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
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
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!
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
When I watched the video of the police officer killing George Floyd on May 25, 2020, I was sickened. Inside, I was reeling and stumbling at the blatant act of evil on display for all the world to see, proof again that power often begets violence. I am a white male, and I do not… Read More Black Lives Do Matter: How Can a Registrar Be an Ally?
In the COVID-19 crisis, how can a university or college keep operating? At Trinity Western University, classes have moved online, and yes, Alex Usher, they really have moved online. They’re not perfect, but they’re working. And how can a Registrar’s Office keep working? Here are my ideas, and make sure you read to the end… Read More 3 Ways to Work Remotely
Y2K, SARS, COVID-19 are all scary events that I have had the privilege of being a Registrar through. I’m on a response team for my university, and here is what I’ve both heard and offered to my team about dealing with things like this: Lead. As Mr. Rogers’ mother famously told him, “Look for the… Read More Registraring in a Crisis
I think I’m late to the party, but I just learned of an excellent blog on higher education. My boss and Provost, Dr. Bob Wood, passed it on to me with his highest recommendation. My last post was on being competent, and one key to competence is knowledge. Alex Usher, of Higher Education Strategy Associates,… Read More The Knowledgeable Registrar: A Recommendation
Remember that trust goes both ways. If you’re aiming to inspire your staff to build trust, are you leading the way? Are you addressing expectations – yours and theirs? Do you follow through and meet promises? Do you reward/encourage/support behaviours you expect and hope for? What do you do when trust is broken? Do you… Read More Trust Goes Both Ways
A good friend of mine recently passed away. We’ve known each other for 30 years and because he was a few years older than me and very wise, I looked up to him. His memorial service (or Celebration of Life because Ray lived!) is coming this Saturday. I remember a conversation Ray had with me as… Read More Registrar Staff: Performance & Trust
Who Wants To Be A Registrar? 