Following the breakdown of some of the mission groups (and the special interest groups related to them) within the sector we have identified a need to provide a support forum for colleagues in this influential and demanding role.

15 Academic Registrars or those in a similar role made the journey to the University of Wolverhampton on Friday for our Spring Special Interest Group for Academic Registrars.  We were treated to a very engaging and informative presentation from Matthew Green, Assistant Director (Academic & Learning Support) talking about the Digital Campus Transformation Programme.  It was very interesting to hear about the challenges and successes of the Project to date and plans for the future.

We were joined over lunch by the Vice-Chancellor of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer who answered many and varied questions on topics such as the challenges for a new Vice-Chancellor taking on the role, views on degree apprenticeships and the proposed T-levels, changes in the role of Governing Bodies and the challenges of the external environment.

The afternoon was dedicated to our popular show and tell session where colleagues were able to discuss some of their own personal challenges and find out how others are tackling common problems and issues

The next Special Interest Group for Academic Registrars, is to be hosted by the University of Surrey on 16 June 2017. 

The group is intended to provide:

• Peer support to colleagues new into the Academic Registrar role
• Peer support to colleagues facing particular challenges in their role
• Specialist inputs from a range of SUMS consultants on particular skills and competencies as identified by members
• A forum to learn about good practice in member universities on areas of particular interest to Academic Registrars
• A forum to develop support networks between meetings.

Our meetings are open to Academic Registrars from all our member universities. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from institutions not represented previously to our future meetings.

For further information please contact Alison Price, Principal Consultant - alison.price@reading.ac.uk