2026 International ACAC Conference Session Proposal Form

College counsellors increasingly work at the intersection of an evolving higher-education landscape and parents whose understanding of careers and university remains largely linear. This session supports counsellors in reframing conversations with traditional families by shifting the focus from selecting a single “right” university or career to choosing a path made up of intentional, credible steps. By introducing alternative pathways—including staged entry models and non-linear academic routes—participants will explore how these options can be communicated as purposeful choices rather than compromises. Ultimately, the session highlights how embracing a diversity of pathways allows families to view the future not as one irreversible decision, but as a flexible journey with multiple routes to success.