Name: Shannon Hardester  
Institution Name & Role: Salisbury University-Assistant Registrar, Veterans & Special Populations
Number of Years at your institution: 4.5

The last 18 months have been a roller coaster for many of us: ups, downs, and lots of unexpected loops. At some point, many of us have thought, “I can’t wait for things to get back to “normal.” Well that time is upon us. Higher education institutions around the country are well into the fall semester and many schools have opted to return to primarily in-person classes this fall. This means an increasing number of faculty and staff are in the office, in both hybrid and full-week capacities. If you have seen my last two write-ups in this series, you know feelings regarding the return to the office run the gamete; and even those who were enthusiastic about being in the office again, have needed time to adjust. This means office morale may not be at its highest. To help you boost your team (or your own) mood I have compiled a list of tips and activities that are sure to lessen the stress and boost confidence and enthusiasm in the office while we’re getting back in the swing of things.

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

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

What do you do at Anne Arundel Community College?

Dual Enrollment Word Cloud made using https://wordart.com/. 

CAPACRAO Launches a Dual Enrollment SIG for Chesapeake and Potomac Area Colleagues

COVID aside, during the winter months, we tend to engage in less physical activities that can get our hearts engaged. February is American Heart Month. CAPACRAO challenges you this month to encourage you, your family, your coworkers, and anyone else you are in constant communication with to boost your awareness about heart health.

Heart Healthy Ideas

• Wear Red! Friday, February 5 doesn't have to be the only day we wear red! Suggest it for your next staff meeting.
• Exercise! Support a local gym by attending their live virtual classes. Or find a video via YouTube.
• Make Valentine's Day Heart Healthy! Plan a date to go on a hike or cook a heart-healthy meal with your loved one on Valentine’s Day.
• Walk! Commit to a walking schedule with a friend or family member, even if you can’t walk together. We are virtual nowadays anyway.
• Walking outside? There is an app called Charity Miles that donate resources based on your walking. Learn more here.
• Walking inside? Search "walking exercises" via Youtube for tons of inspiration.
• Create a Department Team Builder! Challenge your office, department, or unit to participate in a “steps” contest. Use activity trackers (hint, Charity Miles is free - learn more here) to see which team takes the most steps.
• Flip Your Team Staff Meeting! Ask health care providers or members of your Student Wellness Center to give a presentation to your office, department, or unit about ways to prevent heart disease.
• Get Social! Join the #OurHearts movement by sharing on social media how you’re working with friends or family to be heart healthy. Encourage your friends and family to as well. Be sure to use the hashtag!

Dual Enrollment has been steadily gaining traction over the last few years. For institutions in Maryland, the spark increased with the passing of the 2013 legislation SB-740. We find that Dual Enrollment is managed differently in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. Several colleagues have expressed desires to connect more easily and frequently. CAPACRAO has answered the call by creating a listserve to share resources and dialogue quarterly about Dual Enrollment's evolution.  

Join our Dual Enrollment Listserve

Colleagues,

AACRAO is seeking your suggestions for spring 2021 coffee break ideas.
What are your campus concerns? What do you need professionally? 

Feel free to make a comment via our blog and we will forward them. 

Happy New Year! I came across this January 5th article in The Chronicle, As the Pandemic Worsens, College Prepare to Test Their Spring Plans and I'm wondering, how are CAPACRAO institutions operating? 

We would love to dialogue with you. Feel free to leave your responses via our blog.