All Episodes

July 16, 2025 51 mins

Two very important functions we engage in as registrars are hiring and onboarding. Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t spend a lot of time talking about either of those very important practices. In this episode we discuss ways to improve the interviewing and hiring process for everyone involved, along with practical ways to bring your new hire into your office and get them acculturated quickly.   

Key Takeaways:

  • A clear understanding of the role and a specific articulation of responsibilities in the position description will make recruiting the right person much easier. 
  • Calendaring out the interviewing process can reduce stress for participants and candidates alike. Clear timelines are very helpful.
  • Asking “Will this person raise the average of the team?” or something similar may help you distill down a hiring decision. It’s better to have a failed search than to hire the wrong person. 
  • Clear communication with your new hire is vital to their onboarding. Scheduling out their first weeks in the office can go a long way to positioning them (and you!) to succeed.  


Host:

Doug McKenna
University Registrar, George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu   


Guests:

Michael Burke
Dean of Student Services, Harvard University
mikeburke@fas.harvard.edu  

Rebecca Mathern
Assoc. Vice Provost Academic Affairs & University Registrar, Oregon State University
rebecca.mathern@oregonstate.edu


References and Additional Information:


Operations and Business Process Management (AACRAO Core Competency)

STAR Technique and Behavioral Interview Questions (indeed.com)

Onboarding Without Overwhelming (Harvard Business Review)



Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Betrayal: Weekly

Betrayal: Weekly

Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.