By Kimberly Watley, MS, Associate Registrar for Course, Curriculum and Credit Evaluation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective higher education administration—but achieving it isn’t always easy. Siloed communication, competing priorities, and complex organizational structures often stand in the way of seamless coordination. To address these challenges, an upcoming AACRAO Collective Gathering virtual session titled “Bridging the Gaps: Effective Coordination Across Administrative Offices in Higher Education Administration” will bring together professionals from universities nationwide for an engaging conversation on building stronger connections across departments.
This session will explore why cross-office coordination matters and how it impacts institutional success. Participants will share their own experiences, highlight successful models, and discuss tools that have helped their institutions foster collaboration. Real-world examples will provide practical insights, while a dynamic Q&A segment will encourage active participation and knowledge exchange.
Our discussion will focus on identifying common communication barriers and brainstorming actionable solutions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to build a network of peers committed to improving interdepartmental synergy—a resource that extends well beyond the session itself. This November Collective Gathering will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.m ET on November 13, 2025. Register today.
Key questions will guide the conversation:
What systems does your university use to facilitate cross-office communication?
How do you ensure alignment between academic and administrative priorities?
What strategies help build trust and rapport between teams?
We'll uncover best practices adaptable across diverse institutional contexts. If you’re looking to strengthen collaboration within your university and learn from colleagues across the higher education community, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Join us to exchange ideas, gain practical strategies, and take the first step toward bridging the gaps in higher education administration.