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Background

In early 2020, the AACRAO Board of Directors engaged in a new strategic planning process for the Association. The Board engaged AACRAO Consulting to use the SEM planning framework to guide the initial stages of the process.

Consultants helped the Board better understand the framework of Goals, Strategies, and Tactics that would ultimately make up the final plan. Over the summer of 2020, the association conducted an environmental scan that included like organizations, the Board, the membership, and AACRAO office staff. In September 2020, the Board crafted a first draft of goals based on these scans, during a day-long workshop along with draft revisions to the Vision and Mission. Additional feedback opportunities for members and staff resulted in the below goals, adopted in December 2020 by the AACRAO Board of Directors.

New Vision, Mission, and Goals

This new vision, mission, and goals serve as a guide for the association over the next five years as we strive to better serve our members, the profession, and higher education.

Vision

As a leading voice in higher education, AACRAO envisions a community centered on learner success driven by professional excellence and leadership in enrollment and academic services.

Mission

AACRAO advances and supports a richly diverse, globally interconnected community of higher education professionals as well as the institutions, organizations, and learners they serve through its resources, leadership, and advocacy.

Goals

  1. Goal 1: Elevate shared understanding among institutions, partners, and the broader higher education community of the enrollment and academic services ecosystem to strengthen transparent, equitable, and learner-centered institutional practices.
  2. Goal 2: Advance evidence-based practice through applied research that informs ethical, interoperable, and effective institutional decision-making.
  3. Goal 3: Nurture an inclusive, accessible, digitally connected professional community that supports lifelong learning, leadership development, and advancement across the AACRAO professions.
  4. Goal 4: Lead coordinated advocacy that advances higher education policies and practices equitably and effectively.
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Strategic Plan

The goals and strategies are intended to set direction and focus for the association over the coming plan period, 2026 – 2031. They articulate where AACRAO will lead and what the association will prioritize, not the specific activities or operational decisions through which that work will be carried out.

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Values

Approved by the Board of Directors – October 21, 2020.

Amended and Approved by the Board of Directors based on membership feedback – December 16, 2020.

Collaboration

AACRAO believes Collaboration among members and with constituents creates a stronger association, leading to continuous improvement of our professions.

Innovation

AACRAO values Innovation, which improves service and performance in enhanced and unforeseen ways. AACRAO facilitates process, technology, and practice improvements to provide more personalization with added integrity and fidelity.

Inclusivity

AACRAO is committed to Inclusivity where all are valued and heard, and respect is expected and achieved. AACRAO realizes this through creating and sustaining relationships based on equity, respect, collaboration, and community where all have the opportunity to thrive.

Inquiry

AACRAO believes Inquiry is critical to advance our professions and their leaders. AACRAO supports research and scholarship to develop and suggest best practices to its members.

Integrity

AACRAO is committed to Integrity by adhering to the highest standards of honest and ethical behavior. AACRAO fosters an environment of accountability and transparency.

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AACRAO Demographics

Learn about membership demographics that shape the AACRAO community.

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Related Links

Explore additional resources that provide context, and next steps in relation to AACRAO’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

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