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

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.