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.

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.

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

Members register using this link.

Professional Development Calendar

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.

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 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."

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.

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:

CAPACRAO Members are always on the move! Congratulations to Jacqui Rogers, Coordinator of Transfer and Articulation at the College of Southern Maryland, who was recently selected to serve on AACRAO's Transfer Student Success Work Group. The fourteen member workgroup will expand dialouge and policy discussions regarding domestic and international student transfer.

Why she applied?

I was excited at the opportunity to dive into the research and scholarly work within transfer to provide guidance on a bigger scale. It also gives me the opportunity to work and learn with other professionals throughout the country. I may have also had some encouragement from Carol Harrison, the Registrar at the College of Southern Maryland. 

What she hopes this will be gained for two and four-year instititions? 

I hope this workgroup will encourage 2-year and 4-year institutions to strive to improve their transfer initiatives from a holistic perspective, analyzing all of the aspects of the institution that touch transfer.

AACRAO Transcript - Week of 2//4/21
Click here to review.

AACRAO celebrates 2021 award winners

Thomas A. Bilger Award - Seth Kamen - University of Baltimore

Named for a Past President of AACRAO, this award is presented to a member in recognition of consistent vision, service, and leadership in AACRAO with seven or more years of volunteer service.

Elbert W. Ockerman State and Regional Professional Activity Award - CAPACRAO

CAPACRAO March 2021 Legislative Update

Policymakers have been busy in recent weeks. Miguel Cardona was confirmed as the secretary of the US Department of Education, a new COVID relief bill was passed in the House of Representatives, and more. This AACRAO transcript provides a good roundup of what is happening at the federal level.