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?

AACRAO Eye on Research March 2021

Transfer Task Force Report, Campus Vaccination Plan Update, and COVID-Era College Plans

This month's blog details reports you might have missed on transfer, digital credentials, and updates on institution's COVID-19 vaccination plans. In addition, other studies are discussed, such as students' plans to return to college post-COVID. Intriguingly, the data finds that "9 percent of respondents do not want to return to in-person classes."

Click here to view the latest AACRAO Transcript regarding legislative issues.

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:

Eye on Research: February 2021

The COVID-19 mental health impact, community college transfer, and credentials

I hoped that 2021 would start well and stay smooth, and it has for AACRAO Research. But it is off to a bumpy start for many of our members in parts of the country impacted by extreme weather. Even with the disruption many are facing, our members have been generous with their time by continuing to respond to our research requests – almost 1,000 responded to the training needs survey! I have said it many times, our research, and the practice and policy recommendations that are gleaned from the data, would not be possible without your participation; thank you.

Information obtained from AACRAO. To view more, click here.

Do you find this information helpful? Let us know. Give us a comment today.

We love our local businesses! 

AACRAO Transcript - Week of 2/11/21
Click here to review.

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. 

Name: Dr. Reginald Garcon
Title: Registrar and Adjunct Faculty
Institution: Washington Adventist University

What do you do at Washington Adventist University?

I oversee all aspects of the Office of the Registrar. My biggest function as Registrar is being a creative problem solver and ensuring students are progressing and meeting all requirements towards graduation.

What are the values that drive you?

My purpose in life focuses on the 3 E’s (education, engagement, and entertainment) while acknowledging God for the gifts and creativity HE has given me.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

Just for one day – being in charge of all Broadway theaters.

What do you like about working at Washington Adventist University?

I do love the spiritual aspect of working at my school. It provides built in opportunities for personal spiritual growth as well as being deliberate to take time and pause. I also love my team.