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.

Have you registered for our April Workshop?

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.  

Professional Development Calendar

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

My name is Sheena Luaehu-Lyons and I am the President of CAPACRAO. Last year brought a whirlwind of changes for all our institutions. As we adapted to the ever-changing environment, our organization made a quick pivot to discover new ways to connect with its members and corporate partners in a virtual setting. I was happy to connect with many of you through our virtual programming in 2020 which included webinars, happy hours, and a summer lunch-and-learn series.

I am proud to announce that CAPACRAO was awarded the Elbert W. Ockerman State and Regional Professional Activity Award by AACRAO. This accolade was accomplished through the collaboration of our Executive Board and Standing Committee members, our Corporate Partners, and each of the members from our Member Institutions. Thank you for sharing this success with us!

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!

Picture Credit: Kalamazoo Public Library https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/inauguration-day-2021/ 

2020 was a tumultuous year for higher education. But what is the outlook for 2021? How will Dr. Miguel Cardona, Biden's pick for Education Secretary and an educator with a background in K-12 education, interact with the realm of higher education? What factors will affect the industry most? The below articles shed some light on these questions.

Professional Development Calendar

AACRAO Monthly Caucus Meeting | Virtual | January 12, 2021 | 3 PM 

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.

Monday, December 21, 2020, begins the Winter season. While COVID is still present, consider ways for you to engage in safe activities that provide health and wellness. View this article from the University of Maryland Medical System with suggestions for COVID safe activities. Stay safe! Stay healthy.