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Degree Completion Tracking: 4 Ways Tech is Saving Registrars Both Time and Money

Degree Completion Tracking: 4 Ways Tech is Saving Registrars Both Time and Money

by NSC Blog | Feb 7, 2023 | Education-based Insights, K-12, Transcript & Data Exchange Services

Technology continues to change how education professionals work to advance their students’ learning. In an interview with The Evolllution, Heather Bjorgan, Dean of Enrollment Management at Black Hawk College, discussed how evolving technology, such as degree completion tracking, has impacted the role of the registrar in higher education.

Here are four key takeaways from Dean Bjorgan:

The registrar’s role has evolved from being a primarily record-keeping entity. Technology has driven the evolution of the role of the registrar, says Bjorgan. What once was a primarily record-keeping role has become more of an influential service office. By incorporating technological advances, the registrar can provide increased service to students, faculty, and administration. One of the most significant advances in recent years has been in degree completion tracking. Bjorgan notes that it’s now much easier to help a student understand where they are in their program, where they are going, and what they have left. She says this helps students by saving them time and money with that understanding.
Change is a result of technology and relationships. “It’s all about managing technology within the institution and its strategic relationships with the IT office and with functional services, like the registrar’s office, to get a positive outcome,” says Bjorgan. “Registrars are an excellent resource for validating data and observing how things flow in and out of the system. Registrar offices function as a hub because they work with students, faculty and staff, and financial aid. Technology has changed the office as the financial aid and curricula needs have changed. So, it all comes together in the registrar’s office. Our students have driven it as well.”
Student feedback matters. When it comes to being more student-centric, Bjorgan comments that it helps to listen to students through many ways. A diversity of information-gathering mechanisms – like surveys, support groups, and focus groups — helps institutions reach and react to the needs of Gen Z and post-traditional students.
Transcript evaluation is much easier and faster. Technology has turned the transcript into a real-time saver, Bjorgan notes. Transcript-reading AI has been around for about 15 years. Still, it has evolved to the point where it can scan a transcript and automatically understand how classes and credentials from Institution X fit into degree requirements at Institution Y.

The Clearinghouse as well is working to bring new solutions that are FERPA-compliant to college registrars to save time and money and advance their institution’s mission to serve students. The Clearinghouse is proud to partner with other industry and technology leaders across the nation in the fulfillment of our mission of service to the education community. In addition, learn about free and low-cost services that serve the K-20 to workforce continuum.