Presented by: Robin Lowenberger, Sales & Relationship Manager, AuraData
Presentation Description: Education verifications can be time-consuming & resource-intensive for your registrar’s office. Say goodbye to manual processes and hello to automation! Join us to discover how AuraData partners with Canadian schools to automate verifications for Free! See how much time & effort your team can save, backed by metrics from current partners. The best part? Earn revenue for every completed search. If you’re looking for a simple, cost-free way to modernize your operations, this session is for you!
Presented by: Julie Green, Registrar and AVP, Strategic Enrolment Management, MacEwan University Melissa Padfield, Deputy Provost (Students and Enrolment), University of Alberta
Presentation Description: In the face of relatively low student participation from high school into post-secondary education in Alberta, it’s time to stop competing for a limited pool of students and start working together to expand the pipeline. This session will explore innovative and collaborative strategies aimed at increasing student participation by building partnerships between and within institutions by leveraging a collaborative advising approach. The focus will be on how institutions can come together to collectively address participation challenges and how registrars can serve both their institution’s competitive needs and the broader regional goal of improving overall student access and engagement.
Presented by: Elfie Smith, Associate Registrar & Director of Service and Records, University of Manitoba
Presentation Description: Did you know that neuroscience research has found that social threats activate our brains in the same way as physical threats? This interactive session will explore our social motivations and how we can better equip both ourselves and our teams to adapt to ongoing continuous change. Come learn about a new framework for social needs, how it has been used in the Registrar's Office at the University of Manitoba, and why you should add a scarf to your change enablement toolkit.
Presented by: Jason Paquette, Pre-Sales Consultant, Infosilem Inc.
Presentation Description: Scheduling in complex institutions involves diverse stakeholders with competing priorities. Leveraging technology, we can streamline workflows, foster collaboration, and align efforts toward shared goals. This session outlines practical strategies such as identifying inefficiencies, securing stakeholder buy-in, and clarifying workflows. Real examples from institutions across Canada and the U.S., including Queen’s University, SAIT, and others of varying sizes and systems, will support these strategies. Attendees will gain a framework to improve scheduling outcomes and foster long-term collaboration across campus.
Presented by: Jennifer Fleckenstein, Associate Dean, Enrolment Management, Red Deer Polytechnic
Presentation Description: This session explores how institutions can create equitable pathways to post-secondary education and will highlight changes recently implemented at Red Deer Polytechnic. Initiatives like reserved seats, waiving application fees, and eliminating other admission barriers can foster inclusivity, support underrepresented students, and drive meaningful change in enrolment practices. This session also serves as a space to explore emerging ideas around equity in admissions, as there is still much to learn about long-term impacts and best practices.
Presented by: Aron Horvath, Assistant Registrar, University of Alberta Anna Hughes, Associate Registrar, University of Alberta
Presentation Description: When moving to a three final exam timeslot day, the University of Alberta implemented a Rescheduled Exam Policy which allowed students who had three final exams within four consecutive timeslots to reschedule one of those exams to a later date (that was preselected by the course instructor). The Assistant Registrar for Examinations and Timetabling joined the University partway through this process, and had to immediately develop and implement a process to accommodate the challenges it presented.
Presented by: Bonnie Crocker, Senior Consultant, Academica Group
Presentation Description: Registrar’s Offices (ROs) across Canada are being reshaped by the evolving post-secondary landscape. This session explores how ROs are adapting by drawing on automation and technology, refocusing on excellent service to students, updating policies and processes, and making staffing and organizational changes. In this session, we will specifically explore the impacts on staffing and organizational structures, drawing on insights from over 30 interviews with Registrars, a literature review, and Bonnie’s recent work in this area. This session will include roundtable discussion where participants will be able to explore and discuss how they can modernize their own institutions.
Presented by: Angela Smith, Co-Founder and Coach, Kaleidowork Huong Bui, Co-Founder and Coach, Kaleidowork.
Presentation Description: Setting boundaries at work can feel daunting, especially when you're unsure of the impact on relationships or your career progression. But what if we told you that healthy boundaries can actually help? In this session, we’ll explore how healthy boundaries can empower you to feel more in control without sacrificing relationships or your reputation. Together, we’ll unpack what boundaries really are (hint: they’re not about being difficult) and discover ways to communicate and enforce them in a manner that builds trust and respect with your team. This isn't about shutting down; it's about opening up to a more sustainable, balanced way of working.
Presented by: Andrew Drinkwater, President, Plaid Analytics and Adjunct Professor
Presentation Description: Enrollment planning has evolved far beyond spreadsheets and static projections. Today, AI and predictive modelling are transforming the role of modern enrollment professionals—enhancing data inputs, increasing explainability, and enabling faster, more collaborative decision-making. With the power of cloud-based technologies, institutions can now generate real-time insights at scale, strengthening their strategies in an increasingly uncertain environment—especially in light of recent federal changes to international study permits. This session explores the practical applications of AI in enrollment planning and how institutions can leverage these tools to build more resilient, forward-looking strategies.
Presented by: Trish Nuyten, Dean of Enrolment Management and Registrar, Red Deer Polytechnic
Presentation Description: This session will explore how Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) leveraged the 2024 mandate change, from a college to a polytechnic, to evolve its academic governance structure. The change presented an opportunity to shift organizational culture, improve academic governance, and advance Indigenization efforts. We will discuss a brief history of academic governance at RDP, why change was needed, how change occurred, and what was, and continues to be, learned. The session offers participants insight into using change management frameworks, improving academic governance, and taking steps to Indigenize structures, polices, and practices.
Presented by: Daniel Haberstock, Manager, Enrolment Services & Operations, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Andrew Schurman, Prospect & Applicant Relationship (PAR) Supervisor, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ryan Robbins, Prospect & Applicant Relationship (PAR) Supervisor; Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Presentation Description: NAIT’s technology transformation enhances the student journey from first contact to enrollment through optimized tracking, outbound engagement, and automated system integrations. A unified ticketing system ensures consistent service, with real-time feedback driving excellence. Working alongside our recruitment and admissions partners, we provide expert guidance and also self-source leads. Looking ahead, conversion tracking and lead scoring will refine engagement, creating a seamless, data-driven, and student-first experience.
Presented by: Stephanie Penner, Assistant VP Academic for Program Development and Associate Registrar for Student Data, Canadian Mennonite University Jeremy Perrott, Registrar, Canadian Mennonite University
Presentation Description: What happens when a new leader steps in while the outgoing leader remains within the institution? This session examines the unique dynamics of two Registrars as they transitioned into and out of leadership roles while continuing to work closely together. Through their reflections, this session will explore key tensions, lessons learned, and strategies for fostering successful leadership transitions in higher education administration.
