In the midst of COVID-19 protocols, mandatory or recommended vaccinations requirements, ambitious enrollment goals, and returning to campus (hybrid or in-person) - find out what really happened once the dust settled after the ADD/DROP period. Come hear insights from representatives at some local colleges as well as share what happened at your institution.
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:
Picture retrieved from RGX
Congratulations! 2020 was definitely a worldwind experience and unexpected in so many ways. However, what a way to truly pivot an association that was planning an in-person meeting at Towson University for June 2020. We took some time on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM to share our reflection as an association with our members. Thank you to all of the attendees who registered and joined us to not just learn of the business side of CAPACRAO but reflect on the dynamic work that we've done over the past year.
What an amazing year for CAPACRAO and our members. Kudos to the dynamic team of volunteers - who serve on the executive board, committees, those who contribute as guest speakers, writers and various contributers. This year is dedicated to you. Because while we were balancing the work of our evolving roles during the pandemic, we still connected, contributed and cared about our personal and professional development. Most importantly, we did it together. From the Chat & Chews in March and April, to the Summer Leadership Series that replaced our Summer Meeting, to the monthly virtual Happy Hours, to our CAPACRAO Supports Local Initiative, around to the modification of our newsletter, increased engagement within our social media plaforms, our Member Spotlight Series, the launching of our Special Interest Group for Dual Enrollment, and continous webinars, we truly did not miss a beat. For our collective efforts, we were recognized by AACRAO at the 2021 Annual Conference.
CAPACRAO loves it's members and we are an association that thrives on member engagement and member involvement. While we do not know when we will physically connect again for a CAPACRAO event, we still have a wonderful medium to facilitate our knowledge sharing. Our member spotlights are new features within the last year that provide a venue to celebrate ourselves and the work we do within our personal and professional lives. We are seeking colleagues who are interested in being featured in our member or institutional spotlight.
Interested? Please complete our brief survey. We look forward to spotlighting you soon.
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.
Picture retrieved from Baltimore Sun article "Maryland Colleges Planning For Return To Campus"
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.
Professional Development Calendar
AACRAO Monthly Caucus Meeting | Virtual | June 8, 2021 | 3:00 PM
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.
Name: Nanci Beier
Role: Registrar
Institution: Anne Arundel Community College
What do you do at Anne Arundel Community College?
Name: Cassandra Moore
Title: Director of Enrollment Development and Admissions
Institution: Anne Arundel Community College
What do you do at Anne Arundel Community College?
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.
