A Message from the University Registrar

As I reflect on the 2025–26 academic year, I am struck not only by the breadth of work accomplished across the Office of the Registrar, but also by the spirit that made it possible. The accomplishments highlighted in this report represent more than projects completed, records processed, or systems improved. They tell the story of an office deeply committed to students, strengthened by collaboration, and motivated by a continuous desire to ask important questions about how we serve our university community.

This year, we managed significant academic, student records, and reporting operations while advancing accessibility, enhancing service delivery and data quality, and modernizing key processes that will benefit students and campus partners for years to come.

Yet the story of this year is not simply about volume. It is about intention.

Across our office, we have increasingly challenged ourselves to ask deeper questions: Why are we doing this? Should we continue doing it this way? How can we create better experiences for students, faculty, staff, and alumni? These questions have led us to rethink processes, remove barriers, simplify workflows, and seek opportunities for improvement.

This mindset is especially important as the role of the Office of the Registrar continues to focus on student success and retention. Retention is influenced by many factors, but one thing remains clear: students are more likely to persist when university processes are understandable, accessible, timely, and student-centered. While large institutional initiatives often receive attention, the cumulative impact of thousands of smaller interactions and decisions can be just as meaningful.

Looking ahead, we know there is still more to do. The work of the registrar is no longer only about maintaining records. It is about helping create an academic ecosystem where students can navigate their educational journey with confidence and where faculty and staff have the tools and information they need to support student success.

I am incredibly proud of what the Office of the Registrar team has accomplished this year. I also want to thank our campus partners for your collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to serving students. Together, we are building processes, services, and experiences that not only meet today's needs but position the University of Iowa for future success.

Sincerely,

Shawna Saad, PhD
University Registrar