Greetings, MACRAO Friends!

Your Professional Development Committee has been hard at work this spring creating a series of free, one-hour virtual presentations on relevant topics for our annual MACRAO Summer Zoom-In Series! We are excited to offer three compelling topics that we hope will bring value to all our members in their roles at their respective Missouri institutions...check them out:

“Seeing Through the Scam: Identifying Fraudulent Applications Earlier”

https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/95024699360?pwd=M7oGoNt3HhOLWZmSbuxAlqtNMBxpUb.1

Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00am

Presented by: Mitzi Clayton, Director of Enrollment Management Strategic Initiatives, University of Missouri; Leona Belk, Associate Director of Admission, Missouri Southern State University;  Cazmeairah Carrington, Online Admissions Representative and Enrollment Management Specialist, Westminster College

As fraudulent applications and identity theft schemes become increasingly sophisticated, colleges and universities are being challenged to identify suspicious activity earlier in the admissions and enrollment process. This panel discussion will explore emerging trends in higher education fraud, including stolen identities, falsified credentials, synthetic applicant profiles, and the growing use of technology and AI-assisted deception. Panelists representing institutions of varying sizes and structures will share real-world experiences, common warning signs, behavioral and documentation red flags, and operational strategies their institutions have implemented to detect and investigate potentially fraudulent activity. The session will also examine the importance of cross-campus collaboration among admissions, registrar, financial aid, IT, and compliance professionals in protecting institutional integrity while still maintaining a student-centered approach to service, access, and enrollment support.

“What are the Compliance Issues Beside FERPA that I Need to Know”

https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/95031502343?pwd=uXFqpEa4DAjWsND89pwj7CKUlQaLQw.1

Friday, June 26, 2026, at 2:30pm 

Presented by: Dr. Helen Garrett, University Registrar, University of Washington-Seattle

We often think of just FERPA when it comes to the topic of compliance, but there is a myriad of additional federal and state laws one needs to know and to adhere to as a registrar. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of additional compliance laws in addition to FERPA to make sure you are staying current and compliant with these laws.

"A Guide to AACRAO's New Professional Development Competencies"

https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/96414310618?pwd=CSSqe3iybZpyxArxqZafxbiIDzytae.1

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00am 

Presented by: Dr. Rhonda K. Kitch, University Registrar, Cornell University; Dr. Annetta Stroud, Director, Content & Curriculum, AACRAO; Dr. Rebecca Mathern, Associate Vice Provost Academic Affairs & University Registrar, Oregon State University

Join the team who designed and introduced the new AACRAO Competency Set. The new set is a guide and tool for individuals and staff to understand and develop competencies within higher education enrollment, admissions, and academic operations. It provides a structured framework for evaluating and developing professional capabilities through statements and indicators of performance that define the skills and abilities needed in these critical administrative functions. Learn how you can leverage these competencies to grow in your chosen profession.

You do not need to register to attend - put them on your calendar and click on the link above to attend. Please share with your colleagues and others who can benefit from these outstanding presenters!

And wait! There is more!!!

SAVE THE DATE for the fall pre-conference MACRAO Brown Bag Town Hall on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:30am. Bring your lunch and tune in to participate in a discussion of important timely topics affecting admissions, registrar offices, enrollment management, and higher education institutions in general! A couple of the early suggestions include:

• Legislative/governmental issues for the state of Missouri, to include Core 42-to-60 and COTA updates
• Working with fewer staff and hiring/retaining employees in the field

We look forward to seeing all of you at these sessions!

From your Professional Development team,

Cindy Miller
Victor Price
Faustina Abrahams
Rose Ochsenbein