2A: Operational Synergy in Graduate Enrollment: Working Across Departments Location: Haydn - Temple Level
Graduate enrollment success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it’s the result of coordinated efforts across admissions, the registrar’s office, academic departments, and beyond. This session explores how institutions can foster operational synergy to streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance the student experience from application to graduation. Panelists will share real-world examples of cross-departmental collaboration, discuss common challenges, and offer practical strategies for building stronger partnerships that support institutional goals and student success.
Presenters: Paul Cincotta, Assistant Dean, College of Graduate Studies, Bridgewater State University (Session Moderator) Ariana Balayan, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Enrollment and Marketing, Tufts University School of Medicine (Panelist) Brett DiMarzo, Director, Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy, Boston College (Panelist) Jack Fitzpatrick, MHA, Director of Graduate Enrollment, Lasell University (Panelist) Michael Merriam, M.M., Assistant Dean of Enrollment, Graduate & Continuing Education, Framingham State University (Panelist)
2B: Headlines Without Headaches: A Roundtable Discussion about Engaging with the News Location: Mozart - Mezzanine Level
Trying to keep up with the news can feel like a full-time job in and of itself. And even when we do have time to read the news, it can still be difficult to understand what exactly a story is saying. Join AACRAO’s Assistant Director of Public Policy, Michael Bilfinger, for a roundtable discussion exploring ways to break down the news and stay engaged while not feeling overwhelmed. There will also be time to answer any questions related to recent news or topics covered during the AACRAO Federal Update. Please come ready to share and bring questions.
Presenter Michael Bilfinger, Assistant Director, Public Policy, AACRAO
2C: Equity-Minded Enrollment Management: Building Data Literacy in Enrollment Management to Address Equity Gaps Location: Handel - Temple Level
Data literacy is a key skill that enables practitioners to collect, interrogate, and apply data in critical ways. In an increasingly challenging time for higher education, as resources are more competitive and agility to support student success is necessary, data can provide an opportunity to spotlight inequities and illustrate strategies to close gaps. Using Estela Bensimon’s framework of equity-mindedness, practitioners begin with data and engage in an inquiry process that asks us to reflect on the barriers, policies, and practices at our institutions that perpetuate equity gaps.
Bridgewater State University’s Office of Institutional Research & Decision Support partnered with groups around campus to increase data literacy and identify equity gaps. By starting with the data, enrollment management groups at BSU have identified patterns in admissions yield, enrollment, retention, and student success where we can lean in to better support and engage students. This session will review the equity-minded framework used, highlight key strategies BSU is implementing, and share areas of opportunity for campuses to increase data literacy, student and institutional success.
Presenter: Amanda Colligan, Executive Director, Institutional Research & Decision Support Bridgewater State University
2D: The Credentialing Ecosystem: Paradigm’s Vision for a Fully Integrated Future Location: Beethoven - Mezzanine Level
Join Paradigm as we explore what’s next in academic credentialing—and how our integrated solutions are designed to reduce registrar workload, fight fraud, and help students succeed. With over 34 years of experience and 1,000+ trusted institutional partners, Paradigm is uniquely positioned to deliver a modern credentialing experience that combines tradition with innovation. We’ll introduce the credentialing ecosystem: physical diplomas and covers, tamper-proof digital documents (CeDiploma®, CeCertificate®), SuretyLock verification, automated delivery (DirectShip™), and in-development innovations like ScholarRecord (CLR), MicroCredentials, ApostilleConnect, and next-gen transcripts.
Whether you're facing staffing shortages, increasing fraud risk, or managing multiple vendors—Paradigm offers a centralized, secure, and student-centered approach to credentialing.
Presenter: Jason Hadaway, Chief Operations Officer
