De-Mystifying Information Technology Services

For the Record, An AACRAO Podcast

Increasingly, the work of the registrar relies on technology. Having a vibrant and positive working relationship with your Information Technology (IT) services division–whatever it’s called at your institution!--is vital to working efficiently and effectively. In this episode we talk to two IT leaders about the way their divisions run, what makes them tick, and what keeps them up at night. This wide-ranging discussion is not limited to the student side of their work, but is intended to shed some light on all of the other things IT divisions do as part of their support for the institution.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships with your information technology division is crucial to the success of your work in the registrar’s office. Involving IT early and often in your strategic planning will go a long way to avoid problems with resource allocation and expectation management.
• IT divisions are tasked with enormous responsibilities across institutions. Support of the student systems is one aspect of what they do, and recognizing that they have significant other areas of responsibility can help ease frustrations and encourage collaboration.
• Technology will continue to change at an increasing rate. It’s critical to get comfortable with change as a constant and not get too attached to one specific way of doing something. Your IT division is there to help but it must be a true partnership.

Hosts:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
[e-mail]

Sarah Reed, University Registrar
University of California - Berkeley
[e-mail]

Guests:

Kemal Badur, Chief Technology Officer
University of Chicago

Ed Clark, Chief Information Officer
California State University

References and Additional Information:

Leadership and Management

Technological Knowledge