[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Ariano.Lou_web.jpg” caption=”Lou Ariano”]McMaster's new registrar is looking forward to working with students from the time they are considering which university to attend right through to Convocation ceremonies.

Louis (Lou) R. Ariano has been named McMaster registrar. Senate and the executive committee of the Board of Governors approved his appointment earlier in the week.

He takes up his new post on Feb. 1.

Ariano said he was attracted by the broad scope of the role of the registrar at McMaster, including student recruitment and liaison, admissions, registration and records and Convocation.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work with students from the recruitment stage through to Convocation,” said Ariano. “I've always thought of McMaster as an institution that is held in high esteem, not only in Ontario, but across the university system in Canada and I'm looking forward to being part of this continued success.”

Ken Norrie, provost and vice-president academic, said Ariano's background and expertise will be vital to ensuring the strategic goals outlined in the Refining Directions process will be achieved.

“I'm excited that Lou, with his extensive knowledge and experience in the role of registrar at several institutions, is coming to McMaster,” said Norrie. “He will be a key team member in implementing strategies that will help us strengthen our place as a destination of choice for high-quality students. He will also be working closely with the faculties in the work of enrolment management. We are committed to providing students with an innovative and stimulating environment where they can prepare themselves to excel.”

Ariano has more than 20 years of experience and expertise working within university structures and governance. For the last three years, he has been university registrar at York University in Toronto. Prior to that he was assistant dean, student services at Osgoode Hall Law School and registrar at Brock University and the first registrar at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College at the University of Regina.

Ariano has a bachelor of arts degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. and a master of arts degree from the University of Regina.

The registrar's position became available last September when former registrar George Granger became executive director of the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) in Guelph.