A colleague in my office said this in a meeting today, “We do not like online courses. But they can be a significant tool to serve students and help them graduate on time.” I would go even further, and say that the Canadian post-secondary system does not like online courses. We send all sorts of… Read More
Author: Grant McMillan
I am the University Registrar at Trinity Western University, and I've been in the profession since 1997. I have an MA in Organizational Leadership, and have made a career of going into organizations that are in very difficult situations and leading them to a much better place. I teach Leadership to budding managers in the Adult Degree Completion program at Trinity Western University. I speak and consult, with organizations. Contact me at grant.mcmillan@twu.ca
The Post-COVID-19 Registrar
Last week, I posted part 1 of a presentation made by Barb Elich. This is part 2. Barb is Associate Registrar at the University of Regina. What needs to go back to “pre-covid” and what doesn’t?What needs to goes back? Being together in person in new ways; Convocation in person and include the best of… Read More The Post-COVID-19 Registrar
5 Lessons Learned
Today’s post comes from a guest: Barb Elich, Associate Registrar at the University of Regina, and is a slightly revised version of her presentation at the ARUCC conference this week. I enjoyed her comments and thought they deserved to be preserved. Here is the first half of her presentation, lightly edited to fit this context.… Read More 5 Lessons Learned
Nothing About Us Without Us.
The principle, “Nothing about us without us” is an important consideration for Registrars and Student Services in higher education. But like any nice slogan, it can be reduced to lip service without actual, practical implementation. The ideals expressed in the Universities Canada statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are followed with a section on what… Read More Nothing About Us Without Us.
Racism: the 215 and Ethan Bear Are Connected
On May 27, 2021, I was saddened to hear about the discovery of the 215 unmarked graves of indigenous children at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops. I say to my First Nations friends, I see you. I hear you. Your life matters. Your stories matter. You matter to me. My sadness… Read More Racism: the 215 and Ethan Bear Are Connected
International Student Recruitment Just Got a Little Easier
On February 12, 2021, we received the good news that the Government of Canada announced further temporary measures based on the pandemic that allow international students to be able to complete their studies in their home country and be eligible for the post-degree work permit: “These measures will assist international students by ensuring that studies… Read More International Student Recruitment Just Got a Little Easier
Leading With Heart
I like using Asana* to manage tasks and projects. I recently discovered their blog, which I have enjoyed reading each morning. This post on remote work leadership stuck out for me, especially the term “Heartitude.” This concept is especially important as we Registrars often have to deliver news (good, bad, and other) to students. My… Read More Leading With Heart
Pronouncements Without Consultation
Do you struggle with university leaders who make pronouncements without consulting the Registrar’s Office? This can be challenging when you know that what they said is impossible, or at least will be very difficult. It can cause additional work for staff who may not appreciate someone making their lives more difficult. This is a common… Read More Pronouncements Without Consultation
Kudos to YOU!
Well, it has been quite a year! COVID-19 has pushed us hard. And in my last blog post of the year, I am not going to dwell on it or look back on it because nobody needs that. What I am going to say is you make me proud. I was speaking with someone who… Read More Kudos to YOU!
Empathy for Students
So much has changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. The “new normal” everyone is talking about seems like constantly shifting sands in a sand storm. We can’t see too far ahead and the landscape and even our footing is shifting, causing us to be unstable and requiring us to deal with something new every day. I… Read More Empathy for Students
Who Wants To Be A Registrar? 