Join us the evening before the conference for a relaxed and informal gathering at a local pub. This is a chance to unwind, enjoy a drink, and connect with fellow attendees in a friendly, laid-back setting. Whether you're a first-time participant or a returning guest, this is the perfect opportunity to share stories, forge new friendships, and kick off the conference with great conversation and community spirit. Come as you are—good company and good cheer await!
We all know that change is the only constant. But lately, the pace of change has been relentless and dizzying, leaving many of us feeling fatigued, discouraged, and burnt out. It’s hard to feel hopeful about the future when you barely have time to come up for air between major changes. And on top of that, the pressure to maintain daily operations and service standards never lets up. When the world keeps spinning faster, it’s tempting to think the solution is to simply do more and move faster to keep up. But that’s not sustainable. In this keynote, we’ll explore a different way forward—one that focuses on slowing down to create space for rest, reflection, and learning. By shifting out of survival mode and into a future-ready mindset, you and your team can build the resilience and skills needed to navigate the flow of change with ease and confidence. You’ll leave with practical strategies to reclaim your time, focus on what truly matters, and proactively prepare for the future.
Angela Smith Angela is the Co-Founder of KaleidoWork, a coaching and consulting company that helps teams reimagine how they work together. With a background in strategy, partnerships, and engagement, she’s known for sparking fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo — always with heart, humour, and practicality.
Huong Bui Huong, the other half of KaleidoWork, is a coach, facilitator, and consultant who supports leaders and teams to lead with more clarity, calm, and care. She’s especially passionate about helping people set healthy boundaries, shift unhelpful patterns, and create work cultures that actually feel good to be in.
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.
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation at Connect, our signature networking event sponsored by Ellucian. This is your chance to unwind, meet colleagues from across Western Canada, and spark ideas that will help shape the future of registrarial services. Refreshments and appetizers, great company, and future-focused dialogue await!
The annual Brainstorm Student Interests Survey results provide insights into the preferences and experiences of tens of thousands of Canadian university and college students across the country. Attendees will gain actionable data and fresh perspectives to inform institutional strategy, enhance student services, and better align with the shifting priorities of today’s learners.
Graham Donald Graham Donald, Founder and President of Brainstorm Strategy Group, is one of North America’s leading experts on attracting, recruiting, and engaging students and graduates.
He founded Brainstorm Strategy Group in 2003 where he supports major employers and post-secondary institutions’ success through research, training, and strategic consulting. His clients include KPMG, PwC, University of Toronto, Deloitte, GE, McGill University, HSBC, UBC, Rutgers University, Kraft, and many others.
Each year is invited to speak at national and international conferences on topics related to attracting and engaging future generations. He also hosts numerous annual conferences and training programs including the Campus Recruitment Forum, the Strategic Enrolment Marketing & Management Forum (SEMM Forum), the Employer Engagement Academy, and the Post-Secondary Leaders Academy.
He was Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) and the founder of Canada’s first job board for students, Campus WorkLink. He has also held leadership roles at Workopolis, Simply Hired, and Day Communications.
He received both his BA and MBA from the University of Toronto.
Presented by: Beth Shotton, Global Recognition Manager, International Baccalaureate Organization
Presentation Description: This session will share insights from Canadian institutions to guide informed recognition of IB programs. We’ll discuss research-backed academic outcomes, math readiness, and performance predictability of IB students. Attendees will learn how the IB’s curriculum, skills focus, and recent innovations—like the Career-related Programme and electronic transcripts—support student success and align with evolving post-secondary admission and enrolment strategies.
Presented by: Jodi Tavares, Executive Director, ARUCC MyCreds/MesCertif Natasha Buis Deering, Executive Director SEM & Registrar, University of Lethbridge
Presentation Description: In a rapidly evolving post-secondary landscape, institutions are looking for innovative ways to capture and communicate a student's full learning experience. The University of Lethbridge, in partnership with MyCreds, has pioneered the MyExperience Transcript, seamlessly integrating co-curricular records (CCR) into official academic documentation through the MyCreds API (Orbis). This session will provide a dual perspective on execution and impact: MyCreds will focus on collaboration and partnership with ULeth, sharing insights on what it takes to bring a major credential innovation from concept to execution. Attendees will gain an inside look at how institutions can effectively connect academic and co-curricular learning records, ensuring that students graduate with a comprehensive, employer-recognized digital credential.
Presented by: Phil Ollenberg, Associate Registrar, Emily Carr University of Art + Design Katie Buchanan, Lead, Enrolment Services & Testing, Bow Valley College
Presentation Description: Struggling with silos, turnover, and competing demands, a small admissions and registration team transformed into a future-ready, cross-trained unit. This session reveals how they streamlined workflows, strengthened collaboration, and built resilience—without a dedicated operational supervisor. Gain actionable strategies to modernize processes, boost team morale, and future-proof operations in an evolving educational landscape.
Presentation Description: This session will foster a space for WARUCC members to connect, collaborate, and commiserate with those who are already using, implementing, or contemplating SLATE CRM for use in their institutional operations. SLATE is becoming more recognized in Canada, with some of our WARUCC members being early adopters and current users. Whether you are in recruitment, admissions, records, financial aid, or student advising, you are invited to take part in this conversation.
You're invited to join us for a special buffet lunch as we come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions within our community. Enjoy great food, meaningful moments, and the chance to applaud your peers in a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
Presentation Description: This session explores how the BC Associate Registrars and Managers Association (BCARMA) leveraged technology, our existing network, and diverse approaches to engage registrarial staff across the province in professional development activities. The goal is to foster in staff professional pride, identity, and a sense of community related to the work they engage in every day. Our aim is to share creative ideas, within budget constraints, for staff development and connection.
Presented by: Jeremy Perrott, Registrar, Canadian Mennonite University Stephanie Penner, Assistant VP Academic for Program Development and Associate Registrar for Student Data, Canadian Mennonite University
Presentation Description: This session will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices of SIS adoption, drawing from Canadian Mennonite University’s recent transition to a new system. Attendees will gain valuable insights into system selection considerations, integration, and optimization strategies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and student services.
Presented by: Fiona Halbert, Assistant Registrar Student Financial Support, University of Alberta David Goertzen, Specialist - Student Financial Support, University of Alberta
Presentation Description: Learn how we improved our bursary process to aid students amid rising needs & limited resources. See our review’s key findings & process changes. We plan to share valuable lessons learned throughout our review process, including key learning about student-centered design, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Attendees will gain practical insights that they can apply to their own institutions or programs.
Presented by: Courtney Walker, Manager, National Recruitment, University of Alberta
Presentation Description: Student Recruitment at the University of Alberta utilizes a service-partner model to build meaningful connections with faculty and programs. Attendees will learn how to establish and leverage a relationship-based approach to support faculty/program recruitment, how to break down institutional silos to support overall enrolment outcomes and how to utilize a data-driven approach to build trust. Recent U of A initiatives will be showcased to demonstrate this work in action.
Presented by: Norma Roodenburg, Vice-Provost and University Registrar, University of Alberta Jane Lee, Associate Registrar, University of Alberta
Presentation Description: Leading effectively requires us to continually learn to help our organizations adapt and thrive in times of change. AI experts reiterate time and time again that the introduction of generative AI tools and systems will transform our work and lives. Like any other disruptive technological leaps we have experienced in the past, such as the internet, this will require us to balance the opportunities and risks in a holistic manner. But what does this actually mean? Over the past few months, the presenters have taken a personal and professional journey to learn as much as they can in this shifting landscape. We are motivated to share our journey and reflections and engage in a conversation about how this could impact the work in the Registrar’s office.
Presented by: Graham Donald, Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group
Presentation Description: This roundtable workshop will highlight some key student insight data points from Graham's earlier WARUCC plenary session. He’ll then share the key challenges employers are facing to meet their talent needs. With a deeper and more current understanding of students’ interests and employers’ needs, the final portion of this workshop will be an interactive discussion of the implications for your post-secondary education in general and your institution specifically.
Presented by: Melissa Padfield, Deputy Provost (Students & Enrolment), University of Alberta Logan Mardhani-Bayne is Lead, Strategic Planning and Initiatives, Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), University of Alberta
Presentation Description: Strategic Enrolment Management is a core pillar of registrarial practice and essential to ongoing institutional success in the current climate. Join this session to gain insights, discuss, and learn from the University of Alberta’s journey into the creation of one of Canada’s most wide reaching and ambitious strategic enrolment plans. Our goal, through the lens of both opportunity and risk mitigation, was to create a plan that truly considered the inputs to growth alongside the impacts, During the session we share the process and strategies used to create and implement the plan along with our learnings and performance to date.
Presented by: Jodi Tavares, Executive Director, ARUCC MyCreds/MesCertif Ryan Gallivan, Executive Director, Apply Alberta Julie Green, Registrar & Associate Vice-President Strategic Enrolment Management, MacEwan University
Presentation Description: This presentation will showcase the urgent and successful integration of the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS) into MyCreds, Canada’s digital credentialing network. The speed of this collaboration was driven by an unexpected change in Saskatchewan’s high school transcript issuance process, necessitating a rapid response to prevent a disadvantage for Alberta institutions and learners. The session will highlight how MyCreds and ApplyAlberta worked together under tight timelines to ensure a seamless transition demonstrating collaboration and change readiness. MacEwan University, a participating WARUCC institution will bring insight into the impacts of the rapid change to both the institution and to learners.
Presented by: Ashmita De, Research Analyst, Education Insights, Data & Research, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Melissa Myskiw, Academic Coordinator, School of Construction and Building Sciences, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Alexander Ondrus, Senior Research Specialist, Education Insights, Data and Research, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Presentation Description: Understanding factors influencing student retention is key to a high-quality student experience. Machine Learning (ML) offers new ways to analyze this area. In this session, we will explore developing a predictive model to identify at-risk students, reviewing the project’s origins, progress, and future directions. We’ll discuss how Microsoft Fabric provides a unified platform for data management, ML model creation, and Power BI reporting, showing how ML insights can enhance student experience.
