College Tours
Session Description
To schedule a tour with the following colleges before and/or after the conference, please contact each rep listed.
Add your DC, MD or VA college tour for May 2 or 4 at https://goo.gl/forms/0G6Df1HWOv1jH28F2.
MARYLAND
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Lisa Hill | lhill@goucher.edu | 410-337-6517
Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701
Payton Mills | millsp@hood.edu | 301-969-3400
St. John's College
60 College Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Amanda Stevens | Amanda.Stevens@sjc.edu | 410-626-2524
University of MD, College Park
7682 Baltimore Avenue, Rossborough Inn
College Park, MD 20742
Veronica Marin | vmarin1@umd.edu | 301-314-1223
WASHINGTON, DC
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
Tiana Hakimzadeh | hakimzad@american.edu | 202-885-6177
Georgetown University
White Gravenor Hall, Suite 103
37th and O Streets NW
Washington, DC 20057
Laura Iwanik | li86@georgetown.edu | 202-786-3600
MARYLAND
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Lisa Hill | lhill@goucher.edu | 410-337-6517
Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701
Payton Mills | millsp@hood.edu | 301-969-3400
St. John's College
60 College Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Amanda Stevens | Amanda.Stevens@sjc.edu | 410-626-2524
University of MD, College Park
7682 Baltimore Avenue, Rossborough Inn
College Park, MD 20742
Veronica Marin | vmarin1@umd.edu | 301-314-1223
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Presenters
Preconference Events
Submitter
Presenters
President's Council Meeting
Session Description
This is a closed meeting.
Submitter
Presenters
Exhibitor Setup
Submitter
Presenters
REGISTRATION
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
EXHIBITS OPEN
Session Description
Exhibitors signed up:
ACT | NRCCUA, www.act.org
Capital Educators, http://capitaleducators.com
Capture Higher Ed, https://capturehighered.com
Carnegie Dartlet, www.carnegiedartlet.com
Cialfo, https://cialfo.co
Education First, https://efgapyear.com
Induck College Impressions, www.induck.co
International Baccalaureate, www.ibo.org
Intersect by Hobsons, www.hobsons.com
Kaplan Test Prep, https://www.kaptest.com/
PNC Bank, www.pnc.com
Revolution Prep, www.revolutionprep.com
Scoir, www.scoir.com
Smith Rivas, https://smithrivas.com
Spark451, www.spark451.com
The College Funding Coach, www.thecollegefundingcoach.org
The Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
A1 - First Time? Get Connected
Session Description
Been in the profession for less than 3 years, or is it your first time at a PCACAC conference? Join us for some fun and to learn more about our organization and how you can become a future leader.
Sponsored by Longwood University.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Stevenson University (MD)
Presenters
Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Stevenson University (MD)
Charlain Bailey, Retired, Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)
Jordan Holmes, American University (DC)
Melisa Hypolite, CollegeBound Foundation
Michael Kaplan, Norfolk Collegiate School
A2 - Middle Management Motivation
Session Description
Designed for those that have been in the profession for 3+ years. Whether you are early in your career aspiring to take the next steps to leadership or already “in the middle” trying to balance it all, this session is for you. Our panelists will discuss how some of the most important functions of a middle manager is motivating, leading and inspiring…this also includes building a team and finding ways to support them. Our talk show style format will be sure to energize and entertain you.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Rebekah LaPlante, Radford University
Rosemary Martin, St. John's College High School
James Dewey-Rosenfeld, Catholic University
Claudia Hernandez-Ponce, Johns Hopkins University
Dominic Chappell, Future Center RVA
Thomas McKenna, Shenandoah University
Damian Garcia, Glenelg Country School
A3 - The Purpose Driven Career: “Old Folks” Reflect on Their Professional Journey
Session Description
Been in the profession for 10+ years? Interested in hearing from some of our “seasoned” professionals who have weathered the ups and downs of college admission and school counseling? All their journeys have taken different paths, but one thing remained in the forefront, serving students to the best of their ability. Are you a part of the next generation of leaders who will emerge to “weather the storm” in our professions? PCACAC will be an organization to offer support and provide opportunities to guide your decision-making as you continue on your counseling journey.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Mildred Johnson, Radford University
Presenters
Mildred Johnson, Radford University
Barry Bradberry, Elon University
James "Jim" Jump, St. Christopher's School
Jennifer L. Blair, Ed.D., South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
Robyn A. Lady, Chantilly High School
Jeannine Lalonde, University of Virginia
Conference Kick-off & Keynote Speaker Jayne Fonash, NACAC President-Elect
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Jayne Caflin Fonash, NACAC President-Elect
John E Talmage, PCACAC President, St Paul's School
President's Reception
Session Description
Join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres and the Hip Hop Dance Team from St. John's College High School.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Awards Ceremony & Dinner
Session Description
On Thursday, May 2 from 7:30-9:30pm, help us celebrate the evening with a fabulous dinner, drinks, the University of Maryland's Jazz Band, and an awards ceremony.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
John E Talmage, St Paul's
REGISTRATION
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
EXHIBITS OPEN
Session Description
Exhibitors signed up:
ACT | NRCCUA, www.act.org
Capital Educators, http://capitaleducators.com
Capture Higher Ed, https://capturehighered.com
Carnegie Dartlet, www.carnegiedartlet.com
Cialfo, https://cialfo.co
Education First, https://efgapyear.com
Induck College Impressions, www.induck.co
International Baccalaureate, www.ibo.org
Intersect by Hobsons, www.hobsons.com
Kaplan Test Prep, https://www.kaptest.com/
PNC Bank, www.pnc.com
Revolution Prep, www.revolutionprep.com
Scoir, www.scoir.com
Smith Rivas, https://smithrivas.com
Spark451, www.spark451.com
The College Funding Coach, www.thecollegefundingcoach.org
The Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Breakfast Buffet for All
Session Description
Our exhibitors are eager to share valuable information about their products and services! Grab your buffet-style breakfast and eat while you cruise the exhibits or attend a SIG or PCACAC committee meeting.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Committee Meetings
Session Description
Space has been reserved for PCACAC committees to meet face-to-face. Find your committee chair and grab any table in the Patuxent Room.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Past Presidents Breakfast
Session Description
This special breakfast honors the contributions made to the Association and the field of college admissions by PCACAC’s past presidents. This event is for past presidents only.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
SIG Meeting - African-American
Session Description
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing "micro" communities within which members can network and add value to their membership experience.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
James Massey, University of Maryland, College Park
Presenters
James Massey, University of Maryland, College Park
SIG Meeting - First Generation
Session Description
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing "micro" communities within which members can network and add value to their membership experience.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Damian Garcia
SIG Meeting - Independent Educational Consultants
Session Description
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing "micro" communities within which members can network and add value to their membership experience.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Missy Moreland, Moreland & Associates Educational Consulting, LLC
Presenters
Missy Moreland, Moreland & Associates Educational Consulting, LLC
Victoria Turner Turco, Turner Educational Advising, LLC
SIG Meeting - Latinx
Session Description
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing "micro" communities within which members can network and add value to their membership experience.
Submitter
Presenters
Guadalupe Sanchez, Radford University
SIG Meeting - Rural Communities
Session Description
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nurture the growing diversity in our association by providing "micro" communities within which members can network and add value to their membership experience.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
B1 - Workplace Wellness: How Not to Neglect Yourself
Session Description
Often times we take care of everything and everyone else before ourselves. However, when you take better care of yourself, you'll be more efficient with job duties and deal with your responsibilities more effectively. Hear from five, seasoned WVU regional recruiters as they discuss wellness strategies they use that can also help you cope during a very busy and stressful college admissions season. Applicable to both sides of the college admissions desk, workplace wellness not only makes you better but can also engage the entire staff.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Mandy Weaver, West Virginia University (WVU)
Presenters
Mandy Weaver, West Virginia University (WVU)
Casi Smith, West Virginia University
Jamie Miller, West Virginia University
Rachelle Davis, West Virginia University
Kelly Lowery, West Virginia University
Materiales de la sesión
B2 - College Planning Across the Table
Session Description
Our goal for this session is to ensure those who join us understand how we can make the college planning process an easier, less stressful time (for both students and counselors) through collaboration and leaning on colleagues across the table. From working with admissions officers to bringing in IECs for seminars, there are ways to mitigate the stress felt by counselors and students, no matter the size of the school.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Jordan Kanarek, COLLEGEWISE
Presenters
Michael Nixon, UMD
Mary Hull, Richard Montgomery High School
Jordan Kanarek, COLLEGEWISE
B3 - Degrees of Diversity: An Inside Look at Creating A College Overnight Experience for Targeted Populations
Session Description
Universities face increasing obstacles to diversifying their student population. Creating a campus experience is one way to build a connection with prospective students to showcase campus and academic life that will positively influence their decision to enroll. Learn how one University Admissions Office partnered with key campus constituents: current students, residential and campus life offices, and faculty (yes, faculty) to work together to create a college overnight experience for underrepresented, 1st generation, and out of state students that resulted in 75% of attendees enrolling for the fall freshmen class.
Target audience
Postsecondary
Submitter
Johnice D. Brown, Longwood University
Presenters
Aaron T. Sims, Longwood University
Chyanne A. Trowell, Longwood University
Johnice D. Brown, Longwood University
Materiales de la sesión
B4 - Government Relations: Why Your Voice Matters
Session Description
Join high school counselors, admissions professionals, and Mike Rose, NACAC Director of Government Relations, for a discussion on Government Relations - national and regional legislation affecting our profession: Quality Counseling for College Access, Student Protection, International Priorities, Dream Act/DACA, School Safety and Mental Health, Anti-discriminiation, Budget/Appropriations.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Ginger Miller, Landon School (Retired)
Presenters
Jayne Caflin Fonash, NACAC President-Elect
Ginger Miller, PCACAC Government Relations Chair
Nicholas P. Orban, PCACAC Vice Chair of Government Relations
Michael Rose, NACAC Director of Government Relations
B5 - The Discipline Conundrum
Session Description
What role does the discipline question play in the college admission process? What impact does it have on admission decisions, how we counsel students and school policy. Hear about this issue from different perspectives including admission officers, school counselors and a Dean of Students.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
John E Talmage, St Paul's
Presenters
John E Talmage, St Paul's
Dale Bittinger, University of Maryland at Baltimore County
Calvin Wise, Johns Hopkins University
Sam Kaplan, St. Paul's School
Alice Robertson, Chantilly High School
B6 - #relationshipgoals The Case for Trust and Transparency
Session Description
Join admissions professionals from around the table (formerly known as "both sides of the desk") for a lively discussion about building relationships among high school counselors and college admissions officers that establish trust and engender transparency as we work towards a student-centered counseling/admissions process. Our panelists will share personal stories about collaboration to make connections of integrity, character and truth that assist in their counseling practices as well as provide practical steps to build and grow relationships in this profession. To make the most of this session, please bring a healthy sense of humor and anecdotes to share around our table.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Mrs. Stephanie Metruk, Garrison Forest School
Presenters
Mrs. Stephanie Metruk, Garrison Forest School
Mr. Ryan Jannos, Villanova University
Ms. Kate Jacobson, Franklin & Marshall College
Mrs. Jen Pineau, McDonogh School
B7 - Do More Than Inform: Best Practices for your Session
Session Description
There is so much we want students to learn from our information sessions, but there are also emotions we’d like them to feel and actions we’d like them to take. So how do we convey the right message and leave a lasting impression? We’ll explore a number of different presentation styles, discuss best practices and tips, and brainstorm unique ways to tell the story of life at your institution.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Fatmata Koroma, University of Pittsburgh
Presenters
Fatmata Koroma, University of Pittsburgh
Corianne Deatly, Colgate University
Warren Quirett, St. John's College High School
Materiales de la sesión
B8 - Teacher Recommendations--Tips For Making The Rec Letter Sing!
Session Description
A discussion of best practices for training and teaching teachers to write thoughtful letters of recommendation that best support students. Kevin Costa, a McDonogh School teacher, will share a rubric he created to help teachers craft insightful, supportive, and easy to review letters of recommendation. This tool can also help counselors develop and strengthen their letters of recommendation.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Alice Margraff, McDonogh School
Presenters
Alice Margraff, McDonogh School
Mr. Kevin Costa, PhD, McDonogh School
Materiales de la sesión
C1 - Purposeful College and Career Search Sites for the Post-Millennial Generation - Scoir & YouScience
Session Description
Generation Z students are much more purposeful in their college selections. They are cost-conscious, exhaustive researchers highly focused on outcomes. Yet traditional college and career search sites fail to provide the purpose and direction they seek. Scoir and YouScience have now partnered to combine deep analytics and beautifully designed software that enables students to learn more about themselves, explore careers, and discover best fit colleges. This presentation and open discussion will include college counselors sharing firsthand perspectives on using these tools to guide students through the college admissions process.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Lauren Incudine, Scoir
Presenters
Mr Kevin McCloskey, Scoir
Corey Cunningham Fischer, Fredericksburg Academy
C2 - Leadership Lessons from Women in the Corner Offices
Session Description
Women are in the workforce in dramatic numbers yet earning less than male counterparts. There are too few women in positions of leadership. Barriers exist and need to be overcome. Learn from women at different stages in life sharing what helped them advance, breaking the glass ceiling in leadership positions. This is for women by women. From graduate school to family, to work/life balance and managing stress, you won’t want to miss this session!
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Melissa Bevacqua, George Mason University
Presenters
Melissa Bevacqua, George Mason University
Amy Takayama-Perez, George Mason University
Jayne Caflin Fonash, JCFONASH Consulting
Mildred Johnson, Radford University
C3 - Admission Practices
Session Description
Each profession has its code of ethics, and ours is NACAC's Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP). This document is designed to provide the ethical guidelines for our profession and protect the interests of both students and institutions by upholding a college admission process free from coercion and discrimination. It is an affirmation of what we stand for. Learn more about more about the new guidelines as well as discuss some fascinating (and thorny) case studies.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Dale Bittinger, University of Maryland at Baltimore County
Presenters
Casey Zimmer, Sanford School
Dale Bittinger, University of Maryland at Baltimore County
C4 - Decoding the Cost of College: The Case for Transparent Financial Aid Award Letters (a Current Trends/Future Issues session)
Session Description
Students and families confront a lack of information/transparency when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Financial aid award letters often use confusing jargon, lack consistency, omit the total cost of attendance and include Parent PLUS Loans as "awards". Join us to learn about the report titled, "Decoding the Cost of College: The Case for Transparent Financial Aid Award Letters" that the educational non-profits, New America and uAspire, co-authored where they analyzed 515 award letters and uncovered findings such as 136 unique terms for an unsubsidized student loan, 70% of financial aid award letters provided no explanation of work-study and only about half provided information about how to accept or decline awards. Bring your ideas and best practices for helping students decode the cost of college.
Note: The US Department of Education issued guidelines last week about what all college financial aid notifications should include. Attend this session to hear more, from the experts, about this important issue.
https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2019/04/22/education-department-urges-colleges-be-clear-about-financial-aid
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Ann Marie Strauss, Garrison Forest School
Presenters
Laura Keane, uAspire
Ann Marie Strauss, Garrison Forest School
Megan McLean Coval, M.Ed, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Rachel Fishman, New America
Materiales de la sesión
C5 - Bridging the College Divide: A Focused Look at Programs that Serve High Potential, Low-Income Students
Session Description
We will explore programs that have cracked through the barriers that at risk and low-income students face. We will look at the success of the Bard Early College High Schools and the work of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s (JKCF) scholars and grants programs. We will explore the impact of JKCF grant on a group of low/moderate income students from Northern Virginia and their college dreams.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Kevin Terry, Rock Ridge High School (VA)
Presenters
Kevin Terry, Rock Ridge High School (VA)
Astrik Tenney, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Dr. Francesca Gamber, Bard High School Early College Baltimore (MD)
Materiales de la sesión
C6 - Four High School Visits and a Cloud of Dust - Is the Traditional High School Visit Still Worth the Time and Effort
Session Description
Admissions staffs across the country spend an invaluable amount of time and resources on high school visits each year. With narrowing budgets and with costs related to rental cars, gasoline, hotels, meals, toll roads, etc. only increasing. Many admission offices and recruiters have begun to question the value of the traditional high school visit. Conversely, school and college counselors grapple with challenges related to scheduling conflicts, academic stressors, and space limitations that might prevent students and/or counselors from effectively managing visits with admission representatives.
Some visits, where an admission professional meets with students and/or has time with a school or college counselor, can be invaluable. Yet, many visits result in no students nor an opportunity to meet with a school or college counselor.
This session will explore the experiences of various stakeholders involved in a high school visit and will discuss the distinctive positive and negative qualities of a high school visit. Their value as a recruitment activity in the traditional sense, and what school and college counselors expect from admission counselors and vice versa. We will also discuss and solicit ideas for new or alternative ways in which to efficiently and cost effectively recruit students.
Target audience
Postsecondary
ALL
Submitter
David Adams, Widener University
Presenters
David Adams, Widener University
Elizabeth Frosini, Wyoming Seminary School
Stacy Soircelli, Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School
Jeremy Miller, Shippensburg University
Materiales de la sesión
C7 - One & Done: Providing College Counseling in Large Public High Schools
Session Description
This session is targeted for professionals working in public high schools or organizations serving a large number of students. How do you cover the college search, college list, scholarships and financial aid all in one session with a family? Four seasoned Fairfax County Public School College & Career Center Specialists will share how they provide college admission counseling, programs and services to hundreds of students and families each year.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Maureen Kim, Fairfax High School
Presenters
Maureen Kim, Fairfax High School
Amy Hackett Ferguson, Hayfield Secondary School
Iris Malave Compher, Chantilly High School
Hannah Wolff, Langley High School
THINK TANK - Better Grades in Less Time: How to Help Your Students Learn Efficiently
Session Description
If your students would like more time to sleep, hang out with friends, play videogames, read for fun, practice something, or chill, they’re good candidates for improved study skills and time management.
If you'd like your students to feel more confident, procrastinate less, work more efficiently, or enjoy working hard to learn things, you’ll love learning how to help them learn more efficiently.
Come for the candor, stay for the strategies, and leave with a personalized plan to help your student learn how to learn. Bring your toughest questions!
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Paul Rivas, MA, SMITH RIVAS Study Skills & Academic Coaching
Presenters
Paul Rivas, MA, SMITH RIVAS Study Skills & Academic Coaching
Nancy Levonian, PhD, Lives Under Construction
Materiales de la sesión
THINK TANK - How to Make the Most of your Summer: RepVisits Edition
Session Description
Whether you’re at a high school or a higher education institution, we’re all running short on time. There’s always another student to be met with, a resume to read, or a call to make. RepVisits was designed by a school counselor to create efficiency in High School Visits & College Fairs for school counselors as well as admission officers. A former high school teacher and college admission officer talk about their experiences in the profession and how to make the most of your summer with RepVisits.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Nikki Matuszek, Hobsons
Presenters
Jason Pierce, Hobsons
Erica Krasienko, Hobsons
Membership Meeting & Awards Luncheon
Session Description
Join us for a delicious meal, special recognition of colleagues, and an update
on PCACAC business during the lunchtime awards ceremony. Together, we’ll honor PCACAC Board members and discover who our next leaders will be. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Beverages sponsored by Shenandoah University | www.su.edu/admissions
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
FEATURED SESSION: Personal Career Review
Session Description
As part of the project to chronicle PCACAC’s storied history, we will take a journey back in time to gain an understanding of where and how PCACAC began. Join in this lively and engaging conversation with past leaders of PCACAC and NACAC as they discuss the beginnings of our association and the role they played on both the affiliate and national level.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Joseph Monte, Albert Einstein High School, Montgomery County, MD
Presenters
Joseph Monte, Einstein High School, Montgomery County, MD (Retired)
Ms. Susan Rexford, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Audrey Hill, Montgomery College (Retired)
D1 - ANCHOR TALK: The Adolescent Brain Goes To College: How Does It Impact The Admission Process?
Session Description
Session Description: Research has shown that the "Adolescent Brain" is a work in progress and different from a fully developed "Adult Brain". What does this mean for high school students applying to college? How does this impact their interactions with adults who manage this process and ultimately their decisions on where to attend college. This workshop will explore the impact of brain development during the teenage years and effective strategies when guiding adolescents through the college admissions process.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Mrs. Charlain Bailey, Going To College: First Generation
Presenters
Mrs. Charlain Bailey, Going To College: First Generation
D1 - ANCHOR TALK: The Tells: Parents and Professionals "Oversupporting" Student Submissions
Session Description
In this brief Anchor Talk, you will roar with laughter at hilarious parent writings submitted under the guise of students' applications. Learn to recognize the overstepping and some of the professional responses to re-direct "helpful" parents without hurting feelings or damaging relationships.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
JULIA ROSS, Professional Tutoring, LLC
Presenters
Mrs. JULIA JK ROSS, BA, MUP, Professional Tutoring, LLC
D1 - ANCHOR TALK: Transitioning to the next step in your counseling career
Session Description
School Counselors are often apprehensive about changing roles, and sometimes levels, within the profession. Come listen to two seasoned high school counselors talk about their unique paths and experiences in transitioning from the School Counselor role to Directors and beyond. Tips and Strategies will be shared.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Libby Brown, Hanover High School
Presenters
Libby Brown, Hanover High School
Mrs. Shannon Paige Edwards, Hanover County Public Schools
Materiales de la sesión
D2 - ANCHOR TALK: 16+ Lifehacks to Improve Our Wild Admissions and Recruitment Lives!
Session Description
Everyone here knows that life in admissions is rewarding, but also challenging, multi-faceted, and taxing. In this session, we hope to share tips and tricks we have picked up in our years as admission professionals to make your lives easier. From office efficiency to traveling better and smarter, come learn how to work smarter, not harder, and improve your day-to-day lives as recruiters and admission professionals!
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Nicholas Orban, University of Maryland, College Park
Presenters
Nicholas Orban, University of Maryland, College Park
Mr. Christopher Wild, Goucher College
Materiales de la sesión
D2 - ANCHOR TALK: Collaborating across campus to recruit, enroll, and retain rural STEM students
Session Description
With funding from a NSF-STEM grant, The Rural and Diverse Student Scholars (RADSS) Program at George Mason University offers scholarships and research experiences to academically talented, underrepresented students from rural areas of Virginia pursuing STEM majors. The RADSS program is a collaborative effort between the College of Science, Admissions Office, and the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research. Presenters will share best practices, evaluation methods, and lessons learned.
Target audience
Postsecondary
Submitter
Rachel Cleaver, George Mason University
Presenters
Rachel Cleaver, George Mason University Office of Admissions
Rebecca Jones, George Mason University
D2 - ANCHOR TALK: Making Connections During Travel and Across the Desk
Session Description
A discussion about the strengths, challenges, and potential opportunities of Facebook groups for college admissions professionals. We will share the details behind both the DMV Recruiters and Florida Recruiters/Florida Counselors Facebook Groups in an effort to create connections and build community while on the road during recruitment seasons.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Courtney Cox, Towson University
Presenters
David Adams, BA, MA, Widener University
Courtney Cox, Towson University
Mariah McLane Giardino, Rochester Institute of Technology
Materiales de la sesión
D3 - ANCHOR TALK: Bring Out the Student’s Best Essays by Borrowing from Journalism
Session Description
Students tend to make common mistakes when writing their college application essays. They respond to the prompt with a five-paragraph English paper. They waddle into their ideas. They leave out salient details or include irrelevant ones. They stifle their true voices and use the Thesaurus to sound “smarter.” Learn how to apply journalistic principles of interviewing and writing to the process and product while the student maintains complete ownership of the essay.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Karen A. Hott, Two Bridges College Consulting
Presenters
Karen A. Hott, Two Bridges College Consulting
Materiales de la sesión
D3 - ANCHOR TALK: IB and The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Session Description
By 2020, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have brought us advanced robotics and autonomous transport, artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced materials, biotechnology and genomics.” The IB learner profile encourages schools to nurture traits that go beyond academic success and uniquely prepare students for life in a rapidly changing society.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Marie Vivas, International Baccalaureate Organization
Presenters
Antrina Leeth, International Baccalaureate Organization
Materiales de la sesión
D4 - ANCHOR TALK: Counseling While White
Session Description
Speaking from the “I” perspective, one professional from the high school side reflects on the responsibility of being a white college counselor at a predominantly white institution. She shares her journey toward understanding her own racial identity and cultural lenses, and developing awareness that race affects our counseling practice--both with students of color and white students. This Anchor Talk will include personal examples of intent vs. impact; building resilience; and being part of the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Barbara Hancock , The Potomac School
Presenters
Barbara Hancock, The Potomac School
D4 - ANCHOR TALK: Creating a College Going Culture
Session Description
This session will guide educators through the process of creating a college going culture in their schools. What tools are necessary to help everyone in your school be on board when it comes to creating this culture and keeping the momentum going year after year?
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Mrs. Natasha Blake-McDowell, CollegeBound Foundation/SPIRED Consulting Group
Presenters
Mrs. Natasha Blake-McDowell, CollegeBound Foundation/ SPIRED Consulting Group Inc.
Melisa Hypolite, CollegeBound Foundation
Materiales de la sesión
D4 - ANCHOR TALK: How to Create an Inviting College and Career Center
Session Description
Having an inviting and engaging ‘College and Center Center’ is vital to gaining student participation and excitement. How do you do this? Each board should have a current, up-to-date theme, such as College and Career Growth Mindsets. Also, the colors on the boards should be vibrant with interesting borders. Each board should address a need that your student population has, such as presenting trade and job opportunities. In my center, I have one board with an inspirational saying created from the mascots of famous universities. One of the football coaches from Rice University was at my school to recruit a student and loved it. It grabbed his attention, as well as, many of the students. You can do it too! Come to this interesting and lively presentation.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Michele Werlin, Damascus High School
Presenters
Michele Werlin, Damascus
E1 - Recruitment Is Personal. Your Communications Should Be Too.
Session Description
Ferrum College and Spark451 have partnered over the past two years with great success in expanding and enhancing the College's recruitment marketing and communication strategy. Through the use of data augmentation, institutionally-branded creative, and dynamic content messaging, Ferrum has not only increased their application numbers, but reshaped the size and makeup of their incoming class. We'll discuss the best practices strategies that provide a scalable, hyper-personalized communication stream for recruiting today's Gen Z audience.
Target audience
Postsecondary
Submitter
James Pennix, Ferrum College
Presenters
Pete Colbert, Spark451
James Pennix, MSW, Ferrum College
Materiales de la sesión
E2 - Using Growth Mindset to Maximize Success and Reduce Stress
Session Description
Reading, writing, and arithmetic skills are not enough to prepare today’s students for life-long success. Students must also have a mindset which motivates them to overcome the rigors of college admissions, the pressures of social media, and the burdens of overstuffed schedules. Luckily, like the three Rs, mindset is a skill that can be developed with time, effort, and training. In this session, we will discuss the research of Dr. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and how Growth Mindset is an essential component of student success.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Andrew Odano, Revolution Prep
Presenters
Mark Guenther, Revolution Prep
Warren Quirett, St. John’s College High School
Materiales de la sesión
E3 - African American Males and College Access
Session Description
Learn how to work with and provide college access to African-American males, a population that has historically had low college enrollment. We'll discuss what's important to focus on when working with this student population and how to engage them in an positive and encouraging way.
Target audience
Postsecondary
ALL
Submitter
Michael Walden, CollegeBound Foundation
Presenters
Michael Walden, CollegeBound Foundation
E4 - Aligning Allies: Developing Strategic and Successful CBO Partnerships
Session Description
Leveraging partnerships in strategic ways can better the capacity and success of college support work. But how and with whom should you partner to boost outcomes? This exercise-based workshop will coach you through the formula and best practices for finding and collaborating with your allies in the field.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Tracy Kyttle, Collegiate Directions
Presenters
Candace Crawford, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School
Tracy Kyttle, Collegiate Directions
E5 - Goldilocks Applies to College
Session Description
Applying to college is becoming more complex. Common, Coalition or Snap App? Early Decision, Early Action, or Priority Deadline? Why can't I find how many teacher recommendations are required on a college website or a list of courses taught on a high school profile? If it's this confusing for us, how confusing must applying to college be for students? Join the panel for a discussion of how to make applying to college not too easy, not too hard, but "just right."
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
James W Jump, St. Christopher's School
Presenters
James W Jump, St. Christopher's School
Jeannine Lalonde, University of Virginia
Rosemary Martin, St. John's College High School
Jeffrey Smith, St. Mary's College of Maryland
E6 - DCTAG Boot Camp
Session Description
An Overview of the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program, which awards over 5,000 DC Residents almost $40 million to attend eligible colleges and universities throughout the country will be given. This is the only Congressionally funded and legislated program like it in the Nation. It awards up to $10,000 a year to eligible residents of the District of Columbia who are attending public colleges and universities. It also offers up to $2,500 to students attending eligible private colleges and universities in DC and private HBCUs. Everything that you wanted to know but were afraid to ask will be part of this session. A glimpse behind the curtain will be given, along with a magical presenter who will be brining real fire to the session.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Ken Howard, DCTAG Program/ DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Presenters
Ken Howard, DCDCTAG Program/DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Mike Jones, Former DCTAG Student
Wendell O. Atkinson, Father of two DCTAG Students, DC Office of Contracting & Procurement
M. Christina Carter, Mother of two DCTAG Students, Tenet Healthcare
Materiales de la sesión
E7 - Navigating the Service Academy & ROTC Application Processes
Session Description
Learn about the Service Academy and ROTC application processes, including Congressional nomination and medical qualification requirements. Get advice on how to best guide students interested in these officer commissioning opportunities and walk away with a clear understanding of what the federal service academies and ROTC programs are looking for. Presented by two former military officers with extensive experience working with both service academy and ROTC application/selection processes.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Chris McMunn, United States Coast Guard Academy
Presenters
Chris McMunn, United States Coast Guard Academy
Lisa Hillhouse, Hillhouse College and Career Advising
Materiales de la sesión
E8 - NACAC Membership Model
Session Description
Join NACAC's immediate Past President, David Burge, and President-Elect, Jayne Fonash for an update on NACAC's membership model.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
David Burge
Jayne Caflin Fonash, NACAC
THINK TANK - How College Admissions Has Evolved in the 2000s and Where it is Going in the Next Five Years
Session Description
You, me, us: we’re all believers. From that first freshman seminar to diploma in hand, college is a glorious runway for young people to launch successfully into the wider world. That said, so many students, and the family members cheering them on, get tripped up by fear, stress, and anxiety throughout the college research and application process. Raw college costs, the weight of standardized tests, fear of underemployment: The list of worries isn’t so long, but, boy oh boy, are they humbling to the family just kicking off the college search process.
The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief, Rob Franek, will lead this look back and look ahead session using both quantitative and qualitative data sets to supply a twenty-year cross section of metrics from current college students, college bound students, parents, and counselors helping them along the way. Rob will cover the following topics:
o Speaking to student and parent fears about college costs and debt
o Diffusing frenzy around standard tests
o Defining “best fit” so it’s a simple and actionable concept no matter economic status
o Addressing college ROI as part of college search
o Discussing how counseling teams guide families to intelligently research and evaluate career service resources
Our goal is to plainly educate and consistently reassure students and their families that the college process is knowable and, indeed, rewarding.
Submitter
Robert Franek, The Princeton Review
Presenters
Robert Franek, The Princeton Review
THINK TANK - The Evolution of Enrollment Management Marketing: Where Technology and Tradition Meet
Session Description
Successfully reaching prospective students at the right time with the right message requires a balance between today’s technology and traditional tactics. The powerful pairing of cutting-edge marketing automation and tried-and-true search marketing will give you the control and data-driven insights you need to connect with your students and their family.
Identify your prospects and track their behaviors to get an in-depth understanding of interest and intent that will guide you and your team to successful, efficient and cost-effective marketing efforts to reach enrollment goals.
Target audience
Postsecondary
Submitter
Emma O'Grady, Capture Higher Ed
Presenters
Geoff Broome, Capture Higher Ed
Melissa Richards, Sweet Briar College
Materiales de la sesión
Counselor's College Fair & Tailgate Party
Session Description
This event provides multiple networking opportunities designed to connect high school counselors and college admission professionals. Wear your school or alma mater colors, bring your business cards (and drink tickets), and join us for food, drinks, cornhole, and tons of fun!
Submitter
Presenters
Dinner on Your Own
Session Description
Visit PCACAC's Hospitality table in the Main Concourse or hotel front desk for recommendations.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
Social
Session Description
The PCACAC Conference Social Committee invites you to "The Love Boat, A PCACAC Prom". Bring your dancing shoes as we sail the night away. The attire is PROM Chic so come dressed to impress. To take a stroll down memory lane please submit photos from your prom to wquirett@stjohnschs.org. Your photo will be displayed throughout the event and a prize will go to the most memorable photo.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
EXHIBITS OPEN
Session Description
Exhibitors signed up:
ACT | NRCCUA, www.act.org
Capital Educators, http://capitaleducators.com
Capture Higher Ed, https://capturehighered.com
Carnegie Dartlet, www.carnegiedartlet.com
Cialfo, https://cialfo.co
Education First, https://efgapyear.com
Induck College Impressions, www.induck.co
International Baccalaureate, www.ibo.org
Intersect by Hobsons, www.hobsons.com
Kaplan Test Prep, https://www.kaptest.com/
PNC Bank, www.pnc.com
Revolution Prep, www.revolutionprep.com
Scoir, www.scoir.com
Smith Rivas, https://smithrivas.com
Spark451, www.spark451.com
The College Funding Coach, www.thecollegefundingcoach.org
The Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
BEVERAGE STATION
Session Description
Sponsored by Richmond Area Independent Schools: Benedictine College Preparatory, Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot Catholic School, Christchurch School, Collegiate School, The New Community School, St. Catherine's School, St. Christopher's School, St. Gertrude High School, St. Margaret's School, The Steward School, Trinity Episcopal School, Westminster Academy, and Woodberry Forest School
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Presenters
F1 - Career Counseling with "Dreamers"
Session Description
Addressing the career needs of undocumented youth or “Dreamers” who have significant barriers to equal access due to their legal status presents a pressing social justice issue. This presentation will empower school counselors to be better equipped to facilitate the development of these youths. The presentation will survey the contextual factors which impact undocumented youth, provide a theoretical framework that can be utilized to support undocumented students, and a case presentation.
Target audience
Secondary/CBO
Submitter
Kristen Lorenz, MBA, Shepherd University
Presenters
Dr. Maureen Ponce, Ph.D., Northwood High School
Ms. Charlain Bailey, masters, Self-employed
Kristen Lorenz, MBA, Shepherd University
Dr. Lois Jarman, PhD, Shepherd University
Materiales de la sesión
F2 - Do Letters REALLY Matter?
Session Description
Do letters of recommendation really make an impact in college admission? What do colleges really want to read about in a letter and how do high school counselors approach the process of writing one? This panel aims to share perspectives from both the high school and the college side of the desk to consider the ‘nuts and bolts’ of writing and reading letters of recommendation, as well as the impact of letters on an admission decision.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Alice Robertson, Chantilly High School
Presenters
Alice Robertson, Chantilly High School
Joel Lang, Padua Academy
Kate Perry, College of William & Mary
Casey Padgett, University of South Carolina
Materiales de la sesión
F3 - Current Trends and Future Issues--The Year in Review
Session Description
Join members of the Current Trends and Future Issues committee for an interactive session. Topics include Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR), Self-Reported SAT/ACT Scores, School Day SAT Administration, the Environmental Context Dashboard and its impact in shaping a class, and the Department of Justice inquiries into the college bribery scam, ED practices and affirmative action in admission practices. This session is meant to be interactive--come and join the conversation about the topics that have impacted your work this year.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Ann Marie Strauss, Garrison Forest School
Presenters
Corianne Deatly, Colgate University
Fatmata Koroma, University of Pittsburgh
Mrs. Julia J K Ross, BA, MUP, Professional Tutoring, LLC
Janet Weller, Roland Park Country School
Materiales de la sesión
F4 - You Can Go With This Or You Can Go With That: A New Light on College Search Criteria
Session Description
Location. Cost. Number of undergraduate students enrolled. The college quest can incorporate dozens of factors to consider. Are there others that are known to all, but are rarely featured? Can these aspects substantially refine the college going experience? The creation of the College Criteria Project will be one of a number of features discussed so as to provide attendees a new and meaningful framework to work with prospective college students.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
David J. Hamilton, St. Mary's Ryken High School
Presenters
David J. Hamilton, St. Mary's Ryken High School
Ms. Susan Rexford, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Mr. Anthony Ambrogi, St. Catherine's School
Materiales de la sesión
F5 - College Counselor's Toolkit
Session Description
For many years these presenters worked to develop a comprehensive college counseling program which has been used at several Public high schools in Montgomery County. Regardless of your setting (private, public or community based) this program model can work to help prepare juniors and seniors for college exploration and the admissions process. Program design includes student data collection tools and programs used in conjunction with college exploration and admissions platforms such as Naviance, Common Application and Coalition Application, department driven student and parent information forms and documents needed to engage in the process, grade level meeting outlines and PowerPoints, workshop ideas, individual and small group activities, field trips, college panels, on-site admission programs and PSAT day activities.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Susanne Bray, Sherwood High School
Presenters
Susanne Bray, Sherwood High School
Phalia West, Thomas Edison High School of Technology
Materiales de la sesión
F6 - College Kickoff For Juniors
Session Description
This interactive session will allow counselors to share best practices about what works and what doesn't with regards to the college process for juniors. We will cover all of the "to-dos" (play calls) and tricks (touchdown) that can help juniors feel confident and prepared as they head into application season in the fall. Hear from the perspectives of a recent high school graduate, school counselor and college admission counselor. Take away a timeline, resources and new ideas for your playbook.
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Mrs. Laura Burrell Baxter, The Key School
Presenters
Ms. Stella Hudson, College of William&Mary
Mrs. Laura Burrell Baxter, The Key School
Materiales de la sesión
Closing Session & Brunch
Session Description
From our admissions offices, home offices, and the high school desks, we often wonder why certain decisions were made at universities from "the higher ups". Well wonder no longer!! Let's welcome Sharon Alston, Barbara Gill and David Burge as they help us understand their lives as enrollment managers at their respective institutions. We will ask them about their day-to-day triumphs and frustrations that exist in their positions. Join us to hear (and potentially vote on) outstanding insight from some of the best in the business!
Target audience
ALL
Submitter
Joel Lang, Padua Academy
Presenters
David Burge, George Mason University
Barbara Gill, University of Maryland, College Park
Sharon Alston, American University (DC)
College Tours
Session Description
To schedule a tour with the following colleges before and/or after the conference, please contact each rep listed.
Add your DC, MD or VA college tour for May 2 or 4 at https://goo.gl/forms/0G6Df1HWOv1jH28F2.
MARYLAND
St. John's College
60 College Avenue | Annapolis, MD 21401
Amanda Stevens | Amanda.Stevens@sjc.edu | 410-626-2524
Target audience
Secondary/CBO