Since returning to Northwestern in November, University Registrar Jacqualyn Casazza has been evaluating what she can do to connect the University with students and to improve relations with peer institutions.
Casazza worked within the registrar’s office for almost 10 years as a program assistant at the McCormick Office of Undergraduate Engineering and then as assistant registrar for registration and scheduling. She left NU to serve as associate registrar at the University of Chicago for three years.
Gabriel Olszewski, former registrar at the University of Chicago, said Casazza is “truly a fine manager, a wonderful communicator and a clear thinker.”
“Jaci was one of the best employees I ever had,” said Olszewski, who now works at Yale University. “From when I first met her, I knew she had great skills. She never proved me wrong.”
Casazza said although she will miss “seeing students walk across the stage and knowing we (the UChicago Office of the Registrar) helped them do that,” NU is home for her.
“I’m really happy to be back,” Casazza said. “The character of the institution fits my personality well and it’s nice to work with people I already have established relationships with.”
Michael Mills, associate provost for University enrollment, said he first worked with Casazza during the summer of 2005.
“When she left us, which we tried very hard to prevent, it was a real loss,” Mills said. “We’re ecstatic she’s back taking on the role of registrar. She’ll accelerate the modernization of an office that was already in the process of modernizing.”
NU’s Office of the Registrar provides great service, Casazza said, but could look for new ways to collaborate with the schools.
“Traditionally this registrar’s office focuses on the student population,” Casazza said. “But we also serve faculty, other staff members and University administrators. They all have their own unique needs and the schools have their own unique characters. Maintaining a balance between all that is the most difficult thing.”
Casazza said the office has already made progress in connecting with students through its website, newsletter and recently launched Facebook page.
“We provide good information on our Facebook page,” Casazza said. “It has a good tone. It’s friendly but not cheesy, which can be a problem when administrators try to use Facebook.”
Casazza said she also hopes to start an advisory committee for the registrar.
“When we have major decisions to make about the kinds of projects we’re going to plan for the upcoming year, I’d really like input from the Northwestern community,” Casazza said. “I’m definitely interested in student and staff feedback and ideas. I really appreciate the culture of debate I find here. One person can throw out an idea and when you have great people sitting around the table, you can make that simple idea much better.”
