Meet The New Executive Board 

It's a new year for CAPACRAO. We are so excited to share our new executive team with you. 

Past-Present: Sheena Luaehu-Lyons, Towson University
President: Johnika Dreher, Prince George's Community College 
President-Elect: Shari Christie, Bowie State University
Vice President of Programming: Reginald Garson, Washington Adventist University
Vice President of Communications: Danielle Worsham, Towson University
Treasurer: Rebecca Fowler, Towson University
Treasurer-Elect: Otu Obot, II, Prince George's Community College

Connect with us. To register, click here.

We are meeting soon. Click here to register.

President's Welcome

Hello Members, Sponsors and Colleagues:

On June 30, 2021, many of our distinguished Executive Board members’ term came to an end, and a new Executive Board transitioned in. I am honored to be your incoming President and I want to acknowledge the leadership provided by Sheena Luaehu-Lyons as President, Seth Kamen as Past-President, last year's board and standing committee members. Many thanks for the work that they have done to cultivate the Association. I also want to thank our Sponsors because our achievement would not have been possible without their continued support and dedication to excellence.

I am excited to welcome my colleagues, some new but many who are returning members, into their new roles. I am humble and grateful for this opportunity serve as your President but I have to be honest, we need our members in a mighty way this year. My favorite quote is actually an African Proverb and it is "many hands make for light work." As President, I would greatly appreciate you, our members, joining us this year in whatever capacity enhances your strengths, provides you value and allows you to share your talents. Some ideas, but in one way do we want to limit you, are:

Eye on Research: June 2021

Transfer research, aiding adult learners of color, and vaccine mandates

This month's blog details AACRAO's work around Re-Envisioning Transfer, with our work group and upcoming virtual Transfer Practice Summit. Additionally, topics such as college graduate readiness, strategies to aid adult learners of color, wealth inequities in admissions and more are discussed. 

To view the full AACRAO Blog, click here.

Professional Development Calendar

CAPACRAO loves to support all things Maryland and Washington, DC. Recently while researching virtual events for July via the Chronicle of Higher Education, I came across this dynamic leadership series featuring diverse leaders. How awesome to see one of our CAPACRAO President's highlighted. Check out the series. Let us know your thoughts.

Member & Institutional Spotlight

CAPACRAO loves it's members and we are an association that thrives on member engagement and member involvement. While we do not know when we will physically connect again for a CAPACRAO event, we still have a wonderful medium to facilitate our knowledge sharing. Our member spotlights are new features within the last year that provide a venue to celebrate ourselves and the work we do within our personal and professional lives. We are seeking colleagues who are interested in being featured in our member or institutional spotlight.

Interested? Please complete our brief survey. We look forward to spotlighting you soon.

Professional Development Calendar

Members register using this link.

Picture retrieved from Baltimore Sun article "Maryland Colleges Planning For Return To Campus"

Preparing Yourself for The Return

According to an article by U.S. News, in April 2020, 70 percent of U.S. employees were working from home.1 Fast forward thirteen months later and many of us (56%) are still answering emails from our homes.1 But for higher education professionals in the Maryland and DC area that will all be changing soon as many colleges and universities prepare to return to campus this fall.2 Undoubtedly, faculty and staff emotions run the gamut regarding the return. So, I have compiled a list of tips that will make your transition back to the office a bit smoother. Whether you are joyful or apprehensive there is something here for you.

Vaccination rates are increasing and the capacity restrictions are decreasing. So, we've combined our May and June CAPACRAO Shops Local to highlight Maryland and DC Attractions & Hidden Gems. Share your favorite places to be entered into our Quarter 2 Raffle via this link Google Form. Submissions will be accepted through June 30. Submit by 12 noon. The winner will be announced at our Annual Business Meeting. 

Did you miss the May Legislative Report? Click here to view

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

Survey Feedback Requested
Complete our 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.

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