What does a registrar at a college do?
The role of a registrar is a little different at every college. We are responsible for the behind-the-scenes registration process and resolving registration related issues. We work with Academic Affairs to review and approve curriculum changes and ensure that the college catalog is accurate. The staff in our office process transcripts that are sent to colleges and evaluate transfer credit, and they also process requests for Iowa Western transcripts to be sent elsewhere. One of our tasks that people are most familiar with is graduation and commencement. Our office manages the graduation application process, the commencement ceremony, final grade verification and, ultimately, determining who has completed their program requirements and officially graduating those students. We have three ceremonies a year so graduation tasks are always on the “to do” list!
Part of your duties is to grant credit to courses of students that are transferred into your college. What are the main considerations in transferring college credit into a college?
Part of your duties is to grant credit to courses of students that are transferred into your college. What are the main considerations in transferring college credit into a college?
Initially, we make sure that the institution where the classes were completed is regionally accredited. We then check to see if the credit type is semester or quarter hours. If the credits are in quarter hours, we have a formula that we use to convert the quarter hours to semester hours. We have to make sure that the credit hours match. We then look at course content to determine if the course matches the description and objectives of a course at Iowa Western, or if it will transfer in as elective credit. Finally, we only transfer in credit needed for the student’s current program of study.
What is some advice you would like to give students and/or parents about dealing with the registrar’s office that would make things go more smoothly both for the student and for your office?
The student is ultimately responsible for their schedule and for meeting the deadlines established by the college. Deadlines to drop and add classes are posted in several places, including the student portal of the college. Students need to take the time to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the institution.
Take advantage of the resources that are available to students. One resource that our office provides is a degree audit. Students can request a degree audit at any time and should certainly do so the semester before they plan on graduating from Iowa Western. The degree audit can be requested online through the student portal.
Remember to apply for graduation and watch for communication regarding graduation and commencement.
Thank you Jill for your time for this interview and for the great work you do to help students. Obviously, you and your office have a crucial role in helping students complete their education and in their career success.
What is some advice you would like to give students and/or parents about dealing with the registrar’s office that would make things go more smoothly both for the student and for your office?
The student is ultimately responsible for their schedule and for meeting the deadlines established by the college. Deadlines to drop and add classes are posted in several places, including the student portal of the college. Students need to take the time to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the institution.
Take advantage of the resources that are available to students. One resource that our office provides is a degree audit. Students can request a degree audit at any time and should certainly do so the semester before they plan on graduating from Iowa Western. The degree audit can be requested online through the student portal.
Remember to apply for graduation and watch for communication regarding graduation and commencement.
Thank you Jill for your time for this interview and for the great work you do to help students. Obviously, you and your office have a crucial role in helping students complete their education and in their career success.
Steve - ICAN Council Bluffs Center
