The Registrar’s Office and Enrollment Management
Rebecca MaconRegistrar
The University of GeorgiaOctober 2007
Role of the Registrar Originally: academic record-keeper—one of
the first college administrators Expanded to record-keeper and efficient
enrollment procedures Further expansion: often corresponded with
prospective students; coordinated visits to campus; sent and received applications for admission; processed financial aid; welcomed new students; coordinated commencement.
GI Bill - Late 1940s to 1970s
Increase in individuals applying to college
Growth of other student service professions:• Academic advising
• Placement
• Counseling
• Admissions
Typical Responsibilities of Registrars
Responsibilities can vary based on:• Type of institution
• Size of institution
• Reporting structure
Some Typical Responsibilities of Registrars
Registration and related activities Maintenance of academic records Processing grades Academic scheduling and classroom
utilization Enrollment verifications
Some Typical Responsibilities of Registrars – cont
Transcript Requests Ensure integrity of data issued Initiate and coordinate changes to SIS Degree audits Commencement/graduation
Some Typical Responsibilities of Registrars – cont
Final degree audits and clearance for graduation
Issuance/production of diplomas Publication of bulletin/catalog NCAA continuing eligibility Residency classification for continuing
students
Some Typical Responsibilities of Registrars - cont
FERPA compliance officer Coordination of registrar policies and
procedures across campus Monitoring satisfactory progress Transfer credit evaluations VA educational benefits
The Mission of the Registrar: A Ten-Year Retrospective
Focused on technology “The registrar now spends more time
managing business process systems and less time managing records.”
Lanier, David C., The Mission of the Registrar: A ten-year retrospective. College and University Journal, Vol. 81, No. 2.
Quotes from Some Registrars
“We operate as invisible service providers behind the scenes supporting the academic mission of the university. For example, we compile and publish the catalogs for the University as well as the schedule of course offerings.”
Quotes from Registrars – cont
“While the typical EM approach is focused on admissions/recruitment, I would argue that the broad sense of institutional environment, service to students, advising, etc., are critical pieces in looking at EM in a holistic sense.”
Quotes - cont “The registrar plays a large but less obvious
role.” “I help out however I can. Looking at the big
picture, if it’s good for the institution, why wouldn’t we want to help.”
“I think all offices have responsibility to present the kind of customer-centered approach that makes students want to attend the university and a large part of our contacts are with former students and the general public so we have lots of opportunities.”
Quotes – cont “The Registrar does have a role in
“bringing in the class”, but, in my opinion, that role is largely related to ensuring that students make a successful transition to college life (i.e. get the classes they need, orientation, accurate program information, etc.).”
• A registrar who is also VP of Enrollment Management
All-Encompassing Role
Providing friendly technology, processes, and services that enhance the institution’s appeal to students and parents.
Quality Service is a critical role in both recruitment and retention.
Current Typical Roles Related to New Students
Publication of bulletin/catalog Coordinate and publish class schedule Assist with registration at orientation
Other Initiatives Provide updated list of available
courses/sections Contact respective academic departments as
seats become limited Provide reports to academic departments,
deans offices, bookstore throughout the registration process
Provide report of core/general education courses with enrollment comparisons to last year at same time
“Command Center”
Mississippi State University Located in the Registrar’s Office during
orientation and final registration periods Provides a clearinghouse for advisors
and others involved in assisting students during registration.
Other Initiatives - cont Informational inserts for the orientation
packets or information to be included in Orientation Guide• FERPA
• How to request enrollment verification
• Importance of keeping addresses current Table at orientation resource fair
• Bookmarks
Other initiatives - cont
Transfer credit evaluations• Ohio State University’s registrar’s office
manages transfer credit evaluations which is tied to their degree audit system• Uses this as part of marketing to transfer students
AP/IB credit Placement tests
Other initiatives - cont
Participate in events for visiting high school guidance counselors
Attend yield receptions for admitted students
Place phone calls to admitted students Develop and maintain an online check
list for new students
Ask Me! Hold information sessions for all front-line
employees, advisors, departmental administrative assistants, etc.• Brief presentations from key student service areas
• Provide folders with information they need to know
• FAQs/concerns/processes for beginning of semester
• EM staff directory with responsibilities and contact information
Ask Me! cont
Hold Feedback Forums• At end of drop/add
• What went well?
• What needs some tweaking?
• What questions could you not answer?
Referral Cards
Intended to avoid • the “run-around”
• “they” told me to come here
Intended to smooth the way for students