Launching the Future: Introducing the 2026 AACRAO Competency Set

What skills drive success in today’s enrollment and academic services roles? In 2025, AACRAO’s inaugural Curriculum Committee, with C-BEN, reimagined the 2016 model from the ground up. Join us to launch the 2026 AACRAO Competency Set—a structured framework featuring 15 cross-cutting competencies. Explore its three performance levels—Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced—and learn how to align staff strengths, job roles, and institutional goals.

Committee Group: Group VII: Workshops & AACRAO Office

First Learning Outcome: Learn about the 15 new cross-cutting competency areas and how to work with the Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced performance indicators 

Second Learning Outcome: Find out how to apply the Competency Set for performance measurement, hiring, and role definition, as well as designing training and development activities

Third Learning Outcome: Learn how the competency set aligns with the AACRAO core values and supports both instructor-led and on-demand professional development

Core Competency: Professional Development and Contributions to the Field

Proficiency: Enrollment Management Proficiencies

Presenter(s): 

Rebecca Mathern Oregon State University

Rhonda Kitch Cornell University