for SEM

Dec 15, 2019

A living SEM project management system for multiple, simultaneous, and interdependent projects.

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An alternative to college "choice" models

Dec 15, 2019

A more organic framework for understanding whether and where students go to college.

Re-envisioning Graduate Enrollment Management

Dec 2, 2019

A revenue-based approach to GEM that lead to increased enrollment.

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Field Notes: 4 ways to create a fun workplace

Dec 2, 2019

Wait. Can those two words go in the same sentence -- "fun" and "work"? This registrar says yes.

2019 SEM-Q editorial board pose for a group photo

SEMQ recognizes editorial board members

Nov 18, 2019

Outgoing, current, and new members provide a valuable contribution to the field.

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How to be successful at your new SEM job

Nov 18, 2019

The basic and often unspoken rules to succeed in a new job.

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Remove policy and procedural barriers to access

Nov 4, 2019

9 questions to help you find and address issues hindering students and the institution.

Sara Goldrick-Rab speaking from a stage with white cushioned chairs behind her

Housing, food, or tuition? The new economics of college

Nov 4, 2019

SEM's opening plenary speaker, Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, discussed meeting students' basic needs with a culture of caring.

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Field Notes: Team bonding -- not another day at the office

Oct 18, 2019

A trip to the shore helped this team connect.

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How students know they belong

Sep 23, 2019

One community college learned that communications can impart a growth mindset from the start.

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Reimagining degree progression

Sep 22, 2019

Structural barriers can slow down or even halt degree progression. Registrars have a crucial role to play.

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Field Notes: 5 self-care dedications you can start today

Sep 21, 2019

Higher ed professionals can often be self-sacrificing. These practices can help.

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Survey: Getting back on track after job loss

Aug 26, 2019

Research on academic leaders who derailed. Has this happened to you?

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Field Notes: Teleworking in higher education

Aug 26, 2019

7 research-based benefits for why we should all consider a remote working environment

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Scholarship opportunities abroad: Thailand

Aug 12, 2019

A resource for building internationalization strategies and international enrollment management.

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Redefining community college recruitment

Jul 29, 2019

A low-cost strategy that significantly increased matriculation and eased registration at one Idaho school.

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Field Notes: The empowerment of accepting the mess

Jul 2, 2019

Navigating competing demands and moving through change is messy. Embrace it.

3-minute mentor: Growing your career when moving isn’t an option

Jun 24, 2019

Finding personal satisfaction and directions for development.

3-minute mentor: Take risks; get uncomfortable

Jun 10, 2019

If you're wondering whether the glass is half-full or half-empty, you're asking the wrong question.

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Field Notes: Balancing work while earning a doctorate

May 23, 2019

5 strategies for staying sane.

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IELTS research grant opportunities

May 14, 2019

The International English Language Testing System offers funding for research in linguistics and language education.

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Field Notes: 4 ways to find time for your "If only we had time" project list

May 10, 2019

What's that one project your really want to get to but keep having to put off? Try these strategies to make headway.

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3 minute mentor: From blue collar work to higher education

Apr 29, 2019

How a strong work ethic and the practice of gratitude spurred one professional's career growth.

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Porfolio review: A strategy for admitting diverse graduate students

Apr 27, 2019

Graduate programs often place a disproportional emphasis on GRE, despite evidence that it may be a weak predictor of success.

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Balancing work, life, and volunteerism

Apr 26, 2019

Insights for how to maintain health, prioritize your values, and support yourself and your staff.

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Sorry, not sorry: 9 tips for overapologizers

Apr 26, 2019

Strategies and reasons to change the reflexive use of "sorry."

AACRAO proudly recognizes the first recipient of the Nathanson Research Fund for International Education, Laura Parson

Apr 14, 2019

Read about her EDGE research in Hungary, and learn about another research funding opportunity from IELTS (English-language testing).

Scholarship opportunities abroad: Oman

Apr 12, 2019

Build internationalization strategies and international enrollment management resources.

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First Time at AACRAO?

Apr 2, 2019

Get past the jitters of being new and feel empowered.

Guide to Best Practices: Articulation Agreements

Apr 2, 2019

Read it here, and join your fellow Transfer Articulation colleagues Wednesday, April 3, at the 2019 AACRAO Annual Meeting to learn more about the guide.

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective Administrators

Apr 2, 2019

Applying the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to our work as administrators in the higher education field.

The subtle art of graduate enrollment management

Mar 4, 2019

The marriage of academia and student success. PLUS: the brave new world of stackable credentials.

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Field Notes: Tips for building meaningful relationships at work

Mar 4, 2019

Strong and satisfying relationships take work. Start today to make a difference in your career and in someone else’s.

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Registrars: Solving university crises (since at least 1910)

Feb 19, 2019

How the role evolved alongside the student record. Plus, what the Violent Femmes have to say about it.

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How can dual enrollment better serve underrepresented students?

Feb 18, 2019

The population that could benefit the most seems to be least likely to take advantage.

"for the record, AACRAO" is displayed on top of a blue envelope background and a photo of a man wearing headphones with a radio microphone is to the right of that

"For the Record" episode 1 and "Admit It" episodes 1-3 available for streaming

Feb 4, 2019

Admissions podcast unpacks diversity on campuses; Registrar podcast explores how the role of the registrar has evolved.

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Seeking volunteers for the SEM Quarterly Journal Editorial Board

Jan 30, 2019

To indicate your interest, please respond by March 5, 2019.

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Successful leadership styles: Leading through change

Jan 30, 2019

“Transparency leads to trust, trust leads to collaboration, and collaboration leads to student success."

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Reflections from Negotiated Rulemaking

Jan 22, 2019

3-Minute Mentor: The value of self-expression and resilience in the workplace

Jan 21, 2019

“Don’t be afraid of your own voice,” says Whitney N. West.

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Field Notes: Job burnout: Whose responsibility is it?

Jan 18, 2019

As architects of workplace culture, managers have a role to play in addressing systemic stress.

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Field Notes: Satisfaction versus stagnation: Professional advancement in small institutions

Jan 7, 2019

Four strategies for growth when opportunities seem limited.

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AACRAO's journals seek authors

Jan 7, 2019

AACRAO’s College & University and SEM Quarterly Journals are seeking manuscript submissions for 2019.

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Just do it: 3 reasons to present at conferences

Jan 7, 2019

You don’t have to be an extrovert (hot tip within), and you don’t have to have all the answers.

3-Minute Mentor: How to handle egos and set long-term goals

Jan 7, 2019

Luisa Havens Gerardo shares tips picked up along her higher education journey.

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9 career podcasts you didn't know you needed

Dec 10, 2018

Admit It: Ep 1 explores higher ed as a partisan issue, test optional, enrollment goal struggles, and the admissions director survey. PLUS: 8 other podcasts to boost your career.

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Field Notes: Balancing your career when caring for a loved one

Dec 10, 2018

One higher ed professional offers realistic, hard-won wisdom about working through crisis.

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Reflections on SEM: 3 catalysts for change

Dec 10, 2018

AACRAO President (and first-time SEM Conference attendee) Tina Falkner shares her takeaways.

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Staff development: Practicing what we teach

Dec 10, 2018

Connect professional development with academic programs and processes.

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Field Notes: Pairing dual enrollment, transfer credit evaluation & transfer admissions

Nov 27, 2018

Opportunities to cross train staff, improve student outreach, and build important relationships with other institutions.

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"Thank you" from the students you help

Nov 26, 2018

The SEM closing plenary speaker reminded the audience that they are the gatekeepers to students dreams.

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10 minute mentorship for enrollment professionals

Nov 26, 2018

Common concerns and a helpful strategy for shifting perspective.

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How scholarship management can reduce reliance on institutional funding

Sep 18, 2018

The University of Arizona’s high-impact, low-cost solution awards several million dollars in scholarships each year.

Collection of backpacks, binders, notebooks, and other school supplies laid out in a green field with blue skies above.

Family, faith, and career: Where and why more rural students are matriculating

Sep 2, 2018

Understanding the common values of those who leave their communities to pursue postsecondary degrees can lead to more effective outreach in rural areas.

Illustrated male of color slouching over as he drearily looks at a computer monitor in front of him at a desk.

Field Notes: The dangers of the sedentary office

Sep 2, 2018

One admissions officer's effort to challenge the status quo of sitting.

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Field Notes: Advice on career development for young professionals

Aug 20, 2018

How to seek leadership opportunities, expand your knowledge and skill set, and cultivate your interests.

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How much does the switch to electronic transcripts cost?

Aug 20, 2018

Cost-benefit analysis of paper and electronic transcripts.

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5 institutional factors students consider when transferring

Aug 20, 2018

Highlight your school’s strengths when developing recruitment and marketing materials for transfer students.

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Call for authors

Aug 3, 2018

SEMQ seeks manuscripts based on original research or practice in strategic enrollment management, demonstrating familiarity with strategic enrollment management (SEM) concepts.

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A moving testimony about the work AACRAO members do

Aug 3, 2018

"Our work is important and meaningful for students, and our organizations are critical to maintaining consistency in higher education, and being innovative in solving higher education issues," writes Arturo Torres, AACRAO Leadership attendee.

Male of color wearing a pink collared shirt as he sits at a desk in a classroom with others.

Field Notes: 5 strategies for supporting adult students to reach Wyoming’s higher educational attainment goals

Aug 3, 2018

Working adult students represent one of the largest opportunities to change the economic landscape and workforce in America. Learn about the strategies Wyoming is using to meet the needs of adult students and meet its attainment goal.

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5 policy areas where the registrar’s voice should be heard

Jul 23, 2018

The registrar has a critical role in academic policy writing.

Female speaks to a break out session from behind a podium.

What’s your professional development strategy for social media?

Jul 23, 2018

4 steps to leverage social media to amplify your career.

Student and transfer-institution Bill of Rights released

Jul 9, 2018

The new “Transfer-Institution Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” provide Institutions with 11 responsibilities and rights when dealing with transfer.

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Opening the gate to transfer

Jul 9, 2018

Many students who complete their transfer requirements do not make it ‘through the gate’ to a university. Why?

Build your transfer tool kit @ Tech and Transfer

Jun 18, 2018

View of the earth from space with perfectly triangulated inter-connected lines spanning the whole globe.

Is global education in crisis?

Jun 5, 2018

How institutions can grapple with uncertainty and promise in the global higher education environment.

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Does your communication strategy support enrollment conversion?

Jun 4, 2018

Tips from an expert, and an invitation to AACRAO’s regional traveling admissions leadership workshop in Massachusetts.

Illustration of a figure, resembling Einstein, standing in front of a green chalkboard that has the text "FERPA" written on it in white chalk.

Ask the FERPA Professor

Jun 4, 2018

Are you required to process a disclosure request, even if its misleading?

Illustration of people milling about an environment filled with giant every day objects like books, pens, an apple, etc.

The intersection between learning and technology

Jun 4, 2018

AACRAO and EDUCAUSE partner to catalyze student access and success.

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Policies that may halt enrollment decline at liberal arts colleges

Jun 4, 2018

Effective strategies vary depending on school type, according to a recent article in C&U.

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AACRAO's SEM journal redesign: Greater impact, easier citation

Jun 4, 2018

The latest issue of SEM Quarterly addresses women in SEM leadership, how campus environments impact college choice and persistence, and more.

Unknown Portrait of An AACRAO Professional

Wang Chao joins AACRAO International as Summer Institute faculty member

May 21, 2018

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The rapidly changing nature of community college

May 21, 2018

Moving from smorgasboard to success.

Credential Engine improves credential transparency, literacy, and decision-making

May 18, 2018

Institutions can create a free account to publish all types of credentials in a common language on a cloud-based Registry, allowing institutions to better understand what sets them apart. Learn how.

Welcome to three new AACRAO SEM-EP evaluators

May 8, 2018

A veteran, an athlete, and a scholar step up to share colleagues’ SEM journey.

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5 findings on colleges & universities' readiness for the GDPR

May 7, 2018

Top issues ahead of the May 25th implementation of Europe's new privacy regulation.

Does your data have a purpose?

May 7, 2018

Negotiating the what, how, and why of one of your institution’s most valuable assets.

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Registrar 201 revamped

Apr 24, 2018

The new format used case studies and discussion to analyze actual situations in which records and registration professionals find themselves.

Desk with a keyboard visible along with a spiraled notebook with the following words on the cover; "FAFSA, free application for federal student aid".

Looking back: One year into the new FAFSA filing timeline

Apr 9, 2018

What the data says so far.

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It's time to graduate, kid

Feb 27, 2018

How lingering students can stretch need-based aid policy.

black leather bound book titled "systemic discrimination"

Coded language creates barriers to graduate school diversity

Feb 12, 2018

How faculty concerns about "quality" reinforce inequality and racism, and other myths about diversity recruiting.

Background made of grid paper with a magnifying glass drawn in black ink and the text "early FAFSA" overlaid on top of it all.

Early FAFSA: Two filing cycles in review

Nov 13, 2017

After four-year decline, FAFSAs filed by all applicants through June 30 are up 6 percent in 2017.

Green coffee cup with the message "may your coffee be strong and your Monday be short" written in the foam.

Field Notes: A perpetual "case of the Mondays"?!

Oct 17, 2017

Whether it's a career crisis, work burn-out, or just being in a rut, here are some tips for rekindling your professional passion.

Student wearing their graduation cap and gown holding their arms open to the sky as they look at a cloud that says "free" on it.

Update on the Free Community College movement in the U.S.

Sep 5, 2017

A summary of the free programs currently offered by six states and two cities.

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How to get the most out of your summer

Jul 24, 2017

When fall arrives, you'll be prepared.

Photo of a book titled "Financial Literacy" whose cover is handwritten and decorated using colored marker.

Financial Literacy: Help students help themselves

Mar 7, 2017

How registrars and admissions officers can help students understand debt management.

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Upcoming Webinars: Records Financial Aid Collaboration and Gender Identity Best Practices

Nov 15, 2016

Professional development opportunities--live and interactive or archived for your convenience.

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Free community college

Sep 20, 2016

An update on initiatives

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Time management tips from NEACRAO

Sep 20, 2016

Stack of books with a jar of money labeled "college" visible in front of the books.

OFSA responds to questions about the new FAFSA

Sep 6, 2016

FAQs from AACRAO's recent webinar.

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3 misconceptions about the 2017-2018 FAFSA

Jun 28, 2016

Truths for admissions "road warriors"

Students studying books with a transparent screen of graphs and charts visible in front of each student.

The future of higher education: Accreditation, financial aid, and more

May 17, 2016

Notes from a conversation with David Bergeron at AACRAO's Annual Meeting.

Yellow Post-It with the words "be prepared" written on it and a mug of coffee and keyboard visible next to it.

Is your campus ready for the 2017-2018 FAFSA?

May 3, 2016

Take these financial aid and admissions questions into consideration as you develop your plan.

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Preparing for FAFSA '17-'18

Apr 5, 2016

Changes meant to help students may challenge schools

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Magnifying glass on for-profit institutions

Feb 23, 2016

A new student aid enforcement unit set up by the Dept of Ed.

Glass jar of change labelled "college fund" sitting on a kitchen countertop.

Reframing the college debt conversation: Is college worth it?

Oct 20, 2015

Study: Any borrowing decreased the value graduates ascribed to their college experience. An AACRAO member says that isn't the whole picture.

Pie chart with the largest section labeled "financial aid" while the other sections lack a label.

Demystifying the FAFSA

Sep 22, 2015

AACRAO members react to the new application process' strengths and weaknesses.

Sen. Warren to reintroduce student loan refinancing bill

Sep 9, 2014

The bill would allow those with existing student loans to refinance their federal loans down to the current lower rates.

AACRAO presents 150% Direct Loan Webinars

Jul 29, 2014

The U.S. Education Department, in co-sponsorship with AACRAO and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), will hold a joint webinar series on the requirements for the 150% time limit for Direct Subsidized L ...

Admissions professionals: How to succeed in the new economy

Jan 28, 2014

How can we balance the students' needs and budgets with the financial viability of institutions?

Need or merit-based aid? A philosophical question at the heart of higher ed

Oct 29, 2013

Some argue that the growth in merit-based aid has come at the expense of need-based aid to low-income students and therefore has worked at cross purposes to the access agenda.

Requirements: Student membership is open to degree-seeking graduate and undergraduate students at AACRAO member institutions. It is not open to full-time employees.

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AACRAO's bi-weekly professional development e-newsletter

You Can Still Apply for AACRAO Funding in 2024

Dec 23, 2024

C&U Special Interview with LeRoy Rooker

Dec 9, 2024

Meet the Authors of the SEM Trilogy: Jody Gordon and Stan Henderson

Dec 9, 2024

Meet our Newest Community and Content Facilitator

Nov 11, 2024

Researching the Plan That Secured Enrollment During Crisis - October SEMQ

Nov 11, 2024

Ideas for FAFSA Enhancement

Jul 22, 2024

Light at the End of the Tunnel for the FAFSA Rollout

May 14, 2024

Academic Operations - New Release and Retrospective

Apr 1, 2024

Dealing with FAFSA Delays: Suggestions for Campus Officials

Feb 5, 2024

The Power of Having a Growth Mindset

Dec 21, 2023

Students and Institutional Debt: How They Make Sense of Financial Hold Policies

Nov 13, 2023

The Power of Community: Finding Support in Times of Turmoil

Oct 17, 2023

New and Improved? FAFSA Simplification and SEM

Aug 18, 2023

Examining Themes and Lessons from the Great Resignation

May 30, 2023

Grant Opportunities to Reduce Barriers to Higher Ed

May 15, 2023

Meet the Latest AACRAO Research Grant Recipient

Oct 17, 2022

How the Pandemic Affected Positions in Admissions and the Registrar’s Office

Aug 22, 2022

Self-Doubt, Lack of Confidence, and Imposter Syndrome

Jul 11, 2022

Detangling International Professional Degrees

May 31, 2022

Supporting Students in Graduate Health Education

Apr 18, 2022

Learn the Basics of Financial Aid Administration

Apr 5, 2022

AM2022 Live - Anonymous Grading & Mandatory Curves

Apr 5, 2022

AM2022 Live - The Changing Face of Higher Education

Apr 5, 2022

New AACRAO Publication - Basic Guide to Financial Aid

Mar 21, 2022

Meet AACRAO's Scholarship Recipients

Jan 24, 2022

A Recipe for Remaining Optimistic

Dec 13, 2021

Understanding FERPA, Right-to-Know, and more in the Registrar's Office

Nov 29, 2021

Identify and Promote Pathways to Quality Credentials

Nov 29, 2021

SEMQ Welcomes New Editorial Board Member

Nov 15, 2021

Improving the Registrar's Use of Technology

Nov 1, 2021

2021 Research Grant Award Recipient Selected

Oct 18, 2021

Starting from scratch: Insights from the NEW U.S. Naval Community College

Aug 23, 2021

AACRAO to Offer Five Scholarships to Partner Data Analytics Course

Aug 9, 2021

Turn Off the Burner: Conflict Resolution for What Steams You

May 3, 2021

AACRAO Publication: Bogus Institutions and Documents

Apr 19, 2021