By Michelle Gruber, Associate Registrar at Butler University, 2025 Emerging Leader Award Winner, 2024 AACRAO Congressional Hill Day Advocate
Attending the AACRAO Annual Meeting for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the potential journey to leadership within the organization. I can personally attest to this, having attended my first conference in 2022. The sheer volume of sessions, first-time attendee events, caucuses, Professional Activities Committees (PACs), and the various state and regional activities can leave one wondering where to begin. However, I am here to tell you that not only is it possible to navigate this vast landscape, but you can thrive in it.
Starting Small and Getting Involved
You might be asking, “How do I start?” The answer is to take small steps and truly enjoy the experience. The AACRAO Annual Meeting offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow first-time attendees who are likely feeling just as overwhelmed as you. Sharing these moments of uncertainty can help you build connections and gain confidence in your role.
Reflecting on my own journey, I transitioned from a first-time attendee in 2022 to serving as the President of the Indiana Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (Indiana-ACRAO) in 2024-2025. One thing I learned early on, is that engaging at the state and regional levels often feels more manageable than jumping directly into large-scale commitments, such as presenting at sessions or joining a PAC.
A practical way to ease into involvement is to start by attending the monthly Caucus Gatherings, which take place on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings provided me with valuable insights into the experiences of others who were in every stage of their AACRAO involvement. I found myself enjoying the camaraderie and collaboration with fellow registrars more than I had initially anticipated. What once seemed like a time-consuming commitment quickly became a source of personal fulfillment.
A Five-Star Experience
Participating in Congressional Hill Day last summer was one of the most impactful experiences for my professional growth. This event provided me with firsthand exposure to the legislative processes that shape policies affecting our day-to-day work in higher education. I cannot recommend it enough. It was a five-star experience that broadened my perspective and allowed me to see the tangible impact of policy decisions on our profession.
As a result of my involvement, I have grown professionally and expanded my network of colleagues to whom I can turn when facing challenges or seeking advice. From humble beginnings as a first-time attendee to earning an AACRAO award and a leadership position, my journey has been a testament to the power of taking small steps, embracing opportunities, and enjoying the process.
So, to all first-time attendees, you have the potential to achieve great things, and the AACRAO Annual Meeting is the perfect place to start.