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AACRAO's biweekly professional development e-newsletter Connect offers timely information, actionable tips, and expert guidance relevant to your career; stories about interesting colleagues doing inspiring things; and news about association services, activities and resources.

Like a virtual, on-demand AACRAO conference-between-conferences, Connect keeps professional conversations alive and helps you stay engaged with the association that advocates for and believes in your career. 

March 2026 Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor: March 3, 2026

Mar 2, 2026

These simultaneous efforts to advance postsecondary education systems require more than any one office, institution, or sector can provide on its own.

Dale Gough AACRAO Award Winner

The 2026 Award for Excellence in International Education

Mar 2, 2026

From his early start with a USAID scholarship and AACRAO membership to his role in building training opportunities for others, Dale Gough’s career offers a window into the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of international education today.

AACRAO IESC Fellows Doreen Sheridan and Esther Zhao

Meet the IESC Fellows Focusing on AI and International Admissions

Mar 2, 2026

This year’s IESC Fellows, Doreen Sheridan of Michigan State University and Esther Zhao of Baylor University, bring distinct experiences and perspectives to the 2025–2026 fellowship topic, AI and International Admissions.

AACRAO NOLA 2026 Annual meeting through a video viewfinder

Session Preview #AACRAO2026: Citywide Enrollment Partnerships and International Academic Policy

Mar 2, 2026

Explore two timely Annual Meeting sessions on local collaboration and English language proficiency policy. You'll find tips for first-timers and any timers on how to approach the Annual Meeting experience.

April 2026 PESC Data Summit New Orleans April 22-23

Extending the Conversation: PESC April Data Summit Following the AACRAO Annual Meeting

Mar 2, 2026

AACRAO Annual Meeting attendees in New Orleans can continue discussions on interoperability and data exchange at the PESC April 2026 Data Summit, starting immediately after the Annual Meeting.

ACE Military Guide webinar on a screen

How to Use the ACE Military Guide for Learner Progress and Operational Efficiency

Mar 2, 2026

AACRAO and the American Council on Education are co-sponsoring a webinar on March 12 to demonstrate the ACE Military Guide. Learn the features that make the biggest difference for sustained enrollment growth and stronger military community partnerships.

Learning Evaluation for the 21st Century: Recommendations to Transform Policy and Practice to Meet Changing Needs Final report of the Learning Evaluation and Recognition for the Next Generation (LEARN) Commission

New Report to Modernize the Systems and Language of Credit Recognition

Mar 2, 2026

AACRAO, Sova, and 15 LEARN "Commissioners" examine four dimensions of learning evaluation and offer recommendations for enrollment leaders, admissions officers, registrars, IT and systems providers, and the general public.

Data ready credentials, image with text about workforce education from UPCEA blog

Workforce Pell Is Here and Data Readiness Is the Real Test for Credential Innovation

Mar 2, 2026

In a strategic conversation hosted by UPCEA in December 2025, the message for registrars and enrollment leaders was clear: supporting short-term credential innovation will require stronger data practices and reporting.

1EdTech Photo from session

Designing the Future of the Academic Record: Insights from the 1EdTech Digital Credentials Summit

Mar 2, 2026

The recent 1EdTech Consortium Digital Credentials Summit in Philadelphia, PA brought together institutions, technologists, and policy leaders focused on the future of digital credentialing. And AACRAO members were front and center.

data collection

Getting Your ACTS Together: Understanding the New Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement

Mar 2, 2026

AACRAO outlines its concerns about the ACTS IPEDS supplement. This data collection opened on December 18, 2025, and closes on March 18, 2026. Institutions that do not comply with these new requirements could risk a fine or other administrative action.

Connect Letter from the Editor Feb 2026

Letter from the Editor: February 17, 2026

Feb 16, 2026

This issue explores the many forms recognition can take when we’re leading with intention.

Tara Kent 2026 Emerging Leader Award

Our Emerging Leader Award Winner for 2026 - Part 1

Feb 16, 2026

Meet Emerging Leader Award recipient Dr. Tara Kent, whose dedication to equity, advocacy, and professional development exemplifies service-driven excellence.

2026 Emerging Leader Award, Curtis Clock

Our Emerging Leader Award Winner for 2026 - Part 2

Feb 16, 2026

Meet Emerging Leader Award recipient Dr. Curtis Clock, whose pathway from academic advising to registrar leadership is grounded in student-centered research and a clear commitment to community.

Two people holding puzzle pieces together

Where Campus Pain Points Meet Practical Business Solutions

Feb 16, 2026

Made possible through strong AACRAO corporate partnerships, our Business Solutions Showcase is built from insights on member needs for live product demos, Q&As, and direct engagement with edtech experts and partners.

Loida Gonzalez Utley headshot with The Assembly banner logo

‘It’s Time to Get To Work’ and Get Out of Students' Way

Feb 16, 2026

Fresh from completing her dissertation on transfer, hosting “Transfer Tea,” and establishing herself as a national advocate, Loida Gonzalez Utley brings both scholarship and lived urgency as the inaugural director of The Assembly.

AACRAO Collective gathering

Discuss Transfer Credit and Working Through the Weird Stuff with Colleagues

Feb 16, 2026

Kim Watley of Purdue University hosts the February 26 Collective Gathering for an interactive discussion designed for professionals in credit mobility and evaluation about the scenarios that generate the most questions, emails, and "Wait … what?" moments.

A group of people shaking hands and talking

A Peer Mentoring Advantage That's Deeper Than Networking

Feb 16, 2026

It’s a working relationship where you’re matched based on strengths and growth areas. Meet David Paltza and Eric Sanford, who’ll walk you through their experiences and invite you to come along. Apply by February 27.

Conference table with open chairs surrounded by shelves of books.

What’s It Like to Advise on Public Policy?

Feb 16, 2026

The Public Policy Advisory Group was a significant asset to AACRAO on key issues, including homeschooling and privacy. Faith Farley of AACRAO Government Relations shares how your interests and background could be a great fit. Apply by March 6.

Ask the FERPA Professors: Webinar Edition

Feb 16, 2026

The professors answer questions regarding the privacy of advisor notes and records.

Connect Letter from the Editor Feb 2026

Letter from the Editor: February 3, 2026

Feb 2, 2026

As knowledge workers and educators, it’s good to recognize that we sometimes have a little grace to make informed decisions. This issue provides information to that effect.