About

Founded in 1932, the Upper Midwest Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (UMACRAO) is a non-profit professional association serving registrar, admissions, enrollment management, and academic and student services professionals in higher education.

The association promotes sharing best practices and policies, provides legislative updates, and contributes information through:

  • monthly newsletters,
  • committee meetings,
  • regular virtual conversations, and
  • an annual meeting.

Members advocate for legislative issues, equity, access, positive change, and creative solutions to complex problems. Our organization regularly connects with fellow regional organization WACRAO and contributes to AACRAO.

UMACRAO members represent institutions of higher education from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northwestern Ontario.

Mission

UMACRAO is a people-centered community built on an inclusive and welcoming culture that promotes engagement and career development in higher education.

Vision

UMACRAO envisions a future where innovation in higher education empowers learners and develops leaders who drive meaningful change both locally and nationally.

Values

Inclusion

Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their perspectives, knowledge, and talents.

Supporting Statements

  • Building a supportive community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and fully engaged.
  • Actively seeking and inviting diverse viewpoints and perspectives into discussions, committees, and leadership positions in order to create a thriving space for innovation.
  • Encouraging colleagues from a variety of institutions to contribute to the organization’s evolution.

Development

Fostering growth, continuous learning, innovation, and progress to engage the evolution of leadership.

Supporting Statements

  • Enhancing professional skillsets by leveraging resources to facilitate professional connection, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
  • Inspiring critical thinking, creativity, and risktaking.
  • Advancing academic and enrollment services best practices, fostering innovation, and remaining attuned to issues affecting higher education.

Collaboration

Inviting and offering opportunities to create intentional solutions that transcend individual efforts.

Supporting Statements

  • Sharing best practices, resources, and/or experiences with colleagues across institutions.
  • Supporting and working with members, institutions, state and regional organizations, and AACRAO.
  • Providing a learning community to hold space for discourse and dialogue.

Integrity

The foundation of our actions, guiding us to uphold consistency, honesty, transparency, and authenticity in all endeavors.

Supporting Statements

  • Upholding and evaluating by-laws and policies; adjusting for consistency with best practices.
  • Following through with commitments.
  • Earning, maintaining, and reciprocating trust and confidence.
  • Recognizing the conflict between personal interests, values, and beliefs, and professional responsibilities.

Equity

Recognizing and addressing barriers to ensure everyone has access to opportunities and resources regardless of their background, identity, and circumstances.

Supporting Statements

  • Committing to access and accessibility in all forms, including but not limited to programs, policy formulation, decision-making, and representation.
  • Inviting people into our community, where all have the opportunity to thrive.
  • Engaging with membership to identify and work to mitigate entrenched systemic barriers.