Update from Stacey

A lot can happen in two weeks! I had to re-read my update from last issue to avoid repeating myself. Last time, I was just returning from the AAU Registrars' meeting. This time, I'm on the cusp of traveling for AACRAO, where several of us will have the chance to share our knowledge in presentations, volunteer to support the organization, learn from colleagues, and I anticipate I'll spend a fair amount of time with vendors as well.

Since I last wrote, I've started more formal communications regarding our Stellic contract. I informed Stellic that we will not be continuing work with them, and we are currently working on the formal contract changes to reflect that. Now, we are doing an internal investigation to determine our next steps, plus socializing some of the options with advising leaders and system campus vice chancellors.

The search committee for the ASR-IT Director-level position is concluding first round interviews soon. The next step will involve recommending a few candidates for the final interviews. I look forward to the next steps in the process and ultimately selecting a great candidate.

Another theme of the past few weeks has been performance appraisals. I've personally read all of the appraisals in ASR-IT as well as done appraisals with my direct reports. I always appreciate seeing the great work we are doing across all of our units, so thank you!

Update from Stacey

At the end of February, I had the opportunity to travel for the annual meeting of the AAU registrars. This group of University Registrars meets to discuss industry trends, major projects, and solutions to common issues in the profession. Many in that group have portfolios beyond a registrar's office so it's a way to connect on a wide range of topics. I find it professionally motivating, and frankly sometimes intimidating, since there are folks in the room that just started in their role, and folks that have led their offices for 20+ years.

I want to share a few common themes we discussed because they impact our office and our institution broadly:

• Most institutions of this size are experiencing rapid change regarding leadership positions and regular business expectations and processes as a result of the pandemic. We are still developing our post-pandemic "normal."
• Regarding technology, SIS solutions are not modernizing fast enough, and institutions don't have the resources to upgrade or change systems easily. Vendors require SIS data, and we all need to modernize how we store data and manage integrations.

Many times when the group was discussing an operational problem or the need for a new technology, it was something we took care of years ago, such as implementing a ticketing system or increasing electronic transcript orders. Other institutions also tend to have much stricter policies regarding remote work than we do, and they are envious of the retention benefits of flexible work. We have a wealth of resources and flexibility at the University of Minnesota, and it's good to be reminded of these things. Take care everyone, and thank you.