Admissions & Recruitment

Enrollment Management

Records & Academic Services

Transfer & Articulation

Records & Academic Services

AACRAO Annual Meeting

The AACRAO Annual Meeting is an opportunity to learn, network, and advance higher education. Professionals from a variety of higher education disciplines gather together at AACRAO's Annual Meeting to engage and discuss the ever-changing landscape of higher ed.

Registration & Records Learning Pathway

Registration & Records Resources

Books

AACRAO Records & Registration publications available for online purchase

Podcast

For the Record - AACRAO’s podcast focused on the roles & responsibilities of the registrar’s office.

Reports
- AACRAO Registration & Records research reports

Webinars

Ask the FERPA Professor!

May 7, 2025 - May 7, 2025
Ask the FERPA Professor with LeRoy Rooker

January 22, 2025 - January 22, 2025
Roundtable Discussion: Enhancing Academic Operations in Higher Education

October 22, 2024 - October 22, 2024

View more webinars→

Online Courses

Registrar 101 - Section 3

September 8, 2025 - October 26, 2025

Guidance & Recommendations

Guidance on the Review of the Comprehensive Learner Records (CLR) Standard from IMS Global

Released in 2020 to provide guidance on the standardization of CLRs for transmission to employers or other higher education institutions or licensing agencies.

CAS Standards for Registrar Services

Released in 2020, The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) revised standards, delineated expectations for practitioners and educators in related functional areas, and updated to the standards published in the 2019 edition.

Student Identity

Released in 2019, to provide guidance for AACRAO members and their institutions on serving transgender students and students who wish to update their gender marker, change their legal name, use a chosen name, or designate a pronoun.

Transcript Disciplinary Notations: Guidance to AACRAO Members

Released in 2017 in response to growing interest from AACRAO members, new and proposed state legislation, and the increasing public accountability of colleges and universities.

Core Competencies

Proficiencies

AACCRAO_Transcript-purple

Your policy and industry news

Connecticut Approves Ban on Transcript Holds

Jun 8, 2023

However, the legislation still allows schools to withhold transcripts in certain cases, such as the student wanting to transfer or apply to another institution.
Montana and Tennessee Pass State Privacy Laws

May 4, 2023

The passage of these bills continues a notably busy year for state privacy legislation.

AACRAO_Connect_logo_final

Your professional development news

Cutouts of many people made with different color paper. — Avoiding the Service Jam: Driving Student Satisfaction and Retention

Feb 17, 2025

Learn about two categories of services that influence student satisfaction and loyalty.

Group of SEM Conference attendees at registration. — SEM Conference - Academic Affairs and the Financial Aid Office: Essential Collaboration

Nov 15, 2022

See how one institution utilized cross-campus collaboration to ensure success for its SEM planning and development.

Person working on process management at their laptop. — Alternative Credentials: Considerations, Guidance, and Best Practices

Jul 12, 2022

Download the latest report from the Alternative Credentials Workgroup featuring guidance, best practices, and considerations.

translucent blue chain link made out of code — Setting the Stage to Empower Learners through Blockchain

Jan 10, 2022

Learn how Scribbles Software enables institutions to utilize blockchain for electronic student records and transcripts.

book open with pages fanned out sitting on top of 2 other books — Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Phase II Report Is Out Now

Jun 28, 2021

Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Phase II Report is out now and available for download.

illustrated figures help one another climb a staircase made out of books — Comprehensive Learner Record to the Rescue! Transforming Student Learning to Skills

Jun 1, 2021

The Comprehensive Learner Record doesn't just verify student learning - it can prepare them for the workforce too.

male working on his laptop while sitting at a wooden table in a plain neutral colored room — AACRAO Podcast For the Record - Discusses PLA and CBE in Higher Learning Institutions

Mar 8, 2021

Understanding Prior Learning Assessment and Competency Based Education in Higher Learning Institutions.

person filling out a form with a stainless steel pen — Revisiting AACRAO’s Academic Record and Transcript Guide

Jan 25, 2021

Recommendations for name changes, disciplinary action notations, and transcription of nontraditional work.

illustration of light blue filing cabinet on dark blue background. cabinet drawer is open and files are coming out. a cloud with a lock symbol is on it in front of the cabinet — MyCreds: Canadian registrar association launches national credential wallet

Dec 13, 2020

Helping universities deliver bilingual digitized and portable transcripts and credentials.

photo of large empty classroom with chairs upside down on rows of desks — Report & webinar: Best practices for closing and merging schools

Nov 12, 2020

Over the past five years more than 1,200 higher education institutions have closed, displacing nearly half a million students.

illustrated figures making up a map of the continental US — 2020 Census & student privacy: What you need to know

Jul 13, 2020

Has your institution done its part to assist the U.S. Census Bureau in the collection and distribution of student information?

illustration of people sitting around table with colorful word bubbles — New CLR Roundtable series kicks off

Jul 9, 2020

An open monthly forum for institutional leaders to discuss and get advice on implementing a comprehensive learner record.

illustrated laptop with a hand holding a transcript extending from the screen as another hand signs the document — Providing simple, secure, and efficient transcript services during COVID-19

Apr 20, 2020

COVID-19 is accelerating shift to electronic transcripts. Learn more and join this Friday's webinar.

digital thumbprint, data security concept — Field Notes: The registrar's emerging role in data governance

Feb 24, 2020

Registrars are located at many intersections, positioning them to make a major contribution.

map plotting waypoints up mountain to peak — The other reason students want Comprehensive Learner Records

Nov 18, 2019

Webinar: Discover student-centric approaches to CLRs, like creating a clearer path to degree.

person works at their desk with an hourglass prominently displayed — Field Notes: 4 tips for prioritizing with limited resources

Oct 7, 2019

Valuable insight into resource allocation and communicating with leadership to make the most of a tight budget.

graphic showing a large hurricane off the coast of Florida — Field Notes: Crisis communication on campus

Aug 12, 2019

Whether it’s a campus shooting or a natural disaster, effective communication can literally mean life or death.

person stares out a large wall of windows at a red sky with various numbers and figures on the glass — How the registrar is integral to institutional reporting

Jun 20, 2019

Online data reports (a.k.a. “fact books”) can provide insight and visualizations across campus/es for analysis and research.

various intersecting gears cast a shadow on a group of board game figurines — How technology tools helped increase collaboration in the Registrar’s office

Apr 26, 2019

Implementing a new SIS helped one university identify and break down silos.

female in gym clothes takes off sprinting on a red outdoor track — Athletic eligibility: Certification best practices

Apr 15, 2019

While the Office of the Registrar might have the responsibility of certifying Athletic Eligibility, it is a collaborative effort that campus partners share.

the left is a photo of a Mexican street with a pink building and the right is the text, "Groningen Declaration Network" — 2019 Groningen Declaration Network Annual Meeting to be held in Puebla, Mexico, in April

Mar 18, 2019

Registration is open for the conference, which is focused on "Constructing the Global Digital Credentialing Ecosystem."

Female smiles at someone out of frame — Join the national conversation: The Learner Record Index

Mar 18, 2019

A conversation on why a national LRI is critical for supporting higher education today and in the future.

Three cartoon figures work together to put out a fire with a stop watch visible in the background — 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.

AACRAO members appointed to CAS Registrar Standards Committee

Feb 4, 2019

In addition to revising the standards and possibly aligning them more closely to AACRAO’s Core Competencies and Proficiencies, the Committee will be updating the Contextual Statement for Registrar Programs and Services.

hand interacts with a holographic display containing various icons — AACRAO invited to join Data Privacy and Protection Task Force

Jan 7, 2019

The task force spans will serve as an information clearinghouse for the education community, focused on technical implementation of rules and regulations such as GDPR.

stock index steadily rising — Tracking transfer trends

Oct 29, 2018

The National Student Clearinghouse 2018 report on transfer and mobility examines transfer pathways and enrollment patterns, including analysis by race and ethnicity.

The stars and stripes hang in the background with a silhouette of a hand clinging to a fence in the foreground — A moral imperative: Why and how universities can support vulnerable and displaced student populations

Oct 1, 2018

Academically defensible strategies for admitting students without normal documentation.

family of color hugs and smiles to celebrate the graduation of their son — How Georgia State has increased graduation rates and eliminated achievement gaps

Oct 1, 2018

Leveraging data and analytics, GSU now awards more bachelor’s degrees to African Americans than any other college in the nation.

Finger print in the center of a cyber blue circular frame with sound waves extending from either side of the circle. — An open concept for electronic credentials

Aug 3, 2018

Creating socially shareable artifacts that students can use to promote themselves, with an added benefit of raising the university profile on social platforms like LinkedIn.

Two females and a male presenting from behind a wooden podium. — MyPlan@Iowa

Jul 20, 2018

The self-initiated academic planning and advising tool includes a schedule builder, sample plans, an off-track alert system and "what if" scenarios.

Female wearing a blue blouse as she speaks from the front of an event space. — Registrars: Refereeing the Demigods & reaching campus goals through data viz

Jul 10, 2018

How registrars reduced their workload and increased transparency and compliance using free tech tools.

Male hitchhiker in business attire holding a cardboard sign by the side of the road that says "Web3.0". — A hitchhiker’s guide to Web 3.0 for higher ed

Jul 2, 2018

These fancy technologies (semantic web, AI, and blockchain) will solve some of your institution’s problems, but bring problems of their own.

Black circle with a piece cut out of its side in the center of the image with colorful streaks surrounding the black circle. — Field Notes: Visions, missions, and strategic plans 101

Jun 18, 2018

Making a Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Strategic Plan that the whole office can rally behind.

Red background with a green silhouette of a detective using a magnifying glass to follow footsteps. — Field Notes: Clues to assessment: Solving the crime of just a check box activity

May 21, 2018

Program and service assessment is part of our world. Here are 11 ways to do it better.

Photo of a smiling male speaker wearing a blue vest. — 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.

Hand writing the word "change" in white chalk with a loading bar that's about half way to being complete visible below the word. — Registrar 201 revamped to help experienced registrars build their skills

Feb 26, 2018

The popular workshop now uses case analysis and TED Talks-style presentations.

Cutouts of many people made with different color paper. — Avoiding the Service Jam: Driving Student Satisfaction and Retention

Feb 17, 2025

Learn about two categories of services that influence student satisfaction and loyalty.

Group of SEM Conference attendees at registration. — SEM Conference - Academic Affairs and the Financial Aid Office: Essential Collaboration

Nov 15, 2022

See how one institution utilized cross-campus collaboration to ensure success for its SEM planning and development.

Person working on process management at their laptop. — Alternative Credentials: Considerations, Guidance, and Best Practices

Jul 12, 2022

Download the latest report from the Alternative Credentials Workgroup featuring guidance, best practices, and considerations.

translucent blue chain link made out of code — Setting the Stage to Empower Learners through Blockchain

Jan 10, 2022

Learn how Scribbles Software enables institutions to utilize blockchain for electronic student records and transcripts.

book open with pages fanned out sitting on top of 2 other books — Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Phase II Report Is Out Now

Jun 28, 2021

Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Phase II Report is out now and available for download.

illustrated figures help one another climb a staircase made out of books — Comprehensive Learner Record to the Rescue! Transforming Student Learning to Skills

Jun 1, 2021

The Comprehensive Learner Record doesn't just verify student learning - it can prepare them for the workforce too.

male working on his laptop while sitting at a wooden table in a plain neutral colored room — AACRAO Podcast For the Record - Discusses PLA and CBE in Higher Learning Institutions

Mar 8, 2021

Understanding Prior Learning Assessment and Competency Based Education in Higher Learning Institutions.

person filling out a form with a stainless steel pen — Revisiting AACRAO’s Academic Record and Transcript Guide

Jan 25, 2021

Recommendations for name changes, disciplinary action notations, and transcription of nontraditional work.

illustration of light blue filing cabinet on dark blue background. cabinet drawer is open and files are coming out. a cloud with a lock symbol is on it in front of the cabinet — MyCreds: Canadian registrar association launches national credential wallet

Dec 13, 2020

Helping universities deliver bilingual digitized and portable transcripts and credentials.

photo of large empty classroom with chairs upside down on rows of desks — Report & webinar: Best practices for closing and merging schools

Nov 12, 2020

Over the past five years more than 1,200 higher education institutions have closed, displacing nearly half a million students.

illustrated figures making up a map of the continental US — 2020 Census & student privacy: What you need to know

Jul 13, 2020

Has your institution done its part to assist the U.S. Census Bureau in the collection and distribution of student information?

illustration of people sitting around table with colorful word bubbles — New CLR Roundtable series kicks off

Jul 9, 2020

An open monthly forum for institutional leaders to discuss and get advice on implementing a comprehensive learner record.

illustrated laptop with a hand holding a transcript extending from the screen as another hand signs the document — Providing simple, secure, and efficient transcript services during COVID-19

Apr 20, 2020

COVID-19 is accelerating shift to electronic transcripts. Learn more and join this Friday's webinar.

digital thumbprint, data security concept — Field Notes: The registrar's emerging role in data governance

Feb 24, 2020

Registrars are located at many intersections, positioning them to make a major contribution.

map plotting waypoints up mountain to peak — The other reason students want Comprehensive Learner Records

Nov 18, 2019

Webinar: Discover student-centric approaches to CLRs, like creating a clearer path to degree.

person works at their desk with an hourglass prominently displayed — Field Notes: 4 tips for prioritizing with limited resources

Oct 7, 2019

Valuable insight into resource allocation and communicating with leadership to make the most of a tight budget.

graphic showing a large hurricane off the coast of Florida — Field Notes: Crisis communication on campus

Aug 12, 2019

Whether it’s a campus shooting or a natural disaster, effective communication can literally mean life or death.

person stares out a large wall of windows at a red sky with various numbers and figures on the glass — How the registrar is integral to institutional reporting

Jun 20, 2019

Online data reports (a.k.a. “fact books”) can provide insight and visualizations across campus/es for analysis and research.

various intersecting gears cast a shadow on a group of board game figurines — How technology tools helped increase collaboration in the Registrar’s office

Apr 26, 2019

Implementing a new SIS helped one university identify and break down silos.

female in gym clothes takes off sprinting on a red outdoor track — Athletic eligibility: Certification best practices

Apr 15, 2019

While the Office of the Registrar might have the responsibility of certifying Athletic Eligibility, it is a collaborative effort that campus partners share.

the left is a photo of a Mexican street with a pink building and the right is the text, "Groningen Declaration Network" — 2019 Groningen Declaration Network Annual Meeting to be held in Puebla, Mexico, in April

Mar 18, 2019

Registration is open for the conference, which is focused on "Constructing the Global Digital Credentialing Ecosystem."

Female smiles at someone out of frame — Join the national conversation: The Learner Record Index

Mar 18, 2019

A conversation on why a national LRI is critical for supporting higher education today and in the future.

Three cartoon figures work together to put out a fire with a stop watch visible in the background — 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.

AACRAO members appointed to CAS Registrar Standards Committee

Feb 4, 2019

In addition to revising the standards and possibly aligning them more closely to AACRAO’s Core Competencies and Proficiencies, the Committee will be updating the Contextual Statement for Registrar Programs and Services.

hand interacts with a holographic display containing various icons — AACRAO invited to join Data Privacy and Protection Task Force

Jan 7, 2019

The task force spans will serve as an information clearinghouse for the education community, focused on technical implementation of rules and regulations such as GDPR.

stock index steadily rising — Tracking transfer trends

Oct 29, 2018

The National Student Clearinghouse 2018 report on transfer and mobility examines transfer pathways and enrollment patterns, including analysis by race and ethnicity.

The stars and stripes hang in the background with a silhouette of a hand clinging to a fence in the foreground — A moral imperative: Why and how universities can support vulnerable and displaced student populations

Oct 1, 2018

Academically defensible strategies for admitting students without normal documentation.

family of color hugs and smiles to celebrate the graduation of their son — How Georgia State has increased graduation rates and eliminated achievement gaps

Oct 1, 2018

Leveraging data and analytics, GSU now awards more bachelor’s degrees to African Americans than any other college in the nation.

Finger print in the center of a cyber blue circular frame with sound waves extending from either side of the circle. — An open concept for electronic credentials

Aug 3, 2018

Creating socially shareable artifacts that students can use to promote themselves, with an added benefit of raising the university profile on social platforms like LinkedIn.

Two females and a male presenting from behind a wooden podium. — MyPlan@Iowa

Jul 20, 2018

The self-initiated academic planning and advising tool includes a schedule builder, sample plans, an off-track alert system and "what if" scenarios.

Female wearing a blue blouse as she speaks from the front of an event space. — Registrars: Refereeing the Demigods & reaching campus goals through data viz

Jul 10, 2018

How registrars reduced their workload and increased transparency and compliance using free tech tools.

Male hitchhiker in business attire holding a cardboard sign by the side of the road that says "Web3.0". — A hitchhiker’s guide to Web 3.0 for higher ed

Jul 2, 2018

These fancy technologies (semantic web, AI, and blockchain) will solve some of your institution’s problems, but bring problems of their own.

Black circle with a piece cut out of its side in the center of the image with colorful streaks surrounding the black circle. — Field Notes: Visions, missions, and strategic plans 101

Jun 18, 2018

Making a Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Strategic Plan that the whole office can rally behind.

Red background with a green silhouette of a detective using a magnifying glass to follow footsteps. — Field Notes: Clues to assessment: Solving the crime of just a check box activity

May 21, 2018

Program and service assessment is part of our world. Here are 11 ways to do it better.

Photo of a smiling male speaker wearing a blue vest. — 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.

Hand writing the word "change" in white chalk with a loading bar that's about half way to being complete visible below the word. — Registrar 201 revamped to help experienced registrars build their skills

Feb 26, 2018

The popular workshop now uses case analysis and TED Talks-style presentations.