Annual Conference: Breakout Sessions

Thursday, July 16

10:30 - 11:20am | Breakout Session 1

Financial Aid Overview

Jasmine Brown, EducationQuest Foundation

Jasmine Brown, EducationQuest Foundation College Planning Specialist will provide you with financial aid information to help prospective students through the federal financial aid process. We will cover the types of financial aid, how the government determines the Student Aid Index (SAI), verification and how financial aid offices determine the award package.  

From Meeting Fatigue to Meeting Momentum: Using EOS Structure to Create More Effective Meetings  

Nathan Hankenson, College of Saint Mary

Most leaders don't need more meetings—they need better ones. This session explores how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) provides a simple framework for improving communication, increasing accountability, and reducing wasted time. Drawing on real-world implementation experiences across multiple leadership levels, participants will learn practical strategies to run more focused meetings, solve issues faster, and create greater organizational alignment. Session includes implementation insights, lessons learned, and measurable outcomes from EOS adoption. 

The Spiral of Accountability

Carol Horner, Synchronicity

Today, probably more than ever, we face adversity, polarization, conflict, and uncertainty. It is imperative that we can, both individually and collectively, adapt, problem-solve, collaborate, and navigate this environment effectively together. The Spiral of Accountability™ takes the complex dynamic of human self-talk and human interactions and simplifies it into a visual representation that allows us to identify, name, and understand what is going on with us and the people around us. It then shows a pathway toward improving our reactions. The Breakout will focus on understanding our Spiral Activators, securing our back pocket questions, how to reframe ourselves and coach others to Spiral Up.

1:00 - 1:50pm | Breakout Session 2

Federal Update

Michael Bilfinger & Naomi Long, AACRAO Government Relations

Join the AACRAO Government Relations team for a summary of what has been transpiring at the federal level. Topics to be covered include new accreditation regulations and related transfer of credit issues, a clarification of regional accreditation, new AACRAO guidance on the Solomon Amendment, as well as an overview of some recent changes to the Education Department's unified agenda. 

Leading Without Losing Yourself: Self-Care as a Leadership Competency 

Tiffani Robertson, AACRAO VP for Leadership & Management Development

Higher education professionals are often called upon to lead through change, support students in crisis, navigate staffing shortages, and meet increasing institutional demands. While leadership development is frequently discussed, self-care is rarely viewed as a critical leadership competency. The result can be burnout, compassion fatigue, and diminished effectiveness. This interactive session explores how self-care serves as a foundation for sustainable leadership. Participants will examine common challenges facing higher education professionals, reflect on their own wellness practices, and identify practical strategies for maintaining resilience while continuing to serve students and colleagues effectively. Through guided reflection, discussion, and actionable planning, attendees will leave with tools to support both their personal well-being and professional success.

Tips and Tricks: Maximizing Your Transferology Experience

Aleta Carlberg, CollegeSource

Are you taking full advantage of everything Transferology has to offer? This session will review the tools and features available to help your institution maintain an effective and engaging Transferology presence. Whether you're new to Transferology or a seasoned user, this session will help you evaluate your current setup, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure you're getting the most value from the platform.

2:00 - 2:50pm | Breakout Session 3

The Credentialing Ecosystem: Paradigm’s Vision for a Fully Integrated Future

Shawn Owen, Paradigm Inc.

Explore Paradigm’s end-to-end credentialing solutions—from beautiful diplomas and tamper-proof digital certificates to future-ready tools like ScholarRecord, ApostilleConnect, and digital transcripts. Learn how we streamline registrar workloads, fight fraud, and empower student mobility across formats. Enter for a chance to win in our live raffle! 

EducationQuest Services 

Jacquie Butler, EducationQuest Foundation

Jacquie Butler, EducationQuest Foundation Sr. College Planning Specialist will provide insight into the FREE services available at our offices for high school students and adult learners (i.e., college planning and financial aid). Website tools will also be demonstrated, as time allows (i.e., Activity Resume, College Profiles, and Scholarshipquest).

F1 Visa Challenges

Brian Lisonbee, Lisonbee Immigration Law

Join us to hear from Brian Lisonbee on the latest challenges affecting F-1 international students and higher education staff. Brian Lisonbee is an experienced immigration attorney in Lincoln, NE. In this session you will learn practical guidance through the F1 process, addressing common issues with international students and strategies for how to best support students through the changes in any visa policies and regulations. Bring your questions, common issues and unique scenarios that you would like to discuss! We will join in group discussions with Brian Lisonbee and other Designated School Officials to share helpful information and knowledge! 

3:00 - 3:50pm | Breakout Session 4

Admissions Events That Make An Impact 

Gabi Perez-Patterson, Chadron State College

Roundtable discussion about planning and improving admissions events such as preview/experience days, orientation and registration programs, and move-in. This roundtable is an opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn what has worked at other institutions.

Turning ‘What We Have’ into ‘What Works’: the Core of Transfer Transparency with TES® Transfer Guides

Britiany King, College of Saint Mary

“Do more with less.” Sound familiar? Small private colleges often manage transfer with limited staff, overlapping responsibilities, and processes that are accurate but difficult to navigate. Students, however, expect clarity, predictability, and transparency. When College of Saint Mary implemented a new general education curriculum in 2025, we used the opportunity to redesign transfer communication. Rather than relying on scattered resources and outdated PDFs, the Registrar’s Office partnered with Admissions, Marketing, and academic departments to create student-friendly TES® Transfer Guides using existing course equivalencies. The result was clearer pathways, fewer questions, and better academic planning without additional staff or budget. This session will show how small colleges can maximize the tools they already have to improve transfer transparency and support student success.

Friday, July 17,

11:00am - 12:00pm | Breakout Session 5

Admissions Roundtable

A NACRAO Annual Conference tradition to discuss hot topics, unique situations, or new ideas. Submit topics here: Admissions Roundtable Discussion

Registrar Roundtable

A NACRAO Annual Conference tradition to discuss hot topics, unique situations, or new ideas. Submit topics here: Registration Roundtable Discussion