The Rewards of the ARSEE Conference in Campeche

by Thomas C. Black, Associate Vice Provost & University Registrar, Student and Academic Services, Stanford University

         As memories of multi-colored houses, rows of restaurant tables and chairs, and the exquisite flavors of the cuisine of Campeche begin to fade, I found my visit south quite gratifying, as I interacted with my brethren from higher education in Mexico.  Additionally, I am struck by two experiences.  First, my visit to the Universidad Autónoma de Campeche was warm and hospitable, and I learned first hand how careful and methodical Mexican institutions are with respect to the preparation and delivery of official academic documents, especially the diploma.  I saw first hand the delight in the eyes of a graduate as he validated and proudly received the evidence of completion of his degree.  That experience reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.  The second moving experience was that of scrambling on stacked stones of a Mayan temple.  While it is stunning to see how sophisticated the architecture was thousands of years ago, it reminded me that we must be mindful of the technology of the day.  For a lasting impact, we must embrace the latest means to perform our necessary work.

            Of course, for me, that necessary work is keeping academic records and documenting learning.  To enhance student mobility and to protect student and institutional integrity, it is incumbent upon us to use the latest technology to represent learning, that is easy to understand, show and exchange between parties if need be.  That is why I am intrigued about the prospect of collaborating with fellow higher education professionals from Mexican institutions in designing and prototyping academic credentials that are well suited and compatible with current social expectations and norms.  We have many options today, and investigating and selecting appropriate possibilities will be professionally invigorating.  I look forward to engaging further in this endeavor, and with great anticipation, I hope to join our Mexican colleagues in carrying out the principles of the Groningen Declaration and enhancing student success worldwide.

           The Ninth Congress of School Administration was held at the Universidad Autonoma de Campeche and The Campeche Convention Center from September 28 - 30, 2016. In addition to Black, Janie Barnett (Associate Executive Director, AACRAO) and Natalia Jimenez (Assistant Director, Marketing, AACRAO) were also in attendance.

           "We are very pleased with the achievements, attendance was more than expected. 331 conference attendees, 28 speakers, 9 workshops, 5 sponsors, 3 plenaries and 25 sessions; 118 educational institutions participated from 23 states of the Mexican Republic," said Pamela Alvarez Morales, Executive Secretary of ARSEE. "Attendees were very pleased with the new learnings and new tools obtained at the meeting so they can apply in their work at their own institutions."