Events by Academic Registrars Council ARC

The ARC Admissions & Recruitment Leadership Summit is a two-day intensive conference focused on the business and strategy of student acquisition. In a competitive global market, the role of the registrar and admissions leads has shifted toward a more commercial and strategic focus. This summit brings together the brightest minds in HE recruitment to discuss market trends, international diversification, and the impact of demographic shifts on the 2027/28 intake. Hosted at the Hilton Belfast, the event offers a panoramic view of both the local and international recruitment landscapes. Day one focuses on "The New Global Student," exploring emerging markets and the evolving expectations of Gen Alpha students. Experts will share insights into digital marketing strategies, the role of agents, and the importance of a seamless applicant experience. Day two pivots to "Operational Excellence," looking at the back-end processes—from credential evaluation to CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) issuance and visa compliance. This summit is unique in its ability to bridge the gap between high-level recruitment strategy and the rigorous administrative requirements of the registry. It is an unmissable event for leaders who need to balance institutional growth with regulatory precision and operational efficiency.

Maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance is a foundational responsibility of the Academic Registrar. This seminar, hosted in the historic and prestigious Merchant Hotel in Belfast, is designed to provide an exhaustive update on the legal and ethical frameworks governing UK Higher Education. As external scrutiny from bodies like the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) intensifies, this event serves as a vital briefing for those responsible for institutional adherence to complex standards. The day will feature legal experts specializing in education law, providing clarity on evolving student contracts, consumer rights, and the legalities of student discipline and appeals. Furthermore, the seminar will explore the registrar’s role in institutional research governance, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained across all academic pursuits. Through a series of expert presentations and guided peer reviews, attendees will evaluate their current institutional policies against national benchmarks. This is a high-level networking and learning event that ensures registrars are not merely reacting to regulation, but are proactively shaping a culture of compliance and excellence within their universities.

In an age where digital transformation is no longer optional, the ARC Registry Technology & Innovation Workshop provides a hands-on environment for registrars to explore the "how-to" of modernizing student records and administrative systems. This one-day intensive workshop in the heart of Belfast focuses on the practical application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain in the context of academic integrity and record-keeping. The event aims to demystify technical jargon and provide registrars with the tools needed to lead IT-heavy projects within their institutions. The curriculum covers the lifecycle of a digital transition, from vendor selection and procurement to staff training and system migration. Special emphasis is placed on cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive student data, a topic of paramount importance to every registrar today. Attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of next-generation Student Information Systems (SIS) and engage with tech leads who have successfully navigated large-scale implementations. By the end of the day, participants will leave with a personalized roadmap for technological upgrades, ensuring their departments remain efficient, secure, and student-centered. This workshop is an essential investment for any institution looking to future-proof its administrative backbone.

The ARC Northern Ireland Strategic Planning Forum serves as a critical junction for academic registrars and senior student service managers to align institutional goals with the broader UK and Irish higher education regulatory frameworks. As the landscape of student administration becomes increasingly complex, this seminar provides a dedicated space for leaders to dissect the implications of recent legislative changes and funding shifts specifically affecting Northern Ireland. The session is designed to move beyond day-to-day operations, focusing instead on long-term institutional resilience and the enhancement of the student journey. Participants will engage in high-level discussions regarding the integration of data analytics into registry functions, ensuring that decision-making is underpinned by robust evidence. The forum also prioritizes the sharing of best practices in crisis management and policy implementation, which are essential for maintaining institutional reputation. With a focus on collaborative problem-solving, the day includes structured breakout sessions where attendees can troubleshoot common challenges, from enrollment volatility to evolving compliance requirements. This event is not just a meeting but a strategic workshop aimed at empowering registrars to lead their departments with confidence and foresight in an era of rapid digital and social change.

The Academic Registrars Council (ARC) Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 is the premier gathering for senior higher education professionals across the United Kingdom. This flagship event serves as a vital platform for Academic Registrars, Directors of Student Services, and senior administrators to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of university governance, student experience, and regulatory compliance. Set against the backdrop of Belfast’s world-class ICC venue, the 2026 conference focuses on the theme of "Resilience and Innovation in Global Education." As the sector faces unprecedented shifts—ranging from the integration of Artificial Intelligence in academic registry to changing international student visa policies—this conference provides the necessary space for strategic dialogue. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynote addresses from policy influencers, interactive breakout sessions, and expert-led panel discussions. The event is designed to tackle the "big picture" issues, such as the long-term sustainability of the higher education funding model, the mental health crisis within student populations, and the streamlining of academic administrative processes through digital transformation. Beyond the formal sessions, the Exhibition hall will showcase the latest technological solutions and services from industry-leading partners, offering registrars direct access to tools that can enhance institutional efficiency. Networking is a cornerstone of the ARC experience; the conference includes dedicated social programs and a formal gala dinner, allowing peers to exchange best practices and build lasting professional relationships in an informal setting. Whether you are looking to stay ahead of Office for Students (OfS) updates, explore the nuances of the UKVI compliance framework, or simply reconnect with colleagues from across the four nations, the ARC 2026 Conference is an essential fixture in the academic calendar. Participants will leave with actionable insights and a refreshed perspective on how to lead their institutions toward a more stable and innovative future.