In this digital age, how do institutions know what documents to accept and from whom? This year's school closures, distance learning, online education, and other upheavals have made it even more critical for institutions to ensure that they are accepting official academic records from valid sources. Typically, receiving official documents…

Few higher education topics have garnered as much interest in recent years as behavioral misconduct and disciplinary notifications. Academic, student affairs, and enrollment management professionals along with legislators and the general public have all had an interest in and voice on these issues. An American Association of Collegiate Registrars…

The unique nature of 2020 had the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) focusing on creating more benchmarking changes in practice and policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and less on its surveys or other projects. However, they also engaged with the American Council on Education (ACE) in a large…

Learners of all types must be able to represent their achievements to prospective employers and education institutions to prove that they have the requisite knowledge and skills for success. The most recognized means by which students represent themselves is the credential. As in many other industries that engage with customers, partners, and…

Higher education is more competitive than ever before. New terms for curricular gains--for example badges and competencies are becoming the norm. Not all student experiences are created equal. In the "curriculum of experience," Elon University has advanced and deepened a 20-year-old general education requirement that students complete…

This study discusses innovations in digital credentialing, namely the Elon Visual EXP, and the broader implications of documenting student experiences in co-curricular, high-impact practices. Following a similar survey of employer observations of the new transcript, a survey was sent to all undergraduates of Elon University to assess their overall…

As postsecondary credentials become even more essential to bridge education programs and career pathways, it is critical to reevaluate expectations regarding the transition from high school to college. More specifically, it must be determined how best to support students in marginalized populations that historically have been less likely to attend…

The origins of the registrar's office are complex. According to common tradition, the registrar was, or evolved from, the office of the beadle (sometimes referred to as "bedel") in the medieval university. This tradition is incorrect; the story is more complex. The beadle sometimes performed functions similar to those performed by the…

How might the electronic transcript be re-envisioned to meet demands of a global society? This article presents an enhanced eTranscript that incorporates educational artifacts and official university information. Additionally, innovative transcript request options will complement admissions applications or electronic portfolios. The visionary…

This is the third in a series of eight articles on project management (PM) in the academy. In this article, the authors describe the step-by-step implementation of a structural change to Indiana State University's (ISU's) Office of Registration and Records (ORR). The process described may vary as it is implemented elsewhere, but the authors…

One of the most fervent debates at the University of Kansas (KU) during the Vietnam War played out in the University Registrar's Office. During this period, James K. Hitt held the dual role of university registrar and Selective Service Representative: he used his position as registrar to inform the military of students' grades and class standings…

Grade inflation is harmful to students as well as faculty. Faculty should not have to fear that honest grading may result in job loss. Students who truly deserve A grades also are negatively impacted when they receive the same grade as students who submit good but not superior work. At the very least, it is a disincentive for students to work to…

The education sector is no stranger to fraud, unfortunately. This article provides best practice guidance in recognizing and dealing with fraud, with emphasis on domestic and international academic credential fraud. It includes practical approaches to academic document review and verification. Success in fighting fraud requires becoming informed,…

The stone age of college and university admissions was characterized by paper, snail mail, large file rooms, and cumbersome admission processes. Even more frightening to recall is that only fourteen short years ago, approximately 36,000 applications for admission to Michigan State University arrived hand printed on paper in sealed envelopes. Mere…

Beginning in the late 1990s, international corporations began hiring Chief Privacy Officers (CPOs). By 2002, large universities responded to this trend by creating this distinct position or modifying an existing job description to include CPO responsibilities. While not every registrar assumes the role of CPO, increasing practical and legislative…