| Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers |
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| - Message from President Collins
Website Transition Membership Updates - PACRAO 2026 Session Proposals
- Nominations & Elections Committee Updates
- Diversity Development Committee Updates
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PACRAO @ AACRAO Highlights
- PACRAO Job Board
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Message from the President |
Dear ,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I am just off the heels of a faculty meeting where I presented the graduating Class of 2026. The Board and Faculty approved and so I am off to the next phase of the commencement process - the actual event. Whether you work in the Office of the Registrar, Admissions and Records, Enrollment Management, or the Office of the Admissions, I wish you all the best during this season, when everything is happening all at once - commencement, admission acceptance, watching your yield, evaluating transfer credit, the list goes on. If you are on the semester system, you may be looking forward to a (not so) slower summer. If you are on the trimester or the quarter system, well… there is no slow down in site for you.
I do, however, want you to take a moment to acknowledge all that you accomplished this semester. Really, think of at least one thing you learned; a project you managed; a petition you approved or one you were proud you held the line; a degree conferred (you know that one student); or just someone you helped who really needed it. You did that! Now take that positivity into this next phase of the year and think back to it when you need it.
In this edition, we have information from the Local Arrangements Committee and Program Committee Chairs about conference sessions proposals - check out the new lightning rounds! Get out there and vote for Nominations and Elections. Check out the things the Diversity Development Committee is up to. Review past and upcoming professional development opportunities. Learn about our website (system) implementation and membership dues timelines. Oh yeah, don’t forget to read all about our PACRAO @ AACRAO Social!
Until the next time, be well and remember to breathe!
Erin Michelle Collins PACRAO President Registrar and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Claremont McKenna College |
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In 2025, the Executive Board approved the transition from our current website manager, MemberLeap, to a new website manager, MemberClicks. Through the AACRAO State & Regional Partnership and Affiliate Program, PACRAO receives a discounted rate for MemberClicks. This transition will provide cost savings for the organization, an updated and refreshed website presence, and a network of support through the state and regional affiliates.
The new website will be released in late June. Once the new site is available, all members will receive an email notification to sign in to the new site. If you have any questions about the website transition, please contact Michael Davenport, vp-cit@pacrao.org. |
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Shelly Hsu VP of Membership |
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| PACRAO is getting a new membership system! We are transitioning to MemberClicks to provide a smoother, more efficient experience for our members. Due to this system upgrade, we are delaying the 2026–2027 membership invoices from May to July.
- What you need to know: You will not receive a renewal bill in May. Look out for your invoice in July instead.
- What you need to do: Nothing! Your current membership remains active, and we will share login details for the new system closer to launch.
Thank you for your continued engagement with PACRAO!
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As Mia Dolan shares in La La Land, ‘People love what other people are passionate about.’
Join us in Hollywood, California November 8-11, 2026 for the 2026 PACRAO Conference as we gather “Among the Stars,” celebrating the passion, innovation, and dedication that drive our work and inspire those around us. Just as stars illuminate the night sky, your ideas and contributions help guide and inspire our profession forward. We look forward to coming together again this year to share insights, elevate best practices, and celebrate the impactful work happening across our institutions.
We invite you to submit a session proposal for the 2026 conference. As in past years, experience, functional knowledge, innovative solutions, and research from our members will be shared in a variety of engaging formats, including: - Presentation (60 minutes)
- Panel (60 minutes)
- Roundtable Discussion (60 minutes)
- Lightning Round (25-30 minutes)
New for 2026! Lightning Round sessions are short, high-impact presentations designed to share innovative ideas, emerging practices, or quick insights in a concise format. These fast-paced sessions are ideal for highlighting a single concept, tool, or takeaway that attendees can immediately apply in their work. |
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- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Change Management
- Classroom & Academic Scheduling
- Commencement & Convocation
- Data, Analytics & Assessment
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Degree Audit & Exceptions
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Effective Student Communication
- Functional Expertise
- International Student Practices
- Leadership Lessons
- Policy & Compliance
- Process Automation
- Health & Wellness
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Strategic Plan Implementation
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| - Strategic Enrollment Management
- Student Success & Retention Strategies
- Technology Strategies & Solutions
- Transfer Admissions & Academic Practices
- Transfer Pathways
- Work/Life Balance
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The priority deadline for session proposal submissions is June 1, 2026. Session proposals will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis through late September. On behalf of the 2026 Program Committee and PACRAO Board, we thank you in advance for your interest and participation! We look forward to seeing how your ideas will shine Among the Stars! |
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Submit a Session Proposal Now! |
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| Eduardo Leon Garcia 2026 Local Arrangements Chair Loyola Marymount University
lac@pacrao.org |
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DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE |
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On March 19, 2026, The Diversity Development Committee hosted a roundtable session “How is your school navigating ICE presence on campus?” You can review the notes below from that roundtable: Organizations to get familiar with/support personally: - Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
- National Immigration Law Center
- American Civil Liberties Union
Discussion Points What are your institutions doing? - HR sent communications out to all employees with information and guidance
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Optional training was provided by HR
- Training was delivered to higher-level leadership, who then delivered training to their staff
- Documented resources (e.g. copies of what warrants might look like) were shared as a part of training
Thoughts on/experiences with supporting/encouraging our international and first-generation students? - Discussing and establishing a Standard of Care
- How can we use all opportunities, even on basic levels (e.g. emails, phone calls, advising meetings)
- Some individuals have suggested online programs as an alternative for those with safety concerns about coming to the U.S.
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Next Session: Official Documents: How do we support students? |
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On April 23, 2026, the Diversity Development Committee hosted a Book Club conversation about the book Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Many participants found the book to be a powerful discussion of family, identity, expectations and pressure of being a perfect version of yourself. The group discussed the importance of open dialogue and communication with others in your life. |
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For the next DDC Virtual Book Club session, we will be reading Born A Crime by Trevor Noah. This memoir details Noah’s childhood and young adulthood in South Africa during and immediately after apartheid. As the son of a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father, his very existence was illegal, forcing him to be hidden early in life. The book centers on his fierce mother's determination to raise an educated, independent son, while using humor and language to survive poverty, bullying, and domestic violence.
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| Details: August 04, 2026 12-1pm PST |
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Are you looking to start reading for the conference in November? The DDC has selected the book club book that will be discussed: How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
Kendi argues that being "not racist" is insufficient; one must actively identify, challenge, and dismantle racist policies and ideas. Kendi asserts that antiracism requires acknowledging systemic inequality, rejecting the notion of racial hierarchy, and taking actionable steps to promote equity, shifting focus from personal prejudice to structural change. |
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In alignment with PACRAO’s commitment to advancing equitable access, student success, and effective enrollment practices across the Pacific region, the Association affirms the importance of immigration policies that support all students in pursuing higher education. Building on AACRAO’s position, PACRAO recognizes that inclusive immigration policies strengthen institutions, communities, and the broader workforce.
PACRAO supports policies that expand access to postsecondary education for immigrant, undocumented, and international students, including the continuation of programs such as DACA and the development of clear pathways to legal status. We also advocate for policies that protect student privacy, support international student mobility, and minimize disruptions to educational environments.
As a regional association serving diverse institutions and student populations, PACRAO calls for practical, consistent federal guidance that enables admissions and registrar professionals to effectively serve students while maintaining compliance. PACRAO remains committed to advancing immigration policies that promote opportunity, stability, and student success. This statement is housed on the Diversity Development Committee’s page on the PACRAO website. |
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Do you know of a non-profit organization in the Hollywood, CA area that you want PACRAO to consider supporting for this year’s conference? Fill out this form with their information, and the Diversity Development Committee will review recommendations and make a selection for this year’s PACRAO Gives Back organization!
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| Laura Schonberger VP Diversity Development |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES |
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PACRAO Webinars PACRAO continues to work on bringing you some of our Conference Best of PACRAO sessions, mixed in with current topics for our profession. With that said, we've hit the ground running for 2026, bringing you the topics you don't want to miss. |
Upcoming Session
From Seed to Service: Growing a Student Workforce That Delivers
June 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM PST
Presented by Jacob Brainerd, Maggie Ramirez, and Michael Davenport from the University of Arizona Ever wonder how a student workforce can grow from a handful of helpers into a powerhouse team? Join us to learn how the University of Arizona’s Office of the Registrar successfully manages a student worker team of nearly 50 students to enhance services, improve productivity, and create meaningful employment experiences along the way. You’ll leave with practical ideas for recruiting, developing, and supporting student employees at your own institution. |
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Missed a Session? We've Got You Covered
Couldn’t make one of our recent professional development sessions? Don’t worry — many past sessions have been recorded and are waiting for you on the PACRAO website under Professional Development. Just log in to your PACRAO account to view them. Need help accessing your account? Reach out — we’re happy to assist! Past Sessions Include: - The Burnout Series (Parts 1–4) with Chelsea Peoples from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Best of PACRAO sessions from past conferences
One important note: Roundtable discussions are not recorded, so when you see one announced, be sure to grab your spot and join us live! |
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| Looking for the Ultimate Professional Development Opportunity? Don’t forget one of the very best ways to learn, connect, and recharge professionally — attending the PACRAO Conference! From engaging sessions to networking with colleagues who truly understand the work you do, the conference is always a highlight of the year. Need a little help getting there? PACRAO offers a Conference Grant that covers the conference registration fee. |
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Helena Babiski VP Professional Development |
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| If there is a topic you would like to hear about or present. Please email: vp-pd@pacrao.org |
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NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS UPDATE |
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Do you like PACRAO? Do you like voting? Well, you’re in luck! |
Get yourself ready to vote and watch your email, because the Nominations and Elections Committee election is just around the corner!
Membership will vote for up to six (6) candidates and the six nominees receiving the most votes will serve on the 2026 committee. Additionally, the highest vote recipient from the previous year’s committee will serve as vice chair, and the past president will serve as chair.
This committee plays a key role in selecting PACRAO’s future leadership, so your vote is an important (and easy!) way to keep PACRAO thriving. Find out more about the Nominations & Elections Committee |
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Tina Miller Past-President | N&E Chair University of Washington, Seattle |
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| Peyton Coronas
N&E Vice Chair University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
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AACRAO 2026 in New Orleans was a blast, and the PACRAO at AACRAO gathering made it that much better. PACRAO hosted a lively happy hour at The Rusty Nail, bringing together a fantastic crowd of colleagues and friends.
Based on RSVPs in the Whova app, our gathering was the second largest of the conference—though we’d argue it was easily the best. The energy was high, the conversations were meaningful, and the turnout showed just how strong the PACRAO community continues to be.
A big thank you to Michael Davenport for securing the location and arranging a great space for us to connect. And a huge thanks to Marc Booker for generously sponsoring beverages for attendees.
PACRAOnians showed up in full force and proved once again the importance and value of connecting with colleagues. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re looking forward to seeing you all this November in Hollywood for PACRAO 2026. |
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2025 - 2026 PACRAO Executive Board |
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Erin Collins
President Claremont McKenna College |
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| Tina Miller Past President University of Washington |
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| Steve Downing President Elect Bellevue College |
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Helena Babiski Vice President, Professional Development |
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| Shelly Hsu Vice President, Membership
Cal State University - Fullerton |
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| Michael Davenport Vice President, Communication & Information Technology The University of Arizona |
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Laura Schonberger Vice President, Diversity Development University of Phoenix |
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Omar Saucedo Secretary University of California - San Francisco |
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Josh Reinhold Treasurer University of California - Merced |
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| Steven Stubbs Treasurer-Elect North Idaho College |
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| Chelsea Peoples Business Partner Liaison
University of Nevada Las Vegas |
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