registrar
REJ-iss-trar
/ˈredʒɪstrɑːr/
An official responsible for keeping academic records, student enrollments, course schedules, and transcripts.
Focuses on official administrative record-keeping, course cataloging, and transcript verification.
The story behind the word. Traced back to Latin 'regerere' (to enter or transcribe), 'registrum' became the official ledger kept by medieval courts and early universities. The registrar was the appointed keeper of this sacred parchment ledger, ensuring that no scholar could claim a degree without recorded proof.
Word relationships
- record keeper: Generic term for anyone maintaining records, lacking the academic authority of a university registrar.
- academic recorder: Descriptive role title, whereas registrar is the formal administrative office title.
Commonly confused with
- bursar: The registrar handles academic records and transcripts, whereas the bursar handles student accounts and financial payments.
Word family
- register (noun/verb): An official list or book; to enter in a list.
- registration (noun): The act of enrolling or recording official details.
Collocations
- office of the registrar
- university registrar
- contact the registrar
- registrar's records
Example sentences
- "You must request an official sealed transcript from the university registrar before applying to graduate school." Student academic request
- "The registrar published the final exam timetable two weeks ahead of schedule." Administrative operations
Memory hook
The REGISTRAR manages your REGISTRATION and official RECORDS. Keeper of transcripts and enrollment lists.
When not to use
Do not confuse with financial account managers or general campus receptionists.
Fun facts
- In museum administration, a 'registrar' is also the professional responsible for tracking artwork provenance, loans, and shipping logistics.
Related words
Explore more words
transcript, proctor, curator, administrative, archive, invigilate
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