Join CAPACRAO members for a conversation about your personal experiences and reflections in enrollment management during COVID. We'd also love to hear your predictions and desires for the future of enrollment management.

While we have you, check out this article by Encoura entitled "The New Enrollment Practice: Positive Impact for the Future, and these brief articles from Inside HigherEd "Enrollment Declines Lead to Layoffs at U of Redlands," and "Some HBCUs Lower Fall Tuition."

Relax.
Relate.
Release.

AACRAO Eye on Research April 2021

Perception of professional development, student need insecurities, and fall course delivery

This month's blog details recent reports like AACRAO Research & InsideTrack's training needs report. Additionally, students' need insecurities and desires for fall course delivery are explored, along with growth Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) among another topics.

To review the April report, click here.

AACRAO Connect

CAPACRAO is honored to welcome two new members to our Legislation Committee.

New Committee Members
Meet Nanci Beier and Otu Obot, II who are excited to continue managing our legislative updates.

Survey Feedback Requested
Nanci, Otu, and Danielle created a brief four-question survey to understand CAPACRAO member needs.
Please take 5 minutes or less to complete the survey with your professional development thoughts. The survey will close on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

Access AACRAO Transcripts for April 2021 below

Name: Nanci Beier
Role: Registrar
Institution: Anne Arundel Community College

What do you do at Anne Arundel Community College?

In November 2020, a news article by the Baltimore Sun announced Morgan State University was planning for an in-person Spring 2021 Commencement. I'm sure we were all a bit skeptical considering the wave of the pandemic was still high. Nonetheless, let's fast forward to April 14, 2021. Did you read what we did? The University of Maryland College Park has solidifed their plans and in-person isn't something they are thinking about but it's official. Learn about the details here. Will more CAPACRAO be hosting in-person commencement activities for the Spring? 

Join CAPACRAO for a Spring Commencement Chat and Chew on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 3 pm to share some updates in our open forum. There is no agenda, just a space for any institution, department or colleague to dialogue about spring commencement. Feel free to share this link with your institutional colleagues so they can RSVP.

CAPACRAO membership isn't required but you do need to register for an account (if you don't have one) and RSVP for access to the Zoom link.

Give ideas.
Get ideas.
RSVP here.

Is your institution planning to host an in-person or virtual commencement for Spring? Dialouge with your thoughts below to start an online conversation. Need help? Email [email protected] for assistance.

Name: Cassandra Moore
Title: Director of Enrollment Development and Admissions
Institution: Anne Arundel Community College

What do you do at Anne Arundel Community College?

Professional Development Calendar

Radical Brainstorming Workshop | Virtual | April 2, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Hello March 2021! Hard to believe what transpired and has continued to unfold started a year ago. Wow! How everything it feels has changed. While the effects of the COVID pandemic are still present, many colleagues are getting vaccinated, businesses and educational facilities are re-opening, and we are all doing continual reflection and trying to balance mental, physical and emotional health. As best we can. I commend you for doing your part in the global, collective efforts to stay safe.

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it is the power in slowing down and enjoying little moments. Little moments can create big memories especially for our overall health and wellbeing. It can expand compassion and spark a thought when we let go of hurried thoughts. I am an early riser and ode I give to my grandmother, may she rest in power, who never believed in wasting a moment of daylight. During the pandemic, I've gained an affinity for walking. It was the only thing I was willing to do at one point. My best walking record was in July when I walked almost 97 miles. I digressed. My apologies. Anyhoo, I love watching the sun rise in the spring during my early morning walks. I enjoy watching the sun change the landscape from darkness as it peaks over the trees to light the earth with golden tones. Around me I can feel the briskness of the cool, morning air. I breathe. I take in my ability to walk, and the iphone which plays the audiobook I am listening too (currently, 400 Souls). I've immersed myself in so many good books on my walks. On a recent trek, I stopped listening to my audiobook for a moment to gain a new moment. A new perspective. The sounds of birds chirping overpowered my audiobook volume. The birds reminded me that they, and nature, wanted and craved some of my attention. In that moment, I expanded my appreciation for walking and nature. 

Name: Carol Harrison
Title: Interim Dean of Enrollment Services/Registrar
Institution: College of Southern Maryland

What are your credentials/experience, for working in your position? I have spent the last 32 years working in higher education. My experience includes Financial Aid, Admissions, and Registrar functions.  I believe the key credentials needed to work in this role are strong technical skills, critical thinking to solve problems and implementing these types of solutions that bridge Records, Admissions and Academic Affairs.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
2021 Executive Board

Serving as a member of the CAPACRAO Board helps develop leadership skills, provides an opportunity to get involved in local, regional and national issues, and is a great opportunity to push the organization to the next level. Please consider either a self-nomination or identifying a current member who is ready to take the next step in CAPACRAO leadership. We're looking for dedicated individuals who can bring a new perspective and voice for our members.

CAPACRAO invites you to SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS for our annual awards: Emerging Leader and Steven A. Smith.  These awards will be presented during CAPACRAO's Annual Business Meeting in mid-June. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, May 14, 2021.  

Have you registered for the CAPACRAO Spring Workshop: Resume Building? Dust off your resume and join us.
RSVP via: https://www.capacrao.org/events

Have you registered for our April Workshop?

Professional Development Calendar

ACPA 2021 Conference | Virtual | March 1-17, 2021 

Participate in a survey for AACRAO's Mentoring Work Group

The AACRAO Mentoring Work Group will develop best practices for mentors and mentees alike and provide the foundation for any future AACRAO Mentor Program. 

Now is an essential time for AACRAO to provide guidance on the meaning and significance of mentorship in these three areas:

We love our local businesses! 

Picture retrieved from https://appical.net/en/product/reboarding/

The release of the coronavirus vaccinations has undoubtedly increased the frequency and depth of conversations surrounding businesses reopening. And while reopening procedures vary geographically and between companies, there is at least one consistent that companies and supervisors should consider: reboarding. Reboarding is a modified version of onboarding that seeks to refamiliarize employees who have been off or teleworking with general office procedures while encouraging managers to relearn their employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way people and organizations function, their priorities, and in some instances, what they value. Below are a few tips to make bringing your employees back into the office a smoother process.

1. Be prepared to reorient your employees and retrain them on office basics. After all, some people have been working from home for nearly a year.
2. Recognize that your employees and coworkers have changed and grown. People’s mindsets and circumstances have changed, which has changed their wants and needs. Additionally, your employees may have gained self-awareness and undergone a professional growth spurt.1
3. Know which employees are more productive in the office versus who works best at home?1
4.  “Guard against ‘Prove-it’ Burnout.” Encourage employees to take breaks; likewise, discourage those teleworking from working more than they work in the office.1
5. Communication is key. Frequent and honest communication helps people feel more comfortable and less anxious about change.2,3
6. Be empathic: consider that not everyone’s feelings are the same regarding the pandemic or about returning to the office.2

To conclude, for many of us, much has changed both personally and professionally. Thus, it is advantageous for employers to be conscious of how these changes have manifested in their employees and respond accordingly.