MACRAO Leadership Summit
(By Invitation Only)

Summit starts at 10:00

This summit is designed to equip leaders with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to successfully fulfill their roles in advancing the mission of MACRAO (Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers).

Registration and Check-in

Welcome to the conference! Join us for Registration and Check-In, where you can pick up your conference materials, name badge, and any additional resources. Our friendly team will be on hand to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Make sure to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the conference schedule in the MACRAO App and plan your sessions. This is also a great time to network with fellow attendees and start building connections before the sessions begin.

We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to a fantastic conference experience!

MCCA Registrar's Luncheon
(By Invitation Only)

The MCCA Registrar's Luncheon at the Annual MACRAO Conference is a key networking and professional development event tailored specifically for registrars and other academic administrators. Hosted in partnership with theMichigan Community College Association (MCCA), this luncheon provides a platform for registrars from Michigan’s community colleges and universities to collaborate and discuss issues that impact their institutions, students, and the transfer process.

Welcome to the Conference: Riding the Waves to Student Success!

We are excited to welcome you to this year’s conference, themed “Riding the Waves to Student Success.” This theme reflects our commitment to navigating the ever-changing landscape of higher education and working together to support our students on their journey to success.

Throughout the conference, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in inspiring sessions, network with fellow professionals, and explore innovative solutions that can help us all ride the waves of change. Together, we can share best practices, tackle challenges, and celebrate our collective achievements in fostering student success.

Thank you for joining us. Let’s make a splash and create an impactful experience 

Icebreaker Activity

Kick off the conference with our Icebreaker Activity! This fun and engaging session is designed to help you meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and start building relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Participate in an interactive activity that encourages conversation and collaboration, setting the tone for a productive and enjoyable conference. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, this is a great opportunity to share your experiences and learn from one another.

Join us as we break the ice and dive into the excitement of the conference!

AACRAO and Washington Updates

Join us for an informative session with Carrie Jeffers, on the latest updates from AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) and key developments from Washington, D.C. This session will cover critical national policies, trends, and initiatives that impact higher education and student services.

Stay informed about legislative changes, advocacy efforts, and best practices that can enhance your institution’s operations and support student success. This is a great opportunity to engage with fellow professionals, share insights, and discuss the implications of these updates for our institutions.

Don't miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge that can help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education!

Break and Time to Visit with Vendors

Take a moment to relax and recharge during our First Break! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our vendors and explore their offerings. Engage in conversations, discover new products and services, and gather resources that can enhance your work in higher education.

As you enjoy refreshments, feel free to network with fellow attendees and discuss insights from the sessions. Don’t miss this chance to build connections and learn about innovative solutions that can support your institution's goals. Let’s make the most of this break together!

Enrollment Management Roundtable

The Enrollment Management Roundtable brings together enrollment management professionals from across Michigan’s higher education institutions. This roundtable serves as a forum for discussing the latest trends, challenges, and strategies related to student recruitment, retention, and success.

Admissions Roundtable

The Admissions and Recruitment Roundtable is a dedicated session for admissions professionals to discuss key strategies, trends, and challenges related to student recruitment and outreach efforts. It offers a valuable platform for sharing best practices and innovative ideas to improve recruitment outcomes across Michigan's higher education institutions.

Transfer Roundtable

The Transfer Roundtable is a key forum for professionals involved in transfer work and articulation and transfer processes to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for improving student transfer pathways between Michigan’s colleges and universities.

Equity in Education Roundtable

The Equity in Education Roundtable provides a platform for higher education professionals to explore strategies and initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and access for all students. This roundtable emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic barriers to ensure that underrepresented, first-generation, and marginalized students can succeed in higher education.

Registrar's Roundtable

The Registrar's Roundtable is a focused session designed for registrars and academic records professionals to discuss the evolving role of the registrar’s office and share best practices for managing student records, compliance, and academic policies. 

Military-Connected Student's Roundtable

The Military-Connected Student's Roundtable focuses on supporting military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families, as they transition into higher education. The session provides a space for professionals to discuss best practices and strategies for creating veteran-friendly campuses and improving academic and support services for veterans. Join this session to talk about Hot Topics and to plan future learning opportunities that the Military Veteran Educators Committee (MVEC) can host in 2025 and beyond.

New Attendee's Reception

Everyone is invited to join us in welcoming new attendees to the annual conference! This is a fantastic opportunity to network and build relationships with colleagues from across Michigan. Meet members of the MACRAO Board, committee members, and returning MACRAO attendees while enjoying refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to getting to know you, sharing the power of MACRAO, and making this conference an unforgettable experience for all.

Dinner On Your Own

Enjoy the evening by dining at the Bavarian Inn or exploring one of the many other venues in Frankenmuth. This is a great time to continue networking with colleagues in a relaxed setting. Whether you choose the renowned Bavarian Inn or another local favorite, take the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Frankenmuth!

Registration and Check-In

Welcome to the conference! Join us for Registration and Check-In, where you can pick up your conference materials, name badge, and any additional resources. Our friendly team will be on hand to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Make sure to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the conference schedule in the MACRAO App and plan your sessions. This is also a great time to network with fellow attendees and start building connections before the sessions begin.

We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to a fantastic conference experience!

Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast! Join us for a morning meal where you can fuel up for a productive day ahead. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, share insights, and discuss plans for the conference. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off the day together!

Mid-level Manager Roundtable

Calling all Assistant and Associate Directors and other managers!  This session is for anyone managing staff but isn't the "big boss" of the office.  Join us for an engaging roundtable networking session designed specifically for mid-level managers seeking to enhance their leadership skills and career trajectories. This interactive session will cover key topics such as leadership development, change management, and team building. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss strategies for career advancement and work-life balance, exchange best practices for communication and conflict resolution, and explore ways to promote diversity and inclusion within their teams. This session aims to provide a collaborative environment where managers can share experiences, gain insights from peers, and build valuable professional networks. Come prepared to engage, learn, and grow as a leader!

Beyond the Smile: Building Connections through Guest Service and Etiquette

Join Dr. Karyn M. Kiio for a dynamic and interactive workshop, Beyond the Smile: Building Connections through Guest Service and Etiquette, designed to boost your professional presence and enhance guest service skills in any setting. This upbeat, hands-on session will cover essential etiquette principles for making a memorable first impression, handling challenging situations with poise, and mastering positive communication. Through fun role-playing exercises, real-life scenario practice, and an energizing “Service Superstars” activity, you’ll gain practical tools to create a warm and professional environment.

Unlocking the Future of Digital Credentials: Elevating Security and Accessibility

 Join Logan Midgett, Sales Representative at Paradigm, as he introduces cutting-edge advancements in digital diplomas and certificates tailored specifically for higher education. This session will focus on Paradigm’s Ce Diploma and Ce Certificate, which offer enhanced security with patented digital credential verification, institution validation, and time-stamped authentication. Logan will illustrate how these digital credentials can streamline operations for registrars, save on time and resources, and empower students to share their verified achievements instantly and globally. Explore how these solutions meet evolving academic needs, support sustainability, and position institutions as leaders in credential security and accessibility.

Registrar's Office and Dynamic Forms

I would like to share some of the electronic/routable forms that we have created using Dynamic Forms at SVSU. We are still currently transitioning our paper forms to Dynamic Forms but the ones we have completed so far have really made a huge difference within our office processing and the overall happiness from students/faculty. 

Enhancing Academic Operations:
A Lean Kaizen Journey

Discover how Lean Kaizen principles can transform academic processes in higher education. This session will explore practical strategies for streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within higher education. Attendees will gain insights into implementing Lean Kaizen to enhance efficiency, improve student outcomes, and drive operational excellence at their intuition. The presenters will share details about how they applied lean methodologies to improve the curriculum change process at Oakland University.

Let's talk about SEM and Retention Planning

A discussion of SEM and Retention planning, in addition to, the release of the survey results that the Enrollment Management committee did in the spring.

Leveraging NSC Data to Understand Enrollment Dynamics

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, informed decision-making is paramount for institutions striving to enhance student success, optimize resource allocation, and adapt to changing student demographics. Explore how Wayne State University has incorporated the National Clearinghouse (NSC) Student Tracker data in an operational way to support enrollment management strategies for recruitment and student success initiatives.We discuss how Wayne State University has automated the request, transformation, and integration of Student Tracker data into our Operational Data Store to provide greater visibility into our students. Furthermore, we will highlight the importance of leveraging this data using decision support tools to identify missed recruitment opportunities and take action to improve retention and graduation rates.

Break and Time to Visit with Vendors

Take a moment to relax and recharge during our designated break time! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with our vendors, explore new products and services, and gather valuable resources that can enhance your work in higher education. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and discover innovative solutions that align with your institution’s needs. We encourage you to take advantage of this time to network and learn more about what our vendors have to offer!

Engage with MACAC (with updates from the Michigan College Fair Committee)

Learn about more ways to engage with MACAC, Networking opportunities, information about Annual conference and committee involvement, and Michigan College Fair Committee Updates.

Lauren Penner, University of Michigan and MACAC

Make the Most of Your MACRAO:
Help Yourself and Help Others

Participation in your local association is about more than getting out of the office and attending a few sessions. Are you lost in your current role? Do you feel confused about your career path? Do you want to simply explore possibilities for somewhere down the road? Attend this session to learn tips, tricks, etc. for making the most of your membership, expanding your knowledge and professional network. Who knows…you might just meet a new friend along the way. 

Lisa Emery - University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Tricia Westergaard - Oakland University, Kathy Hastings - University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and Deedee Stakley - Ferris State University

Counseling Creatives

College for Creative Studies in Midtown Detroit is a leading private, non-profit, fully accredited 4-year college of art and design offering Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Counselors and College & Career Advisors are invited to join me for a dynamic presentation highlighting alumni with successful careers in art and design, industry connections, our variety of unique majors and a quick walk through the admissions process.   Gain insights on how to spot creative students and why a college of art and design may be the best choice for these out-of-the-box thinkers and makers.

Sweetening Registrar-Faculty Relations: A Recipe for Student Success & Retention

Andrea was a student, teaching faculty, then registrar/admin faculty, and have returned to teaching, so she has a wealth of knowledge of how faculty interact with the Registrar's Office. She could provide some insight on the pain points between the relationship and offer suggestions of how to make them better. This would be especially helpful to newer registrars, and there could be time for discussion/questions for those who are looking to handle specific on-campus relationships.

Medical School and Health Professional Registrar

Medical Schools and Health Professional School have different rules and regulations. This is an opportunity to for registrar individuals to gather and discuss questions and concerns in this field. This group was started at the national conference and a group meets bi-monthly.

Best Practices in Supporting Your College’s Military-Connected Initiatives

Let’s hear some overall best practices from a panel of your peers about serving your military-connected students.  SCOs (School Certifying Officials) work closely with a lot of your military-connected students, but they cannot do it all. Join us at this session for some concrete, low cost, ways to support this very worthwhile population.

Legislative Updates

 Join us for a session dedicated to Legislative Updates presented by representatives from the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU), the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), and the Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU).

 In this informative session, you will receive the latest insights on key legislative developments affecting higher education in Michigan. Learn about new policies, funding initiatives, and legislative priorities that could impact your institution and the students we serve.

This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and engage in discussions about the future of higher education in our state. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge that can help shape your strategies and initiatives!

Charitable Organization Presentation and Lunch

Join us for a meaningful presentation on the Veterans' Food Pantry, titled "I Support the 1%." This session will highlight the important work being done to support our veterans and their families in need. Learn about the initiatives and resources available to help alleviate food insecurity among our military-affiliated communities.

Enjoy lunch while engaging in this important conversation about giving back and supporting those who have served our country. Together, we can make a difference and foster a spirit of community and support for our veterans!

Annual Business Meeting

Join us for the MACRAO Annual Business Meeting, where we will discuss important updates, initiatives, and future plans for our organization. This is a valuable opportunity to hear from the MACRAO leadership, review the organization's accomplishments over the past year, and participate in discussions that shape the direction of MACRAO moving forward.

Your input is essential, and we encourage all members to attend, share their insights, and engage in the conversation. Together, we can strengthen our collective impact in the higher education community. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow members and contribute to the future of MACRAO!

State of the State

This session examines the state of education in Michigan, including post-election implications for the future of education and higher learning across the state. With shifts in leadership, policies, and public sentiment, we’ll explore how these changes influence college access, affordability, and workforce readiness initiatives. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving priorities for education stakeholders and how they can navigate and address challenges in this new environment. Learn how MCAN is addressing pervasive anti-college narratives with data-driven advocacy and programs tailored to diverse learners. This session highlights our collective work to reach Michigan's "Sixty by 30" goal, ensuring all students have equitable access to higher education pathways and opportunities.

Break and Time to Visit with Vendors

Take a well-deserved break and enjoy some time with our vendors! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry partners, explore new products and services, and discover resources that can enhance your work in higher education. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and gather insights on innovative solutions that can support your institution’s goals.

Use this time to network with colleagues and learn about the latest trends and offerings that can benefit your organization. Don’t miss this chance to make valuable connections and gather information that can drive success in your work!

Student Success: More Than Just a Buzz Word

In today's educational landscape, "student success" is often used as a catchphrase, but what does it truly mean? This presentation delves into the multifaceted nature of student success, exploring its definitions, dimensions, and the strategies that genuinely foster achievement. Discussion will include: Holistic Approaches: Understanding success beyond grades, mental health, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Equity and Inclusion: How diverse backgrounds impact student experiences and outcomes, and what we can do to create supportive environments for all. Best Practices: Evidence-based strategies for educators and institutions that enhance learning experiences and promote resilience. Real-World Applications: Examples of work being done in the higher education landscape.

College Catalog 201: Fun Best Practices for Finicky Folk

We know the college catalog governs everything from admission to graduation but do students? Do faculty? Do these stakeholders know how to find our catalog at all, let alone the policies and procedures that especially affect them?  An intentional institutional effort to publicize the catalog and encourage its use may help reduce confusion and unpleasant surprises. Here we will recap LCC’s initial College Catalog 101 efforts, examine later improvements, and find out what experts at other schools are doing!

Maximizing Continuing Education and Third-Party Partnerships: Transforming Opportunities into Student Growth and Potential Transfer Credit

Baker College is dedicated to enhancing its academic offerings to meet the needs of future-focused industries. Discover our innovative approach through strategic partnerships, offering non-credit-bearing programs designed for continuing education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Explore how some programs can even transform continuing education into college credit.

Reverse Transfer and You

In light of the legislature's renewed focus on transfer initiatives and call for the development of more reverse transfer initiatives, it is time to This session will focus on what reverse transfer is, how it can benefit both universities and community colleges, how Macomb and Wayne State have built reverse transfer into many of their processes, and how the National Student Clearinghouse's reverse transfer portal can help in the management of these programs.

From Confusion to Collaboration: Transforming the Leave of Absence Process

In this session, we will take a look at transforming the Leave of Absence process in a Medical School Registrar's Office. We will explore the importance of communication and collaboration with stakeholders ranging from students, Student Affairs, Curriculum, Financial Aid, the University, and partner Dual Degree schools and colleges within the University. Join me to discuss how collaboration, trust, and tools made this iterative process successful.

Unlocking Success: Transformative Marketing Solutions for Higher Education

Explore how Phoenix Innovate's innovative marketing strategies help higher education institutions overcome common challenges like enrollment declines, fundraising gaps and CRM inefficiencies. Through real-world case studies and proven solutions, we demonstrate how data-driven, personalized campaigns can drive enrollment growth, improve donor engagement, and enhance brand strength. Attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging multi-channel marketing to achieve measurable, sustainable results.

Past President's Reception

Join us for the MACRAO Past President's Reception, a special gathering to honor and celebrate the contributions of our past presidents. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with former leaders of MACRAO, hear their insights, and share experiences with colleagues from across the state.

Enjoy refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere while building connections with professionals who have shaped our organization and contributed to the advancement of higher education in Michigan. Whether you are a new member or a long-time attendee, this reception is a great chance to learn from the experiences of our past leaders and strengthen your network within MACRAO. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dinner at Bavarian Inn Lodge
(Optional at Time of Registration)

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, featuring their famous chicken dinner! This optional dinner is a great way to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. Forget to sign-up for the optional dinner? See a Board Member or Conference Planning Committee Member to get signed up.

Don’t forget to wear your Hawaiian or beach attire for some fun photos at the MACRAO photo booth as we "Ride the Waves to Student Success." Bring your festive spirit and let’s make this evening memorable with laughter and camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you there!

Entertainment: RUSCH Entertainment's CEYX Band's FUN Music Show (FUN Musical Show/Humor/Entertainers)

Get ready for an evening of laughter and dancing with RUSCH Entertainment's CEYX Band! Join us for a FUN Music Show that promises humor, entertainment, and an unforgettable experience. As we "Ride the Waves to Student Success," enjoy a mix of amazing beach music that will have you dancing and singing along.

This is the perfect way to unwind, connect with colleagues, and celebrate our achievements together. Don't miss out on the fun, laughter, and vibrant atmosphere that CEYX Band brings to the stage. We can't wait to see you there!

Breakfast

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast! Join us for a morning meal where you can fuel up for another productive day at the conference. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, share ideas, and discuss insights from previous sessions. We look forward to seeing you bright and early as we gather to kick off the day together!

From Change to Clarity: Using the Michigan Undergraduate Catalog Update Form

Are you familiar with the tedious process of going through college websites, searching through catalogs, and trying to understand changes in the curriculum at partner institutions? If you are, you are welcome to learn more about the Michigan Undergraduate Catalog Update Form. The purpose of this form is to assist 2-year and 4-year institutions in documenting catalog updates in a standardized document and to share these changes with partner institutions. During the session, we will talk about the background of the form, provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete it, explain where to submit it, share our hope and dreams for the form, and allow plenty of time for discussion.

A Simplified Transfer Process Using TES + Transferology 

Building, maintaining, and publicizing equivalencies has never been easier with TES and Transferology. Only CollegeSource’s TES, the Transfer Evaluation System, and Transferology, the nationwide student network, are backed by a database of more than 160 million course descriptions, 190,000 catalogs, and 35 million user-created equivalencies. TES is the #1 tool used to research, evaluate, route, and track course data to make transfer decisions. Transferology is a nationwide network for students to see how dual credit, AP and other exams, and military experiences will transfer while providing insights and reports in the staff Lab so institutions can build equivalencies based on actual student needs and usage. Come see why millions of students are using Transferology and why institutions that have TES say they can’t live without it.

Military Affiliated Data: We have it, now what do we do with it?

Let’s discuss the military-affiliated data we collect, why it is important, and what we can do with it. Join us to talk about ways to use the data we collect to make better connections with this deserving population. We will look at the data that is important and how it can be better used to connect your military-connected students to one another and to resources.

Telling the Registrar’s Office Story: Strategies to Showcase your Office as a Key Campus Leader

Michigan State University's Office of the Registrar (RO) set out to be recognized as the authority and a trusted partner in student records. Through engaging Town Halls, dynamic presentations, and strategic collaboration, the RO transformed its reputation across campus. This session explores how MSU used storytelling, outreach, and strong engagement to solidify the Registrar’s Office’s role as both a leader and partner. Learn how to apply these methods to boost visibility and impact at your institution.

Leveraging an Academic Operations Platform to Create a More Student-Centric Campus

Student success is the driving force behind higher education, but can software for curriculum, scheduling, and registration management really help you drive campus goals? Join us for this exciting session where we will share tips on how your team can support student self-efficacy, on-time degree completion, career placement, and more with the tools you use daily to support academic operations.

Break and Time to Visit with Vendors

Take a moment to recharge during our final break of the conference! This is your last opportunity to connect with our vendors, explore their offerings, and gather valuable resources that can enhance your work in higher education. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and discover innovative solutions that align with your institution's needs.

Don't miss out on this chance to network with colleagues and make those final connections before the conference wraps up. Enjoy the refreshments and take advantage of this time to gather insights that can drive success in your initiatives!

Reimagining Tools for a Medical School Registrar's Office

In this session, we will discuss how a Medical School Registrar's Office started using course tools to support Registrar's Office operations. Presenter will share how their Visiting Student Program and Final Year Checkout have incorporated course tools familiar to students to decrease mental load while increasing process clarity and response rate.

Building the Blueprint: Michigan State University's Collaborative Approach to Strategic Planning 

Discover how Michigan State University’s Registrar Office created a strategic plan by gathering input from every team member. With a focus on inclusivity, we built a plan addressing key priorities with little to no extra resources. Learn how we tackled challenges, crafted a vision for the future, and ensured sustainable strategies. This session offers practical insights on leading a collaborative, resource-conscious planning process that empowers staff and maximizes existing resources.

Turning Detours into Degrees: Strategies to Graduate Stop-Outs

This session will present a university-wide initiative aimed at re-engaging stop-out students and facilitating their return to complete their degrees. By addressing the needs of these students, we use the opportunity to re-evaluate and enhance our application of academic and transfer policies, reducing barriers that hinder student success. Participants will learn about our approach, which includes a thorough review of stop-out academic records to identify individualized strategies that promote degree completion. Additionally, we implement proactive audits allowing for timely interventions that support graduation.

Equity-Driven Academic Schedules: Enhancing Student Success Initiatives

In today’s educational landscape, strategic scheduling and equitable access play a crucial role in supporting student success. This session will focus on findings that speak to the relationship between students' academic degree progress, retention, and completion. Come learn how smart scheduling combined with focused attention on removing barriers to ensure equitable access can maximize student completion and success for all students

Conference Wrap-up

Join us for the Conference Wrap-Up session, where we’ll reflect on the key highlights and takeaways from our time together. This is a valuable opportunity to share your experiences, discuss insights gained from the sessions, and provide feedback on the conference.

We’ll recap the important topics covered, acknowledge our sponsors and vendors, and celebrate the connections made throughout the event. Your input is essential as we plan for future conferences, so we encourage everyone to participate in this final discussion.

Thank you for being part of this year’s conference, and we look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!