Well, it has been quite a year! COVID-19 has pushed us hard. And in my last blog post of the year, I am not going to dwell on it or look back on it because nobody needs that. What I am going to say is you make me proud. I was speaking with someone who has recently begun to interact with Registrars after a lifetime in higher education and he told me all his preconceptions about us have been shattered. He’s learned to respect and appreciate who we are as people and what we do for universities and students, and for education in general.

Over this past year I have learned again how important it is to lead. When it seemed hopeless, I needed to step into the darkness and light a torch. And my colleagues (you folks) encouraged me to do so. When everyone is down, who’s going to lift them up? You will. You do. I do too. This is who we are.

Now with final exams upon us and the semester winding down, I plan on taking a break. I am going to relax, read a little Kierkegaard, carve a sculpture or two, and set some new goals – ones that are informed by our collective experience this past year, and ones that aim for more hope, more joy, more love. One of my specific goals for the Spring semester is to propose a revision to our withdraw policy to reflect a less punitive approach to withdrawing, which is something I learned from you folks. I have been inspired by the leadership of Zena Mitchell, Registrar at Kwantlen Polytechnic University .

As I celebrate Christmas this year, I wish for you rest, good health, and good spirits. Happy New Year to you!