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research-publications

Research

Gaining insights and new knowledge

AACRAO's research initiatives seek to serve the ongoing needs of our membership and contribute to a better understanding of current and leading practice. In carrying out this research, we hope to leverage the expertise of AACRAO members, staff, and partners. Learn more about our Strategic Plan and Goals.

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Read the Reports

Use the buttons below to see all the research for each topic area. 

Admissions

2022 Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Report

2022 Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Report

This report was made possible by the more than 370 U.S. Chief Admissions Officers who participated in our survey.

Admissions
Career Profiles
Professional Development and Contributions to the Field
Research
Untangling Transfer Who, When and Why: An Examination of Transfer Patterns and Institutional Supports

Untangling Transfer Who, When, and Why: An Examination of Transfer Patterns and Institutional Supports

A survey of AACRAO’s list of member institutions that serve undergraduate students addresses the staffing, practice, policy, and technology associated with the admission and recruitment of all three types of transfer students.

Academic Policy
Admissions
Re-Envisioning Transfer
Research
Transfer
Salesforce
Programs and/or Mentors for Newly Admitted Students: January 2022 | 60-Second Survey

Programs and/or Mentors for Newly Admitted Students: January 2022 | 60-Second Survey

This 60-Second Survey analyzes the value and availability of mentor and support programs for newly admitted students.

Admissions
Research
Mentoring
Newly Admitted Students
Use of Territory Management: November 2019 | 60-Second Survey

Use of Territory Management: November 2019 | 60-Second Survey

The November 2019 60-Second Survey inquired about the use of territory management for undergraduate and graduate students.

Admissions
Research

Applicant to Admit: An examination of how institutions admit the freshmen class - August 2019

AACRAO is pleased to partner with NACAC in conducting our first admissions practice survey.

Admissions
Research

AACRAO 60 Second Survey Report Admissions Practice - November 2018

This is the second time we have surveyed our members about their admissions practices, the first was in July 2015.

Admissions
Research

Admission and Verification of Undocumented Students in the U.S.

The primary goal of this survey was to better understand the processes related to undocumented students that are used by U.S. postsecondary education institutions.

Admissions
Research

Pre-college Programs report - March 60-Second Survey 2018

AACRAO members were asked about the existence and purpose of pre-college programs in this month’s 60-Second Survey.

Admissions
Research

Social Media Monitoring and the Admissions Process - July 60-Second Survey 2017

Harvard University made national news recently when offers of admission were rescinded for “at least ten students” based on obscene social media content posted to a Facebook page.

Admissions
Research

Admissions Staffing and Responsibility - November 60-Second Survey 2015

AACRAO survey the size of admissions staff and their collective responsibilities, such as recruiting, application processing and transfer equivalency.

Admissions
Research

Admission Practices - July 60-Second Survey 2015

The purpose of the July 2015 60 Second Survey was to gain a snapshot understanding of a handful of admission practices that were suggested as topics of interest by the membership.

Admissions
Research

International Student Recruitment Practices - January 60-Second Survey 2015

The January 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to indicate their institutions’ international student recruiting practices.

Admissions
Research

Format of Key Admissions Communications - November 60-Second Survey 2014

The November AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to indicate the format of key documents used to support the admissions processes.

Admissions
Research

Electronic Media Recruitment - May 2014

AACRAO asked respondents to indicate the format of key documents used to support the admissions process. This included hard copy, email, student portal, etc.

Admissions
Research

Admissions Staffing and Responsibility - November 60-Second Survey 2009

AACRAO explores the use of criminal history screening in college admissions procedures. In all, 273 institutions responded to the survey.

Admissions
Research

Undergraduate Admission Process for Applicants with Criminal Records - November 2009

This report reviews findings from a first-of-its-kind survey conducted by the Center for Community Alternatives in collaboration with AACRAO.

Admissions
Research

Admission Practice Snapshot - July 2003

AACRAO conducted a survey to determine how technological changes have affected institutions' use of different types of recruitment media.

Admissions
Research

Career Profiles

2024 Summary of U.S. Registrar Survey AACRAO Career Profile Series

2024 Summary of U.S. Registrar Survey AACRAO Career Profile Series

This is the fourth AACRAO Registrar Career Profile report; the first, second, and third were completed in 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Career Profiles
2023 Chief Enrollment Management Officer: Summary of the AACRAO Career Profile Survey

2023 Chief Enrollment Management Officer: Summary of the AACRAO Career Profile Survey

This is the fourth AACRAO chief admissions officer career profile report; the first, second, and third were completed in 2014, 2017, and 2020.

Career Profiles
2022 Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Report

2022 Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Report

This report was made possible by the more than 370 U.S. Chief Admissions Officers who participated in our survey.

Admissions
Career Profiles
Professional Development and Contributions to the Field
Research

The Modern Registrar: Reflections from the Field

AACRAO is pleased to announce the release of its most recent white paper, The Modern Registrar: Reflections from the Field.

Career Profiles
Registration & Records
Research
Modern Campus
Registrar Career Profile Report

Registrar Career Profile Report

This report was made possible by the more than 700 U.S. registrars who participated in our survey.

Career Profiles
Professional Development and Contributions to the Field
Registration & Records
Research
2020 Chief Enrollment Management Officer: Summary of the AACRAO Career Profile Survey

2020 Chief Enrollment Management Officer: Summary of the AACRAO Career Profile Survey

This is the third AACRAO chief admissions officer career profile report; the first and second were completed in 2014 and 2017.

Career Profiles

U.S. Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Survey - August 2019

The AACRAO career profile series consists of reports on chief admissions officers (CAO), chief enrollment management officers (CEMO), and registrars.

Career Profiles
Research

Registrar Career Profile - 2018

This is the second AACRAO registrar career profile report. The first was completed in 2015 and was limited to U.S. institutions; this iteration was not.

Career Profiles
Research

2017 U.S. Chief Enrollment Management Officer Career Profile

This is the second AACRAO chief enrollment management officer report. The first was completed in 2014 and was limited to U.S. institutions; this iteration was not.

Career Profiles
Research

U.S. Chief Admissions Officer Career Profile Survey - December 2016

This report on the career profile of chief admissions officers rounds out the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) career profile series

Career Profiles
Research

U.S. Registrar Career Profile - August 2015

Similar to the 2014 AACRAO chief enrollment management officer report, this report details the results of a first-of-its-kind survey conducted by AACRAO.

Career Profiles
Research

Chief Enrollment Management Officer Career Profile Report - June 2014

This survey is the first of its kind conducted by AACRAO and attempts to build a foundation of understanding of the career profile and position responsibilities for the CEMO in the United States.

Career Profiles
Research

Registration & Records

The SPOT Advantage Reimagining Academic Terms

The SPOT Advantage: Reimagining Academic Terms

Authored by Dr. Wendy Kilgore, this paper examines the adoption and outcomes of shortened parts of term—referred to as SPOT—across nine diverse higher education institutions.

Enrollment Management
Learning Mobility
Registration & Records
Research
Enrollment Management
Learning Mobility
Balancing Access and Accountability: Insights from States with Existing Transcript-Hold Regulations - Part 2

Balancing Access and Accountability: Insights from States with Existing Transcript-Hold Regulations - Part 2

Authored by Dr. Wendy Kilgore and Dr. James Dean Ward, the report provides insights into the impact of state-level transcript hold regulations on higher education institutions and learners.

Learning Mobility
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Learning Mobility
Transcript Withholding
Transcripts
Balancing Access and Accountability: Assessing the Implications of the New Federal Transcript-Hold Regulation for Higher Education - Part 1

Balancing Access and Accountability: Assessing the Implications of the New Federal Transcript-Hold Regulation for Higher Education - Part 1

Authored by Dr. Wendy Kilgore and Dr. James Dean Ward, the report delves into the impacts and institutional responses to federal regulations limiting transcript holds for students with unpaid balances.

Learning Mobility
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Learning Mobility
Transcript Withholding
Transcripts
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion: The 2024 Landscape of Credit for Prior Learning in U.S. and Canadian Higher Education

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion: The 2024 Landscape of Credit for Prior Learning in U.S. and Canadian Higher Education

The challenges and successes in implementing CPL within educational institutions are explored in this report.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer
Credentials Confusion: A Call For Uniformity in Practice and Terminology

Credentials Confusion: A Call For Uniformity in Practice and Terminology

Insights from a June 2023 Survey aimed at determining if the terms for various credentials, referred to as innovative credentials in this report, are defined and used differently based on their institutional context.View PDF

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
Operational Efficiency in Academic Operations| November 2023 | 60-Second Survey

Operational Efficiency in Academic Operations| November 2023 | 60-Second Survey

In October 2023, AACRAO collaborated with Ad Astra to conduct a survey that forms the basis of this report. AACRAO’s primary contacts across institutions in the United States and Canada were asked to participate in the survey.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Institutional Governance/ Decision Making and the Role of the Registrar | September 2023 | 60-Second Survey

Institutional Governance/ Decision Making and the Role of the Registrar| September 2023 | 60-Second Survey

In August 2023, AACRAO created and distributed a 60-second survey to AACRAO primary contacts at U.S. institutions asking for information about institutional governance/decision making and the role of the registrar in this function.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Measures of Effectiveness for an Undergraduate Schedule of Classes| 60-Second Survey

Measures of Effectiveness for an Undergraduate Schedule of Classes| February 2023 | 60-Second Survey

The February 2023 60-Second Survey was conducted as part of AACRAO’s ongoing search for insights into various administrative-support aspects of undergraduate-class scheduling.

Registration & Records
Research
60 Second Survey
course scheduling
Use of Degree-Audit and Education-Planning Solutions | November 2022 | 60-Second Survey

Use of Degree-Audit and Education-Planning Solutions | November 2022 | 60-Second Survey

The November 2022 60-Second Survey invited AACRAO members to share how their institution uses degree-audit and/or education-planning technology to support students.

Registration & Records
Research
60 Second Survey
degree audit

The Modern Registrar: Reflections from the Field

AACRAO is pleased to announce the release of its most recent white paper, The Modern Registrar: Reflections from the Field.

Career Profiles
Registration & Records
Research
Modern Campus
A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology

A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology

AACRAO is pleased to announce the release of its most recent report, A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology.

Academic Policy
Academic Scheduling
Interpretation and Application of Data
Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
Student Academic Records and Academic Policy
Coursedog
Undergraduate-Class and Academic-Program-Demand Practices | July 2022 | 60-Second Survey

Undergraduate-Class and Academic-Program-Demand Practices | July 2022 | 60-Second Survey

The July 2022 60-Second Survey Survey invited undergraduate-serving members to share how their institution uses tools and data to project class and/or academic-program demand at the undergraduate level.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Academic Program Demand
Perceptions of and Expectations for the Role of the Registrar | June 2022 | 60-Second Survey

Perceptions of and Expectations for the Role of the Registrar | June 2022 | 60-Second Survey

The July 2022 60-Second Survey invited all AACRAO members to provide their perspectives on what the role of the registrar should be at their institution.

Registration & Records
Research
60 Second Survey
Registrars' Office Staffing Size & Primary Responsibilities: November 2021 | 60-Second Survey

Registrars' Office Staffing Size & Primary Responsibilities: November 2021 | 60-Second Survey

This 60 Second Survey focuses on registrars' office staff size and responsibilities; it discusses the opportunity to work remotely, vacancies, and the level of difficulty in filling the positions.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
covid-19
Staff Size
Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement - Part 2

Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement - Part 2

A national survey of administrative hold policy and practice answering: 1) How and why are holds used? and 2) What are the impacts on students and institutions?

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer
Administrative Hold
Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement Report

Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement Report

How and why are holds used? What are the impacts on students and institutions?

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer
Administrative Hold
Registrar Career Profile Report

Registrar Career Profile Report

This report was made possible by the more than 700 U.S. registrars who participated in our survey.

Career Profiles
Professional Development and Contributions to the Field
Registration & Records
Research
Reimagining Transfer for Student Success

Reimagining Transfer for Student Success: The National Task Force on the Transfer and Award of Credit

The National Task Force on the Transfer and Award of Credit offers recommendations and best practices on how to modify existing transfer and award of credit practices to best support student success.

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Transfer
prior learning assessment
Transfer Credit
Transfer Credit Evaluation
transfer students
Meeting the Moment: Transforming the Digital Credentials Space

Meeting the Moment: Transforming the Digital Credentials Space

The economic and cultural upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 crisis have accelerated the need for an expanded, secure, interoperable, and widely portable approach to the recognition of academic and co-curricular accomplishments.

Credential Evaluation
Registration & Records
blockchain
Credential Evaluation
Electronic Data Interchange

A Peek Behind the Curtain: An examination of credit evaluation and academic advising for transfer students at U.S. undergraduate serving institutions

AACRAO has a longstanding practice of providing guidance and research in support of the transfer student experience.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

How Students Experience and Perceive Transferring Earned Credit

In this paper, the authors highlight a study by AACRAO and The American Council on Education (ACE) on students’ perceptions about how transfer credit was applied towards academic programs of study.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

2020 Stranded Credits Report: Another Perspective on the Lost Credits Story

For this research, “stranded credits” refers to the accumulated credits for which a student is unable to obtain an official transcript due to an administrative hold.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

2019 U.S. Higher Education Official Transcript Practices

This recurring survey serves two functions.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer
Official Transcript Formats: September 2019 | 60-Second Survey

Official Transcript Formats: September 2019 | 60-Second Survey

AACRAO and the AACRAO SPEEDE Committee are updating electronic transcript data use from research completed in 2011, 2014, and 2017.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

An Examination of Prior Learning Assessment Policy and Practice as Experienced by Academic Records Professionals and Students

This brief is one part of a broad landscape analysis focused on policy and practice issues related to the recognition of prior learning.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Transfer Credit Policy - May 60-Second Survey 2017

AACRAO, in conjunction with other higher education associations, is writing a new version of the Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer
Registrar Office Staffing: January 2019 | 60-Second Survey

Registrar Office Staffing: January 2019 | 60-Second Survey

The April 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to identify the size, composition, name and level of decentralization for the Office of the Registrar.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Program Completion Time Limits - September 60-Second Survey 2018

Program completion time limits was the topic of this month’s AACRAO 60-Second Survey (Appendix A).

Curriculum and Project Management
Registration & Records
Research

Alternative Credentials: Beyond the Diploma and Transcript - July 60-Second Survey 2018

AACRAO members were asked about the existence of, or institutional interest in, alternative credentials.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

Transcript Cost, Type, and Volume - 60-Second Survey May 2018

AACRAO members were asked about the type, volume and cost of official transcripts at their institution in this month’s 60-Second survey.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

The Use (or not) of Electronic Transcripts - September 60-Second Survey 2017

In 2014, we completed a comprehensive survey with our members asking about electronic transcript use and return on investment.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

2017 Grades and Grading Practices in U.S. Higher Education

This is the fifth iteration of a grades and grading practices publication by AACRAO. The previous versions in 1971, 1982, 1992, and 2004 were produced in a book for purchase format.

Grades/Grading
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Student Records Management Practice - January 60-Second Survey 2017

The January 2017 AACRAO 60-Second Survey focused on student records management practices.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Miscellany - November 60-Second Survey 2016

The November 2016 AACRAO 60-Second Survey consisted of a collection of mostly unrelated but important practice and/or policy questions.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research

Class Scheduling (aka Timetabling) Practices and Technology - Sept 60-Second Survey 2016

The September 2016 AACRAO 60-Second Survey focused on undergraduate (n=701) and graduate (n=386) class scheduling practices.

Curriculum and Project Management
Registration & Records
Research

New Student Registration and Orientation - April 60-Second Survey 2016

This survey focused on two different practices.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

The Impact of Electronic Content Management (ECM) system Ownership on Student Records Management Practice - March 2016

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers undertakes research projects to keep ourselves, and the higher education community informed about emerging practices.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Class Start Times and Lengths - March 60-Second Survey 2016

In response to the recent Inside Higher Education article about one institution's decision not to offer 8:00 a.m. courses, we developed this survey.

Curriculum and Project Management
Registration & Records
Research

Curriculum Management Practices - 60-Second Survey February 2016

Curriculum and Project Management
Registration & Records
Research

U.S. Higher Education Transcript Practices and Best Practice Opinions - June 2015

The survey includes two parts. In part A, respondents were queried about their institution’s official transcript and related database records practices.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

Registrar Office Staffing - April 60-Second Survey 2015

The April 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to identify the size, composition, name and level of decentralization for the Office of the Registrar.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Tracking Student Identity Preferences - March 60-Second Survey 2015

The March 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to identify how, if at all, their institution enables students to indicate their identity preferences.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research

Course Repeat Practices - September 60-Second Survey 2015

The purpose of the September 2015 60 Second Survey was to capture a snapshot of if and how institutions apply course repeat practices at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Curriculum and Project Management
Registration & Records
Research

Credit for Prior Learning Practices - December 60-Second Survey 2014

AACRAO recently initiated a series of surveys designed to capture member institutional practice snapshots in 60 seconds or less.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Transfer Articulation Practices - October 2014

This survey collected transfer articulation practices from a variety of academic departments to see which "units/departments are responsible for processing transfer credit articulation."

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Plus/Minus Grading Practices - 60 Second Survey July 2014

This survey highlights the results of the AACRAO June 2014 60-Second Survey on the use of plus and minus grades.

Grades/Grading
Registration & Records
Research

Transcript Practice and Costs Report 2014

This survey was intended to update and expand on the 1997 SPEEDE/ExPRESS study titled, A Business Case for the Electronic Exchange of Student Records.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

Transcript Task Force Final Report - August 2010

In April 2008, the Vice President for Records and Academic Services appointed an ad-hoc task force to evaluate the current state of technology.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts

Members' Opinions about Transcript Practices, Student ID Numbers, and Name Changes - Winter 2009

AACRAO conducted a survey of its members in winter 2009/10 to determine their practices.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Registrars' Opinions about Transcript Practices, Student ID Numbers, and Name Changes - Winter 2009

AACRAO conducted a survey of its members in winter 2009/10 to determine their practices.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

AACRAO Registrars Survey: Salaries, Office Location, One-Stop Shops, and Office Functions - September 2007

In September 2007, AACRAO conducted a survey of the Registrar’s Offices at its member institutions on several topics.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

AACRAO Registrars Survey: Office Size by Institutional Enrollment; Reporting Line of the Registrar - September 2007

This is the second of a two-part report on the results of a September 2007 survey that AACRAO conducted of Registrar’s Offices at its member institutions.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Registration & Records
Research

Online Registration Services 2003

AACRAO recently conducted a survey of its membership to gather information about online registration services.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research

Transfer and Articulation State Practices - May 2002

The states are doing a good job of addressing transfer problems in the most traditional form of transfer: 2-year to 4-year institutions.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Online Registration Services - September 1999

AACRAO recently conducted a survey of its membership to gather information about online registration services.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research

Academic Progression and Institutional Policies

Some institutions responded that they had different minimum GPA requirements depending on the number of credits completed.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research

Transfer

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion: The 2024 Landscape of Credit for Prior Learning in U.S. and Canadian Higher Education

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion: The 2024 Landscape of Credit for Prior Learning in U.S. and Canadian Higher Education

The challenges and successes in implementing CPL within educational institutions are explored in this report.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer
Untangling Transfer Who, When and Why: An Examination of Transfer Patterns and Institutional Supports

Untangling Transfer Who, When, and Why: An Examination of Transfer Patterns and Institutional Supports

A survey of AACRAO’s list of member institutions that serve undergraduate students addresses the staffing, practice, policy, and technology associated with the admission and recruitment of all three types of transfer students.

Academic Policy
Admissions
Re-Envisioning Transfer
Research
Transfer
Salesforce
Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement - Part 2

Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement - Part 2

A national survey of administrative hold policy and practice answering: 1) How and why are holds used? and 2) What are the impacts on students and institutions?

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer
Administrative Hold
Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement Report

Institutional Practices Impeding Undergraduate Student Advancement Report

How and why are holds used? What are the impacts on students and institutions?

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer
Administrative Hold
Reimagining Transfer for Student Success

Reimagining Transfer for Student Success: The National Task Force on the Transfer and Award of Credit

The National Task Force on the Transfer and Award of Credit offers recommendations and best practices on how to modify existing transfer and award of credit practices to best support student success.

Re-Envisioning Transfer
Registration & Records
Transfer
prior learning assessment
Transfer Credit
Transfer Credit Evaluation
transfer students

A Peek Behind the Curtain: An examination of credit evaluation and academic advising for transfer students at U.S. undergraduate serving institutions

AACRAO has a longstanding practice of providing guidance and research in support of the transfer student experience.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

How Students Experience and Perceive Transferring Earned Credit

In this paper, the authors highlight a study by AACRAO and The American Council on Education (ACE) on students’ perceptions about how transfer credit was applied towards academic programs of study.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

2020 Stranded Credits Report: Another Perspective on the Lost Credits Story

For this research, “stranded credits” refers to the accumulated credits for which a student is unable to obtain an official transcript due to an administrative hold.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

COVID-19: Transfer Credit Evaluation, Official Transcript Receipt & Delivery, Test Score Receipt and Fall Calendar/Sessions Plans

Snapshot Impact Survey #3: This is the third in a series of snapshot reports on COVID-19’s impact on practice.

2020
Research
Special Topics
Transfer

2019 U.S. Higher Education Official Transcript Practices

This recurring survey serves two functions.

Registration & Records
Research
Transcripts
Transfer

An Examination of Prior Learning Assessment Policy and Practice as Experienced by Academic Records Professionals and Students

This brief is one part of a broad landscape analysis focused on policy and practice issues related to the recognition of prior learning.

Other Topics
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Transfer Credit Policy - May 60-Second Survey 2017

AACRAO, in conjunction with other higher education associations, is writing a new version of the Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

2017 Grades and Grading Practices in U.S. Higher Education

This is the fifth iteration of a grades and grading practices publication by AACRAO. The previous versions in 1971, 1982, 1992, and 2004 were produced in a book for purchase format.

Grades/Grading
Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Dual Enrollment from Two Points of View: Higher Education and K–12 2017

While dual enrollment fills a similar student success niche in both higher and K–12 education, the administrative perspectives of these two entities do not always align.

2017
Research
Special Topics
Transfer

Credit for Prior Learning Practices - December 60-Second Survey 2014

AACRAO recently initiated a series of surveys designed to capture member institutional practice snapshots in 60 seconds or less.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Transfer Articulation Practices - October 2014

This survey collected transfer articulation practices from a variety of academic departments to see which "units/departments are responsible for processing transfer credit articulation."

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Transfer and Articulation State Practices - May 2002

The states are doing a good job of addressing transfer problems in the most traditional form of transfer: 2-year to 4-year institutions.

Registration & Records
Research
Transfer

Special Topics

Technical Guide for Assessing Administrative Holds with Data

Technical Guide for Assessing Administrative Holds with Data

This field-tested technical guide was created to help institutions identify the data and analytical skillset required to examine their undergraduate-student-level-transcript and registration-hold data.

Special Topics
Credentials Confusion: A Call For Uniformity in Practice and Terminology

Credentials Confusion: A Call For Uniformity in Practice and Terminology

Insights from a June 2023 Survey aimed at determining if the terms for various credentials, referred to as innovative credentials in this report, are defined and used differently based on their institutional context.View PDF

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
Operational Efficiency in Academic Operations| November 2023 | 60-Second Survey

Operational Efficiency in Academic Operations| November 2023 | 60-Second Survey

In October 2023, AACRAO collaborated with Ad Astra to conduct a survey that forms the basis of this report. AACRAO’s primary contacts across institutions in the United States and Canada were asked to participate in the survey.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Institutional Governance/ Decision Making and the Role of the Registrar | September 2023 | 60-Second Survey

Institutional Governance/ Decision Making and the Role of the Registrar| September 2023 | 60-Second Survey

In August 2023, AACRAO created and distributed a 60-second survey to AACRAO primary contacts at U.S. institutions asking for information about institutional governance/decision making and the role of the registrar in this function.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Collaboration, Competition or Convergence?

Collaboration, Competition or Convergence: The relationship between professional and continuing education and traditional academic programs

Download AACRAO's latest Research Report: Collaboration, Competition or Convergence?

Competency-Based Education
Comprehensive Record
Data Stewardship
Emerging Technologies
Interpretation and Application of Data
Learning Mobility
Reporting and Research
Research
Special Topics
Technological Knowledge
Serving Undergraduate-Adult Learners: A Benchmark of Institutional Practices, Definitions and Learner Challenges

Serving Undergraduate-Adult Learners: A Benchmark of Institutional Practices, Definitions and Learner Challenges at Institutions in the United States

AACRAO is pleased to announce the release of its most recent report, Serving Undergraduate-Adult Learners: A Benchmark of Institutional Practices, Definitions and Learner Challenges

Academic Policy
Interpretation and Application of Data
Research
Special Topics
Student Academic Records and Academic Policy
A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology

A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology

AACRAO is pleased to announce the release of its most recent report, A Comprehensive View of Undergraduate-Class Scheduling Practice, Policy, Data Use, and Technology.

Academic Policy
Academic Scheduling
Interpretation and Application of Data
Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
Student Academic Records and Academic Policy
Coursedog
Undergraduate-Class and Academic-Program-Demand Practices | July 2022 | 60-Second Survey

Undergraduate-Class and Academic-Program-Demand Practices | July 2022 | 60-Second Survey

The July 2022 60-Second Survey Survey invited undergraduate-serving members to share how their institution uses tools and data to project class and/or academic-program demand at the undergraduate level.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
60 Second Survey
Academic Program Demand
Registrars' Office Staffing Size & Primary Responsibilities: November 2021 | 60-Second Survey

Registrars' Office Staffing Size & Primary Responsibilities: November 2021 | 60-Second Survey

This 60 Second Survey focuses on registrars' office staff size and responsibilities; it discusses the opportunity to work remotely, vacancies, and the level of difficulty in filling the positions.

Registration & Records
Research
Special Topics
covid-19
Staff Size
The Return to Campus Institutional Plans and Personal Sentiments: May 2021 | 60-Second Survey

The Return to Campus Institutional Plans and Personal Sentiments: May 2021 | 60-Second Survey

If, when, and how remote employees will return to work in a more traditional office setting is a trending topic with higher education professionals as evidenced by the above-average number of respondents for this month's survey.

Office Policies, Practices and Procedures
Online and Distance Learning
Professional Well-Being
Special Topics
Systems Management
covid-19
In Their Own Words: Perceptions of Training Needs Among and Between Professional Employee Levels

In Their Own Words: Perceptions of Training Needs Among and Between Professional Employee Levels

This report that surveyed nearly 1,000 individuals hones in on perceived professional development training needs in higher ed.

Professional Development and Contributions to the Field
Special Topics
Professional Development
Student and Employee Vaccination Policies and COVID-19 Vaccination Plans: March 2021 60-Second Survey

Student and Employee Vaccination Policies and COVID-19 Vaccination Plans: March 2021 | 60-Second Survey

Given the ongoing rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide and interest in understanding how colleges and universities plan to address inoculation with the vaccine, the March survey focused on COVID-19 vaccination plans for students and employees.

Special Topics
covid-19

The Ups and Downs of Organizational Change Management: Institutional Readiness, Practice and Individual Experiences 2020

AACRAO has defined the ability to manage change as a professional competency for all higher education professionals.

2020
Research
Special Topics

COVID-19: Enrollment Indicators, Fall Course Delivery, Fall Calendar and Social Distancing Measure Plans as of May 20, 2020

Snapshot Impact Survey #4: This report reveals the results of the fourth survey deployed to capture a snapshot of the impacts of COVID-19 on higher education.

2020
Research
Special Topics

COVID-19: Transfer Credit Evaluation, Official Transcript Receipt & Delivery, Test Score Receipt and Fall Calendar/Sessions Plans

Snapshot Impact Survey #3: This is the third in a series of snapshot reports on COVID-19’s impact on practice.

2020
Research
Special Topics
Transfer

COVID-19: Undergraduate Enrollment Indicators, Impact on Admissions Practice and Fall Course Delivery

Snapshot Impact Survey #2: AACRAO is developing guidance on a range of topics in support of institutions of higher education.

2020
Research
Special Topics

Impact of COVID-19 on Grading, Transcript and Commencement Practices

Snapshot Impact Survey #1: AACRAO is developing guidance on a range of topics in support of institutions of higher education.

2020
Research
Special Topics

Student Basic Needs: Institutional Services and Awareness

For the March 2020 survey, AACRAO partnered with The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University on the March 2020 survey.

2020
Research
Special Topics
Use of, and Interest In, Enrollment Management: January 2020 | 60-Second Survey

Use of, and Interest In, Enrollment Management: January 2020 | 60-Second Survey

The January 2020 60-Second Survey was designed to serve two purposes.

2020
Research
Special Topics
Student Success: March 2019 | 60-Second Survey

Student Success: March 2019 | 60-Second Survey

The student success work group was charged by the AACRAO board to investigate, research, and explore student success from the perspective of enrollment management professionals.

2019
Research
Special Topics

Accreditation and Recognition of International Education - January 60-Second Survey 2018

Institutional accreditation is an important factor for U.S. institutions in determining if credit or degrees from another institution will be accepted.

2018
Research
Special Topics
Use of and Access to Data: Opinions on Institutional Data Practices: November 2017 | 60-Second Survey

Use of and Access to Data: Opinions on Institutional Data Practices: November 2017 | 60-Second Survey

This month's 60-Second survey was a partnership between the American Council on Education (ACE) and AACRAO.

2017
Research
Special Topics

A Look at Coaching and Mentoring - March 60-Second Survey 2017

The March 2017 AACRAO 60-Second Survey focused on the concepts of managerial coaching and mentoring.

2017
Research
Special Topics

Dual Enrollment from Two Points of View: Higher Education and K–12 2017

While dual enrollment fills a similar student success niche in both higher and K–12 education, the administrative perspectives of these two entities do not always align.

2017
Research
Special Topics
Transfer

Dual Enrollment in the Context of Strategic Enrollment Management - November 2016

The goals of this survey were to capture a current snapshot of dual enrollment (DE) course and program practices at institutions in the United States.

2016
Research
Special Topics

2017-2018 FAFSA - July 60-Second Survey 2016

Beginning on Oct. 1, 2016, students will be able to fill out the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) for the 2017–2018 school year.

2016
Research
Special Topics

Survey Participation, Frequency and Topic Preferences - May 60-Second Survey 2015

The intent of the 60 Second survey is to capture on a monthly basis quick practice snapshots which address questions AACRAO receives from members or hot topics in the higher education news.

2015
Research
Special Topics

FERPA Training Practices - January 60-Second Survey 2016

The January 2016 AACRAO 60 Second Survey focused on institutional FERPA training practices and measuring the level of interest in an AACRAO-developed online FERPA training module.

2016
Research
Special Topics
GED High School Equivalency Credential Policy, Practice- October 60-Second Survey 2015

GED High School Equivalency Credential Policy, Practice and Perception - October 60-Second Survey 2015

The October 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey focused on the GED® High School Equivalency Credential (GED®). AACRAO and the American Council on Education (ACE) partnered on this survey.

2015
Research
Special Topics

AACRAO Members' Level of Interest in Online Professional Development Topics - August 60-Second Survey 2015

The purpose of the August 2015 60 Second Survey was to survey our members on their level of interest in several proposed and under development online professional development (PD) topics.

2015
Research
Special Topics

Data Quality Practices - June 60-Second Survey 2015

The purpose of the June 2015 60 Second Survey was to gain a snapshot understanding of if and how institutions attempt to manage data quality.

2015
Research
Special Topics

Distance Education Practices - February 60-Second Survey 2015

The February 2015 AACRAO 60 Second Survey asked respondents to identify whether or not their institution offers distance education.

2015
Research
Special Topics

State of CRM Use in Higher Education - October 2014

The aim of this survey was to measure SEM plan use and how current it was across several countries.

2014
Research
Special Topics

SEM Plan Use - August 60 Second Survey 2014

The aim of this survey was to measure SEM plan use and how current it was across several countries.

2014
Research
Special Topics

Student Information Systems and Degree Audit - Summer 2007

One of two reports from the survey, this report summarizes results for all 509 institutions for which we received responses.

2010-Beyond
Research
Special Topics

How NCAA Institutions Conduct Student Athlete Eligibility Certification - July 2007

This article summarizes the results of questions asked of NCAA institutions in a survey that was conducted in July 2007.

2010-Beyond
Research
Special Topics

SEVIS Report - March 2005

AACRAO has conducted a survey of its membership to gauge the satisfaction level of institutions of higher education that participate in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

2010-Beyond
Research
Special Topics

FERPA/Voter Registration - April 2004

AACRAO conducted a survey of its membership to learn more about how institutions comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

2010-Beyond
Research
Special Topics

Member Salary Survey - February 2000

This survey of AACRAO's membership asked members to provide current salary information and to evaluate the importance of AACRAO member products and services.

2010-Beyond
Research
Special Topics