| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | AA | AB | AC | AD | AE | AF | AG | AH | AI | AJ | AK | AL | AM | AN | AO | AP | AQ | AR | AS | AT | AU | AV | AW | AX | AY | AZ | BA | BB | BC | BD | BE | BF | BG | BH | |
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1 | Session Start | Session End | Session Location | Title | Session Description | Learning Objectives (what participants will know/be able to do, how they might apply knowledge as a result of attending the session) | Intended Audience | Knowledge or experience level for your session attendees | Session Category | NBCC Approval | Head Presenter 1 First and Last Name | Head Presenter 1 Institution | Head Presenter 1 Institution City | Head Presenter 1 Institution State | Additional Presenter 1 First and Last Name | Additional Presenter 1 Institution | Additional Presenter 1 Institution City | Additional Presenter 1 Institution State | Additional Presenter 2 First and Last Name | Additional Presenter 2 Institution | Additional Presenter 2 Presenter Institution City | Additional Presenter 2 Presenter Institution State | Additional Presenter 3 Presenter First and Last Name | Additional Presenter 3 Presenter Institution | Additional Presenter 3 Presenter Institution City | Additional Presenter 3 Presenter Institution State | Additional Presenter 4 First and Last Name | Additional Presenter 4 Institution | Additional Presenter 4 Institution City | Additional Presenter 4 Institution State | Additional Presenter 5 First and Last Name | Additional Presenter 5 Institution | Additional Presenter 5 Institution City | Additional Presenter 5 Institution State | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | 3/21/2026 13:00 | 3/21/2026 16:00 | Bayside A-B | Understanding Athletic Recruiting in the 21st Century | Athletic recruiting is one of the more confusing processes for counselors, students, and their families. Recruiting involves a tricky intersection of parent and student expectations, coach idiosyncrasies, and conflicting league policies. The session focuses on recruiting writ-large as well as the latest trends: specialization, club sports, the accelerated timeline, and the effect of NILs and the transfer portal on current intercollegiate athletic recrutiing. | * Counseling strategies for prospective intercollegiate student-athletes * Understanding athetic recrutiing from both the high school and college point of view. * Working effectively with parents and families in the context of intercollegiate sports. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | Jay Durso-Finley | International College Counselors & Homeworks Trenton (CBO) | Lawrenceville | New Jersey | Holly Burks Becker | Lawrenceville School | NJ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 3/21/2026 13:00 | 3/21/2026 16:00 | Bayside C | Opening the Door for your Students' Futures with UK Higher Education Opportunities | In the 2024-25 admissions cycle, applications to the UK from the US rose by 12%. As student interest grows, counselors need the tools to guide them through the UK application process. This workshop will cover: UK educational structure, university types, and finding the right fit Admissions requirements and application steps Integrating international options into counseling programs, with breakout sessions featuring individual universities | Learn the main differences between US and UK higher education systems. Learn about the different types of universities in the UK. Learn how to advise students on finding the best fit, entry requirements, and application process. Learn about ways to integrate international education opportunities into counseling and academic curriculum at the secondary level. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Post-secondary admission hot topics | No | Karmen Mallow | Imperial College London | London | London | Saba Bekele | UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL | Bristol | England | Alyce Myers | Durham University | Durham | England | Madeline Reeves | Queen's University Belfast | Cincinnati, OH | Ohio | Mikaela Spencer | University of Edinburgh | WI | Grace Musante | London School of Economics | FL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | 3/21/2026 17:15 | 3/21/2026 19:00 | Armstrong | Connections & Community: A SACAC Welcome Mixer | Start your SACAC Conference experience by connecting with fellow members in a relaxed, welcoming environment! Whether you’re brand new to SACAC or a longtime member, this informal networking event is a great way to meet colleagues, learn more about SACAC’s mission and opportunities for involvement, and build meaningful relationships before the conference officially kicks off. Hosted by members of the SACAC Board of Directors. | By the end of this session, participants will: Establish new connections within the SACAC membership community. Learn about opportunities to get involved in SACAC’s committees, programs, and initiatives. Feel more comfortable and engaged heading into the conference. Understand the benefits of SACAC membership and how to maximize their experience year-round. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | Networking | No | Darren Morgan (on behalf of State and Area Initiatives) | State and Area Initiatives | Little Rock | Arkansas | Monique Tubbs | Polk County Public Schools | Flordia | Kristen Bird | UT Knoxville | Tennessee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Bayside A | Breaking the Budget Barrier: Demystifying Revenue and Resources in Admissions | Long-term success in admissions is more than recruiting students. It’s understanding the financial framework behind enrollment. This session gives a clear overview of budget types and revenue sources, equipping early and mid-career professionals with knowledge often reserved for directors. You’ll leave with tools to understand your institution’s financial systems and the confidence to answer tough questions in your next job interview. | Below are the primary objectives of this session. Help attendees define the difference between traditional, responsibility-based, and blended higher ed budget models Help attendees understand higher ed revenue sources and the role tuition revenue plays at many institutions Provide attendees with basic budgeting and revenue terms, including the unique ways different institutions define those terms Explain how pricing, discounting, and financial aid are used strategically to meet enrollment goals | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | Beginner Intermediate | Career and staff development Enrollment trends Leadership development Supporting underserved students | No | Chris Pinto | University of Alabama in Huntsville | AL | Jordan Fields | Mercer University | Macon | GA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Bayside B | Fit, Family and Football: Advising Students on Choices Beyond What’s Expected | Let’s chat about how to see beyond traditions like storied football teams and long-standing athletic rivalries and focus on what matters most: the right environment for each student's success. From helpful conversation reframes to sample activities and even tools to help students initiate conversations at home, we draw on our experience from both sides of the desk to provide you with actionable tools to bring into your program. | Participants will understand strategies to uncover and interpret the underlying messages and priorities expressed by students and parents during discussions about college wish lists and must-haves. Participants will be able to use effective conversation starters that encourage students to engage in self-reflection when considering their college options. Participants will learn how to guide students in identifying colleges that align with their individual goals and interests while respectfully navigating and balancing parental expectations. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | Erin McCubbin | Mount Vernon School | GA | Jesse Bowen | Woodward Academy | GA | Ann Marano | Colleges That Change Lives Inc. | Dallas | TX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Bayside C | Dual Enrollment: Opening Doors, or Closing Them? | Dual Enrollment can be an agent for upward mobility, but it can also backfire on students. Either way, it's here to stay! This session will give insight into how DE courses are treated and viewed from the perspectives of counselors at a large public university, a small private college, a public high school, and a private high school. Gain concrete takeaways to guide students to make the best choices and avoid pitfalls! | Session participants will... 1. Learn the range of DE experiences in high school and how community colleges, private colleges, and public universities consider and transfer DE credits. 2. Understand better when to recommend Dual Enrollment for students... and, perhaps more importantly, learn when NOT to recommend it. 3. Appreciate the consequences of even a single Dual Enrollment grade or GPA and how it might affect college admissions/enrollment. 4. Process the difference between taking DE classes or graduating high school with an AA degree through DE so they can guide students to choose the best path for them and do it more successfully. 5. Hear directly from colleges what best practices are when advising students on DE and what they wish high school counselors knew. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | Beginner Intermediate Advanced All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | Jessica Rosenblatt | Rollins College | Winter Park | Florida | Allison Slater Tate | Lake Mary Preparatory School | Lake Mary | Florida | Andrea Flores | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Florida | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Borgne | RDOA: A Reality Show-Inspired Conversation with Directors of College Counseling (Atlanta) | Inspired by Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, this session brings together four BIPOC Directors of College Counseling from Atlanta independent schools to spill the tea on leadership life. Together, they’ll share unfiltered reflections on topics like caseloads, budgets, hiring, stakeholder politics, and all the behind-the-scenes drama. Come for the laughs, stay for the entertainment, and leave with real-talk insight. RDOA is the untelevised reality show you didn’t know you needed. | identify opportunities and challenges that can exist for an admission/college counseling professional considering a move to leadership in college counseling, specifically at independent schools. consider the humanity that exists behind this intricate college search and application process. Yes, there are students that we are charged with supporting and advocating for, but there are also adults and relationships with adults that we care about just as deeply. We are all in this together, and we are all each other's solution to the increasing complexities of our industry. lean into a shared moment of community, intentional reflection, and goal-setting. There is a mental health and self-care component to this session. While our stories can serve as funny and awkward cautionary tales, we also hope that our stories can serve as inspiration as well. We’ve all come a long way and are self-professed “works in progress,” and it’s important to share that part of our journeys while also allowing space for participants to reflect and share. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development Student hot topics | No | Anita Hua | SACAC | Atlanta | Georgia | Juan Acosta | Paideia School | Georgia | Jonathan Ferrell | Pace Academy | Atlanta | Georgia | Michele Davis | The Walker School | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Grand Chenier | Bringing Parents into Your Process Without Admitting Them: Engaging Parents/Guardians of Applicants | This session offers college admission officers strategies and practices for engaging prospective parents/guardians in a way that informs, educates and welcomes them, while keeping them in their place as a supporter of their applicant. The presenters, with decades of experience working with parents in high schools and colleges and as a parent of prospective and current college students, will provide specific advice on all phases of the process, from prospect to decision. | Participants will learn to think beyond the traditional enrollment marketing touchpoints and talking points regarding parent/guardian engagement. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for generational influences among parents/guardians and their influence on consumer thinking/behavior and decision-making approaches. Participants will learn strategies to develop and implement a more impactful approach to engaging with parents/guardians. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Campus visit/tour guides Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | Mr. Sean Kennedy | Ravenscroft School | NC | David Mabe | Washington & Lee University | Lexington | VA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Grand Couteau | Preparing for College Starts Early: A Counselor’s Guide from Kindergarten to Senior Year | From kindergarten curiosity to senior-year decisions, families crave clear, honest guidance as they prepare for college. Too often, rising costs leave them confused and missing out on opportunities. Many families who don’t qualify for traditional financial aid face unique and unexpected planning challenges. This dynamic session will boost your know-how with insights from our college funding coaches, giving you the clarity and confidence to guide families through an increasingly complex process. You will leave with fresh insights, practical tools, and ready-to-use strategies to support and empower your families. | FAFSA Fundamentals: Understand key FAFSA requirements, avoid common mistakes, and help families file accurately and on time. Merit Aid Strategies: Identify types of merit-based scholarships and guide students in maximizing their eligibility. Supporting Non-Qualifying Families: Learn effective approaches for assisting families who may not qualify for traditional financial aid. Practical Resources and Tools: Explore trusted resources and tools that simplify college financial planning for students and families. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | Bernie Boyle | The College Funding Coach | Tysons Corner | VA | Michael Russell | The College Funding Coach® | NC | Christoper Jenkins | The College Funding Coach® | Raleigh | NC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Maurepas | 20 Years After the Storm: How Higher Education Helped Rebuild New Orleans | When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, colleges and universities across the country stepped up by opening their campuses and hearts to displaced students from New Orleans. This session explores the extraordinary collaboration that emerged after the storm and the lessons learned about responding to crisis with compassion and creativity. Together, we’ll reflect on how those same principles of resilience and innovation continue to guide institutions through today’s challenges, from climate events to enrollment shifts. | Describe how colleges and universities collaborated nationally to support displaced students after Hurricane Katrina. Identify key lessons from New Orleans’ higher education recovery that apply to institutional crisis response today. Analyze how community partnerships, flexibility, and empathy shaped effective post-crisis educational leadership. Apply principles of resilience and innovation to their own campuses when facing disruption or disaster. Reflect on how higher education can serve as a stabilizing force in times of community upheaval. | All | All Levels | Enrollment trends Leadership development Networking Post-secondary admission hot topics Self-care/professional development Student hot topics | No | Jeff Schiffman | EAB | New Orleans | LA | Robert J. Alexander | University of Rochester | NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon A1 | Admissions as Astrology: Why Families Read the Stars Wrong | What if we swapped the zodiac for the Common Data Set? Families often approach admissions like astrology, searching for patterns in acceptance rates, “chance-me” forums, and mythic college reputations. This session invites folks from all sides of the desk to decode that phenomenon, exposing the pseudoscience behind admissions misconceptions while meeting families’ craving for certainty with equitable access to real data. We’ll transform superstition into empowerment via data literacy, centering transparency, context, and student reflection. | Participants will leave our session knowing how to: Recognize how myths and patterns shape family perceptions and decision-making in college admissions. Interpret and utilize reliable data sources such as the Common Data Set and institutional research to guide students and families with accuracy and context, redirecting their desire for patterns and control into real data and student-centered reflection. Design communication approaches that translate complex data into clear, equitable, and empowering guidance for diverse audiences. Apply principles of data literacy to foster transparency, reduce misinformation, and support student-centered reflection across different educational settings. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Leadership development Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Supporting underserved students Technology | Yes | Carly Stafford Dixon, M.Ed., Associate Director of College Counseling | University School of Nashville | TN | Hannah Bitting | Montgomery Bell Academy | TN | Kelly O'Mara, M.Ed. | Baylor School | Chattanooga | TN | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon A2 | Expecting the Unexpected: Preparedness in an Unpredictable Profession | From hurricanes and flight cancellations to technology failures and last-minute venue changes, unexpected challenges can strike at any moment. This session explores how we can anticipate the unpredictable by developing intentional contingency plans and maintaining flexibility in our work. Participants will discuss real-world examples, identify key considerations for event and travel planning, and leave with actionable strategies to protect themselves, their students, and their institutions when the unexpected happens. | Recognize and plan for potential disruptions, from severe weather to logistical challenges, that can impact our work, our staff and our students. Develop adaptable emergency plans that prioritize safety, communication, and continuity of outreach. Apply practical decision-making frameworks to respond effectively and ethically when plans must change. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Leadership development Self-care/professional development Other | Jeff Fusco, M.Ed | George Mason University | Fairfax | Virginia | Alicia Tracey | All Saint's Academy | Winter Haven | FL | Max J Gold | Montclair State University | Montclair | NJ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon A3 | International Initiatives That Work | This session will highlight effective strategies institutions are using to expand their global presence and strengthen international admissions. We will explore how targeted marketing can attract a diverse student population, how short-term and summer programs serve as pathways to long-term enrollment, and how faculty involvement enhances recruitment and retention efforts. Participants will gain practical insights and examples of initiatives that not only build visibility abroad but also create sustainable pipelines for student and faculty engagement. | - Understand the importance of Summer Programs to your recruitment efforts - Utilizing your people and resources already on campus - Learn some effective, 'Guerrilla' Marketing techniques | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | Beginner Intermediate | Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics | Harvey G. Werner | Loyola University New Orleans | LA | Anne Faucett | St. Mary's University | San Antonio | TX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon B1 | Open the Next Door: Discover Your Transfer Path! | Their dream school is still within reach! This session reveals how transfer pathways can open doors to academic and career success. Join college admissions reps and high school counselors as they share insights and practical resources to support students in navigating their options. Whether students are starting at a two-year college or shifting goals along the way, discover how to empower them to make confident, informed decisions. Transfer isn’t a detour, it’s a strategy! | Participants will gain awareness of multiple pathways to college admission, including transfer options beyond the first year. Attendees will hear from college admissions representatives and high school counselors to better understand the transfer process and how to support students and families in exploring the best-fit opportunities. Participants will learn strategies for introducing transfer information into high school programming and conversations with students and their families. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Career and staff development College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | LaSean Jennings | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | GA | Amy Short | Forsyth County Public School System | Cumming | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon B2 | The Student Ambassador: Reimagining Current Students as Institutional Representatives | Student workers and volunteers bring a palpable sense of energy and authenticity to undergraduate admissions, yet their impact often ends with campus tours. This session explores how students can extend their influence through digital outreach, event support, and college readiness advocacy—reimagining them as storytellers, leaders, and future professionals who embody our institution’s mission of service, education, and inquiry. | Objective #1: Attendees will be able to design an impactful student-led outreach program that leverages their institution's currently enrolled students and constituents. Objective #2: Attendees will be able to designate constructive strategies to build upon their institution's current community relations and brand, while centering college readiness, advocacy, and access. Objective #3: Attendees will be able to empower student volunteers and workers to envision a career in the higher education field by acting as a key contributor to admissions recruitment and outreach efforts. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | Intermediate | Access, inclusion, and equity Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Supporting underserved students | No | Joshua Williams | University of Georgia | Athens | Georgia | Taylor Oxyer | University of Georgia | Athens | GA | Landon Leiker | University of Georgia, Office of Undergraduate Admissions | Athens | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon B3 | Opening Doors Together: Creating Inclusive College Application Pathways for First-Gen Families | For first-generation students, college access is a family journey. When parents and caregivers understand the application process, the student’s confidence, motivation, and follow-through grow exponentially. This session will help college access professionals design inclusive practices that bring families into the college planning process early and meaningfully. Participants will explore culturally responsive engagement models, family education strategies around financial aid and selective college admissions, and communication tools that break down barriers. | Identify barriers that first-generation families face in engaging with the college application process. Apply culturally responsive communication techniques to build trust and understanding with families unfamiliar with higher education systems. Design inclusive family engagement models that educate and empower parents and caregivers through workshops, touchpoints, and collaborative advising. Communicate financial aid concepts effectively, helping families understand affordability and the opportunities at selective institutions that meet full financial need. 5. Develop actionable next steps for implementing family-centered practices within their organization, school, or program. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | Stephanie Sutton | College Track New Orleans | New Orleans | LA | Jessica Medlock | College Track New Orleans | LA | Gabrielle Jones | Livingston Collegiate Academy | New Orleans | LA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Bayside C | Level Up! Leveraging Gamification in the Enrollment Journey to Deepen Engagement | From household names like Duolingo and Roblox to tactics like fitness rings, loyalty programs, and classroom prizes, gamification is a common engagement tactic in 2025. Today’s teens are digital natives that expect interactive experiences, and this session serves to build engagement tactics that meet them on their turf. This session prepares teams to leverage gamification in the counseling and enrollment process. Attendees will take away actionable concepts for their day-to-day work. | Prime participants on gamification as an engagement method with easily relatable examples Educate on the benefits of gamification in a learning environment as evidenced by data Provide implementable tactics for attendees to leverage gamification in their practice Co-develop methods and concepts to more deeply engage gamification with student engagement | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Enrollment trends Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Technology | No | Sam Bernstein | Loper | Chicago | Illinois | A.J. Frigo | Purdue University - Office of the Provost | West Lafayette | Indiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Napoleon D2-D3 | Mock Tests, Real Insights: Driving School Improvement with SAT/ACT Data | In this session, counselors who have piloted school-wide SAT/ACT practice exam initiatives will demonstrate how to extract deeper insights beyond just score reports. Presenters will show how analyzing question-level data can reveal student strengths and weaknesses across the school, and how benchmarking these results against similar schools uncovers hidden trends. The panel will also share how they collaborated with teachers to turn these insights into targeted interventions, aiming for school-wide improvements in student college readiness. | Learn how to analyze practice exam results beyond just total scores to identify school-wide academic strengths and weaknesses. Understand what it takes to benchmark school-wide SAT/ACT results against similar institutions to uncover hidden trends and context. Learn how to collaborate with teachers to turn test data insights into targeted interventions that improve student outcomes. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | Yes | Ben Neely | Revolution Prep | Santa Monica | California | Elizabeth Frosini | Community School of Naples | Naples | Florida | Laurie Gray | Lausanne Collegiate School | Memphis | Tennessee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | 3/22/2026 13:45 | 3/22/2026 14:55 | Oak Alley | Bridging the Gap: Enhancing College Access for Rural Students | This session will explore strategies to enhance college access for rural students, focusing on early engagement programs, collaborative outreach efforts, and community partnerships. | Learn about rural students and their unique needs Learn data about rural students- where are the located, how can colleges reach them Gain tips on early engagement programs, collaborative outreach and community partnerships Session is a panel, so attendees will learn from 2 campus leaders. | All | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Supporting underserved students Other | No | Elizabeth McKenzie | The College Board | Nashville | TN | Mike Drish | Vanderbilt University | Nashville | TN | Mary Tipton Woolley | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Bayside A | Sharing Knowledge While Touring College: How Three Independent Schools Merged Their College Tours | After a few years of their college tours not making or being cost-prohibitive, three independent girls’ schools in Memphis joined forces for a joint college tour. Come hear about their successes, what they’ll do differently next time, and how they went from empty tours to multi-person waitlists. | The goal of this presentation is to help attendees think through how they might work collaboratively with peer schools on their college tours to increase attendance, keep costs low, share the workload, and encourage their students to explore colleges they may not have considered otherwise and forge new friendships. We hope they’ll understand that group college tours are an excellent way to expose students to multiple colleges in a brief period of time, which can help students’ decision-making. Further, our goal is for attendees to see joint college tours as a wonderful, low-stakes way for younger students (sophomores, for example) to engage in the process and learn from their peers. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Other | No | Beverly Brooks | St. Mary's Episcopal School | Memphis | TN | M.L. Weber | St. Agnes Academy | Memphis | TN | Lauren Colpitts | Hutchison School | Memphis | TN | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Bayside B | Honest Perspective on the High School Visit | We have surveyed both sides of the desk to find out, are high school visits beneficial for students? Hear from both a high school college counselor & a college admissions rep as they discuss the high school visit. We will cover: Do colleges really like doing lunch visits? Does presentation space matter? What are the most important topics to cover during a visit? Why aren't more colleges visiting your high school? | 1- How to collaborate more with our partners across the desk and make a better experience for our students. 2- Learn where college admissions representatives and high school counselors agree and disagree to better partner in the future regarding the high school visit | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics | No | Andrew Hunsinger | University of Vermont | Burlington | Vermont | Heidi Waibel | Cannon School | Concord | North Carolina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Bayside C | Which Hat Am I Wearing? When admission professionals guide their children, relatives, & loved ones | As counselors and admission professionals, we are dedicated to opening doors and changing students' lives. What happens when the process becomes personal—when it’s our own child, relative, or loved one navigating applications? This session explores the challenges of wearing two hats, the lessons learned, and how those experiences deepen empathy for families we serve. By reflecting on our dual roles, we’ll discover how opening doors for loved ones can transform our professional practice too. | Recognize and articulate the unique emotional and ethical challenges counselors and admissions professionals face when supporting loved ones through the college application process. Analyze how personal experiences with family members’ admission journeys can enhance empathy and improve communication with students and families. Apply strategies to balance dual roles of professional and family member, maintaining ethical boundaries while offering meaningful support. Integrate personal insights into their professional practice to strengthen family engagement and student-centered counseling approaches. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | Other | Yes | Ms. Julie Carter | Episcopal School of Jacksonville | FL | Arlene Outerbridge | Masters Academy | Ovideo | Florida | Erin Chadwick | Calvary Day School | Savannah | Georgia | Mrs Hege Karlsen Ferguson | Florida State University | Florida | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Borgne | Can We Talk? A Conversation about the Relationship Recession in Admissions | Once upon a time, the college admission profession was built on connection and people, but lately, it feels like the relationship has changed. Join us for a what is surely to be a lively post-mortem conversation on how shifting pressures, budget cuts, turnover, and bottom lines have strained trust “across the desk.” Together, we’ll explore what’s been lost, what’s worth saving, and how we might rebuild a healthier, more human foundation for our work. | -Best practices for training and conversation with team/staff -insights into behind-the-scenes pressures for “two sides of the desk” -an opportunity for networking and connection | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Networking Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development | No | Anita Hua | SACAC | Georgia | Calvin Wise | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | Maryland | Natalie Garza | St. John's School | Houston | Texas | Sara Cohen | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | PA | Kendall Dacey | Vanderbilt University | Nashville | TN | Mary Tipton Woolley | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | GA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Grand Chenier | Coming to terms with cost: Guiding families on affordability in the college process | Affordability is top of mind for every family; it's also the hardest conversation to have. Families hope for quick-fix scholarships, when the right college match on affordability requires deeper engagement with financial aid realities and a family’s resources. This session offers practical frameworks, language and data to introduce affordability earlier and to help families think differently about cost, value, and willingness to pay. You’ll leave with new tools, resources and techniques for reframing tough conversations. | How to use financial aid data from the Common Data Set for an evidence-based approach to understanding colleges' need-based and merit-based policies. How to leverage free and accessible resources for families to match with colleges based on their financial resources. How to incorporate Net Price Calculator results as a proxy to understand a family's affordability range and perception of value. How to develop new language on cost and willingness to pay that avoids confrontation or shutdown. How to help families come to terms with the limits of financial aid and scholarships for a realistic understanding of net cost to support their financial planning and resources. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics | No | Paul Martin | College Money Method | Fort Lauderdale | Florida | Abigail Roberts | McCallie School | Chattanooga | Tennessee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
26 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Grand Couteau | Is it Burnout or Boredom? Real Conversations on Building Sustainable Practice | Feeling tired and unmotivated? Wondering if it's burnout or just boredom? Though they appear similar, each has different causes and requires unique solutions. Join admissions professionals as they share honest conversations about navigating these challenges. We'll help you differentiate between burnout and boredom, share real examples, and explore practices for establishing boundaries and reconnecting with purpose. Leave with actionable tools to re-energize your work and create a healthier, sustainable environment for yourself and your team. | Identify common signs and causes of burnout within the admissions cycle and reflect on how it impacts their work and well-being Explore practical strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining balance to sustain personal and professional health Learn leadership approaches with tested application that foster a supportive and purpose-driven admissions culture Support participants to reconnect with their purpose and integrate practices that create a more sustainable admissions cycle | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Career and staff development Post-secondary admission hot topics Self-care/professional development | Yes | Rachel Horn | Southern Association for College Admission Counseling | Milledgeville | GA | Ashley Vinson | Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville | GA | Joshua Lowe | NC A&T State University | NC | Don Phillips | Howard University | Washington | D.C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Maurepas | SACAC at 60: A Roundtable Perspective with OG Leaders | Let's go back to help create the future! This lively roundtable will feature several Past Presidents of SACAC, who will offer their perspectives on the mission, evolution, and challenges and successes of SACAC. Knowing our history helps us better understand the paths forward for today's SACAC, so that we can continue opening doors and changing lives. | Participants will learn the history of our profession, specifically SACAC, with all its trials, tribulations, and life-changing successes. Attendees will also gain a firmer grasp of what it takes to lead a non-profit, member-driven organization, and the challenges those organizations often face. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Self-care/professional development Other | No | Steve Soud | Isidore Newman School | New Orleans | LA | Marcia R. Hunt | Pine Crest School | Fort Lauderdale | FL | Nancy Beane | (Retired) The Westminster Schools | Atlanta | GA | Ed Graf | Retired, Isidore Newman School | New Orleans | LA | Phyllis Gill | Retired; formerly of Providence Day School (Charlotte, NC) | Charlotte | NC | Bob Spatig | Miami Country Day School | Miami | FL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon A1 | Opening Doors with Purpose: Frameworks and Strategies for First-Generation Student Success | First-generation and under-resourced students often face systemic barriers beyond academics. This session highlights research-based frameworks, practical counseling strategies, and innovative support models that open doors across the student journey. Drawing from the A.I.M. framework, pathway and foundation curriculum models, and alumni engagement practices, participants will explore how intentional counseling removes barriers, fosters equity, and changes life trajectories. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen access, engage families, and build sustainable systems of support. | By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify common academic, social-emotional, cultural, and systemic barriers faced by first-generation and under-resourced students throughout the college admissions and postsecondary journey. Describe key components of effective support frameworks, including the A.I.M. approach, college readiness curriculum design, and pathway programs to promote access, equity, and long-term student success. Apply practical, equity-centered counseling strategies to support students and families in navigating the college admissions process, financial aid, and postsecondary transitions. • Develop actionable approaches for strengthening support systems, including family engagement practices and alumni tracking models, that sustain student success beyond high school and truly open doors that change lives. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators | Beginner | Access, inclusion, and equity Public school counselors/college counseling Supporting underserved students | Yes | Matt Davis | Collegiate School of Memphis | Memphis | TN | Kimberly D Brown | Wade Hampton High School | will update | SC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon A2 | Leading from the Middle: Strategies for Effective and Impactful Middle Management | Middle managers play a vital role in connecting institutional strategy with daily operations, yet face unique challenges in “leading from the middle.” This session equips participants with practical tools to manage up, build trust across teams, and strengthen communication. Attendees will gain strategies for conflict resolution, cultivating influence without authority, and fostering a positive office culture. Participants will leave with actionable insights to enhance their leadership effectiveness and drive meaningful impact within their organizations. | Learning Objectives of this session include: Identify the unique challenges and opportunities of leading from the middle within their organizations. Apply practical strategies for “managing up” and building influence with senior leaders. Strengthen their ability to foster trust, collaboration, and effective communication across teams. Implement conflict resolution and relationship-building techniques that support a positive office culture. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Self-care/professional development | Yes | Dominique Harrison | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | NC | Octavia Little | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | NC | Joshua Lowe | North Carolina A&T State University | Greesnboro | NC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon A3 | Let the Good Times Roll: Sustainable Practices for School Counselors | School counselors face unprecedented demands that blur traditional role boundaries. This interactive session addresses the critical need to reclaim our core identity and combat burnout. We'll explore how shifting expectations and title ambiguity have transformed job descriptions, evaluate professional learning opportunities that fuel passion versus exhaustion, and develop actionable strategies to avoid burnout. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to discover sustainable practices in an increasingly demanding profession. | Identify how shifting demands and the changing job requirements have impacted school counselor responsibilities and contributed to burnout. Explore strategies for reclaiming the core identity of school counseling while effectively managing expanding expectations. Evaluate professional learning opportunities to distinguish between those that fuel passion versus those that contribute to exhaustion. Develop actionable self-care and professional growth strategies to maintain fulfillment and effectiveness in an evolving educational landscape. Engage in interactive discussions to share best practices for thriving in an increasingly demanding profession. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development | Yes | Christy P Conley, Ed.D | North Oconee High School | Bogart | Georgia | Diane Campbell | Liberty Common School | Fort Collins | Colorado | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon B1 | Navigating NIL: Empowering Counselors to Guide Student-Athletes Toward Long-Term Success | The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has reshaped how student-athletes approach college admissions and athletic recruitment. This session equips counselors to help student-athletes leverage their individual interests, strengths, and goals through NIL opportunities. Rather than viewing NIL solely as an athletic or financial tool, participants will learn to use it as a springboard for academic, personal, and career development—guiding student-athletes toward meaningful, sustainable success beyond their athletic careers. | Understand the evolution and current impact of NIL legislation on college admissions and recruitment. Clarify the counselor’s role in helping student-athletes align NIL opportunities with their academic and career goals. Develop strategies to integrate NIL education into holistic college and career counseling practices. Access resources, partnerships, and professional networks that support NIL education for counselors and families. Explore case studies highlighting best practices and challenges in supporting student-athletes’ long-term growth. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Leadership development Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Jeff Hiser | Polaris Athlete | Round Rock | TX | Shannon Barrilleaux | Metairie Park Country Day School | Metairie | Louisiana | Curtis Johnson | Pace Academy | Atlanta | GA | Mr. Keeon Gregory | Greensboro Day School | North Carolina | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon B2 | What Now: Recruiting & Retaining Minority Students at PWIs in an Anti-DEI Higher Education Landscape | In an era of legislative and institutional resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), predominantly white institutions face urgent challenges in recruiting and retaining underrepresented students. This session provides practical, research-based strategies for sustaining equity-driven work amid systemic constraints. Drawing on case studies, policy insights, and lived experiences, participants will explore culturally responsive recruitment and retention models that foster belonging and access for diverse students in today’s evolving higher-education landscape. | Identify the current challenges facing DEI efforts at PWIs and their impact on minority student recruitment and retention. Evaluate alternative strategies for fostering inclusion and belonging in environments where DEI language or funding is restricted. Apply culturally responsive practices to admissions, advising, and student support services. Develop action plans for sustaining equity work within their institutional or professional context. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Kenyatta Grimmage | College of Charleston | Charleston | South Carolina | Andre J Richburg | Methodist University | Fayetteville | NC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon B3 | Opening Doors Through Legacy: Turning Alumni Passion into Your Recruitment Superpower | Ever had an alumni “help” so hard you needed a recovery nap? You’re not alone! This upbeat session explores how to turn “too much help” into a powerful partnership. Through the lens of Spelman College’s STARs program, we’ll share real stories, laughs, and proven strategies for setting boundaries, training alumni and channeling their enthusiasm into lasting recruitment success—backed by Ruffalo Noel Levitz insights on belonging, culture, and what truly drives students to say yes. | Identify common pitfalls when alumnae overstep in recruitment settings and learn strategies to pre-emptively address them. Design a framework for training and equipping alumnae ambassadors that keeps messaging consistent and mission aligned. Balance gratitude and boundaries to strengthen alumnae relationships and develop a sustainable engagement pipeline. Leverage data and storytelling to align alumnae engagement with institutional goals and improve prospective student experience. | All | All Levels | Campus visit/tour guides College admission requirements, policies, procedures Enrollment trends Leadership development Networking Purposeful Partnerships/CBO | No | Demi Collins | Spelman College | Atlanta | GA | Latrina Fisher, Master of Business Administration | Spelman College | GA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon D1 | Opening Doors to College: Reducing fear of college costs through effective communication | Enrollment management leaders share current research related to student and family fears about sticker price and paying for college. Learn which strategies and communication tools influence students and families during the college selection process. Discuss ways to meet the information needs of students with the strongest concerns related to paying for college and leave the session with a draft action plan for your campus. | Understand current research related to student and family concerns related to college cost and how to pay for college. Review research-based recommendations for the most effective communication tools for use when providing college cost, financial aid, and payment options to families and students. Develop a draft 30-60-90 day plan for your campus to improve communication to students and families. Build awareness of key research sources to provide professional development for your campus team. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Supporting underserved students Other | No | Lauren Hawkins | Centenary College of Louisiana | Shreveport | Louisiana | LeMoyne-Owen College | LeMoyne-Owen College | Tennessee | Harvey G. Werner | Loyola University New Orleans | Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Napoleon D2-D3 | An Equitable Review Process When Working With Neurodivergent Students | Neurodivergent students are increasingly attending higher education. The increase in college attainment of neurodivergent students should give further attention and support in the college counseling and college admission fields. This session will dive deeper into standardizing ethical practices when supporting neurodivergent students in the college admission process through a Universal Design Learning approach. | 1. Participants will understand the differences regarding the high school and college services between disability law 2. Participants in this session will learn about resources and the network of institutions for academic support services program 3. Students will understand ways in which to evaluate markers of college readiness using a Universal Design Learning approach. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants | Intermediate | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Supporting underserved students | No | Rose Llanos | Lynn University | Florida | Ebony Lovett- Professional Growth Lovett | Wesleyan School | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | 3/22/2026 15:25 | 3/22/2026 16:35 | Oak Alley | Flourishing in Focus: Defining Student Success at Small Colleges | At liberal arts colleges, we know that holistic support of students through mentoring, advising, and accessible career support not only offers an excellent four-year experience, but also propels students into fulfilling and sustaining careers. We aim to provide counselors with concrete examples and resources that they can use in conversations with students and families who want to clearly see both how students flourish and what the return on investment is at small, highly selective schools. | Define “flourishing” as a student success framework. Explore advising and support models that prioritize well-being and belonging. Learn how colleges track non-academic indicators of success. Provide practical takeaways for high school counselors fostering thriving environments. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | Beginner Intermediate | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Supporting underserved students | Yes | Sarbeth J Fleming, M.A., J.D. | Kenyon College | Gamiber | OH | Amherst | MA | khardy@amherst.edu | 413-542-2328 | KY | leslie.sanderfur@centre.edu | Ed Bianchi | Williams College | Williamstown | MA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Bayside A | Early, Late, and Wait: How Deadlines and Data Shape College Admissions | As colleges adjust deadlines, expand early options, and embrace predictive analytics, counselors must understand how these forces are reshaping admissions. This session will explore the growth of early decision/action and the rise of data-driven enrollment management, especially in deciding what information to share publicly. Attendees will leave with context and language to use with families about how timing, data, and predictive modeling influence outcomes and how to advocate for equity in this evolving landscape. | Understand how early programs (ED/EA) are expanding and shifting the admissions timeline Explore the role of predictive analytics and enrollment management in shaping outcomes Understand what data colleges choose to share and why Equip counselors with language to explain deadlines, data, and waitlists to students and parents Consider implications for access, equity, and advocacy within college counseling Share strategies to help students navigate changing timelines without added stress | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | Chris Rodriguez | The Lovett School (GA) | Georgia | Ms. Ann Katherine Taylor | Baylor School | Chattanooga | Tennessee | Clayton Alexander | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville | Tennessee | Sara Cohen | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Bayside B | Leading from the In-Between: The Rewards and Realities of Middle Management | Opening doors and changing lives doesn’t only happen through the students we serve — it also happens through the growth of the professionals leading the way. Middle managers play a critical role in shaping the culture and success of admission offices. In this panel discussion, associate directors and mid-level managers will share candid insights on managing up and down, finding your voice in the “in-between”, creating space for others to thrive, and empowering those around them. | Understand the unique opportunities and challenges of middle management in college admission Explore strategies for positively influencing office culture and colleagues’ growth Identify key qualities and skills that contribute to success in middle management | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | Beginner Intermediate | Career and staff development Leadership development Post-secondary admission hot topics Self-care/professional development | Yes | Nayati Shuler | Agnes Scott College | Atlanta | Georgia | Latrina Fisher, Master of Business Administration | Spelman College | Atlanta | Georgia | Allison North | The George Washington University | D.C. | Alvin Conteh | Morehouse College | Atlanta | Georgia | Matthew Coverson-Springs | Augusta University | Augusta | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
39 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Bayside C | Cutting Through the Noise: Helping Colleges Tell Their Story | In a world of endless information, college search can feel overwhelming. This presentation explores how campuses leave lasting impressions on counselors and how colleges effectively share their story. We'll review survey results on topics like "Good Colleges for Scholars" and "Great Schools for Introverts," which inspired The College Finder. For admissions professionals, we'll discuss how clear institutional identity enhances student fit, retention, and academic success, providing strategies for meaningful college exploration. | Implement Inclusive Resources: Utilize tools to help students research and evaluate a college’s ethos and identify institutions that align with students' varied backgrounds and aspirations. Define and communicate their institutional identity: Explore how colleges can better articulate their most distinctive and compelling characteristics, ensuring prospective students understand what truly sets them apart. Develop Personalized Advising Strategies: Create advising approaches that prioritize individual student identities, fostering equitable and meaningful college exploration. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Supporting underserved students | No | Jay McCann | The Westminster Schools | Atlanta | Georgia | Miya Walker | Agnes Scott College | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Borgne | Beignets, Brass Bands, and Belonging. How three SACAC members carved out a path for themselves. | From SACAC newcomer to board service, our journeys within SACAC shows how engagement can evolve into leadership (both on a small scale and on a larger scale). This session will highlight how active membership, volunteering, mentoring, and board service can transform your professional experience and amplify your voice within the community. Join us to explore practical ways to build your presence, give back meaningfully, and shape the organization’s future—no matter where you start. | By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify strategies for getting involved and finding a meaningful role within SACAC and maybe even other professional organizations. Have a better understanding of how volunteering and mentorship can lead to leadership opportunities and professional growth. Think of ways to develop a personal engagement plan to enhance their presence and impact. Apply insights from the panelists to navigate their own path. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Access, inclusion, and equity Networking Self-care/professional development | No | Mrs. Ebonee Mahone-Todman | Paideia School | Atlanta | GA | Christy P Conley, Ed.D | North Oconee High School | Bogart | Georgia | Brandi Smith | Solomon Admissions Consulting | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
41 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Grand Chenier | Custom Roadmaps: Flexible Frameworks for Every School’s College Counseling Office | Every counseling office looks different-some have year-long classes, others have only a few touchpoints each year-but all share the goal of helping students feel confident and prepared. This session offers a flexible four-year counseling framework adaptable to any school setting. Attendees will learn how to set grade-level priorities, build engagement with limited time, and create meaningful, student-centered experiences that open doors and change lives. | Identify the key goals and developmental milestones for students in grades 9–12. Compare different delivery models for a counseling curriculum (dedicated class, advisory sessions, large-group programming, hybrid approaches). Adapt sample lessons and activities to fit their own school’s size, culture, and schedule. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics | No | Meg Conner | Baylor School | Chattanooga | Tennessee | Jennifer Spearman | Spartanburg Day School | Spartanburg | South Carolina | Camille Kuperman | Lake Highland Preparatory School | Orlando | Florida | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Grand Couteau | Wow Them on Campus: Creating Unforgettable Visit Experiences | Building on last year’s session on yield tactics that work, we return to share a new set of strategies focused on the power of on-campus events. From daily campus tours to large-scale Admitted Student Days, we’ll dive into how colleges can design experiences that inspire excitement, foster connection, and turn prospects into enrolled students. Attendees will walk away with practical ideas for crafting that “wow factor” throughout the campus visit journey. | Identify key elements of a high-impact campus visit, from daily tours to large-scale admitted student programs, that directly influence student decision-making. Apply creative strategies to enhance the “wow factor” of on-campus events while maintaining authenticity and institutional fit. Evaluate existing visit programs at their own institutions and pinpoint opportunities for improvement based on student-centered best practices. Develop actionable takeaways for implementing changes—whether small details or large-scale event redesigns—that can strengthen yield and overall enrollment success. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Campus visit/tour guides | No | Jeff Schiffman | EAB | New Orleans | LA | Zaire Lionel | Rollins College | FL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Maurepas | In the Room and in the Conversation with Black Men: Leading, Belonging, and Becoming | Five Black male leaders in the higher education profession open the door to an honest, energizing “fishbowl” dialogue on joy, belonging, and leadership. Attendees are invited to listen, reflect, and contribute as panelists share how they’ve navigated identity, community, and institutional change. The conversation models vulnerability and action—equipping participants to build workplaces where Black men, and all professionals, thrive while showcasing how representation ripples into student success. | Recognize and articulate the diversity of Black male experiences in college counseling and admissions, challenging the misconception of a singular or monolithic identity. Analyze how intersectional factors—such as geography, socioeconomic background, and educational pathways—shape the professional and personal journeys of Black men in education. Identify and describe effective community-building and mentorship practices that foster belonging and professional growth for Black male colleagues. Apply actionable strategies to create and sustain institutional cultures that affirm, include, and empower Black male professionals within college counseling and admissions offices. Evaluate the broader impact of representation on student engagement, outcomes, and institutional culture, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Design or adapt initiatives in their own professional settings that cultivate joy, resilience, and authentic community across lines of difference. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Access, inclusion, and equity Leadership development Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development | Yes | Warren J. Quirett | Episcopal High School | Alexandria | VA | Langston Ross | The Hotchkiss School | Lakeville | CT | Jonathan Ferrell | Pace Academy | Atlanta | GA | Andrew Mack | Woodward Academy | Atlanta | GA | Curtis Johnson | Pace Academy | Atlanta | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon A1 | Books, Blogs, and Banter: Join us as we discuss informative books, websites, and podcasts! | In a sea of college admissions books, which ones are the most relevant and helpful? What college admission blogs should I subscribe to? College podcasts are booming and popular; which ones should you pop on in the car? | Objective: By the end of this session, attendees will leave with at least 3 new, practical college counseling resources they can immediately integrate into their work. This session will enhance counselors' understanding of college resources and offer professional development to build confidence and expertise. Attendees—whether new or experienced—will leave with practical tools and materials to support their daily counseling work. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants | Beginner Intermediate Advanced All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Sharon Bikoundou | Carrollwood Day School | Tampa | FL | Beth Taubman | American Heritage School | Plantation | Florida | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon A2 | Empowering the Forgotten Middle: Executive Function in College Admissions | In this session, a panel of high school counselors will discuss how executive functioning skills deeply impact students' college admission journeys. Presenters will review new survey data illustrating the impact of executive function deficits on otherwise capable "middle of the pack" students who often lack formal support. Presenters will also present a practical toolkit of strategies and resources to help counselors assist these overlooked students in staying organized, meeting deadlines, and reaching their college goals. | Understand what executive function skills are and how they influence students’ success in the college admission process. Recognize why "middle of the pack" students with executive function challenges are often overlooked, and how these challenges can hinder their college application journey. Identify practical strategies and tools to help students strengthen organization, time management, and self-advocacy skills, leading to improved college admissions outcomes. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | Yes | Ben Neely | Revolution Prep | Santa Monica | California | Amy Ruff | Pace Academy | Atlanta | Georgia | Zoë Losada | Oxbridge Academy | West Palm Beach | Florida | Pamela Ambler | Holy Innocents Episcopal School | Atlanta | Georgia | Courtney Vaughn | The Lovett School | Atlanta | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon A3 | College IS for everyone! How a state attainment goal changed the narrative of "college". | The idea of "college" has been limited by old stereotypes and narrow definitions—seen as a path reserved for a select few, typically those pursuing four-year degrees at traditional universities. But in truth, college is much more than that. It encompasses a wide range of postsecondary opportunities, from technical certificates and apprenticeships to associate and bachelor’s degrees, and even specialized training programs. Learn how Mississippi has used an attainment goal to mobilize all statewide partners. | Analyze the impact of Mississippi’s statewide attainment goal on expanding the definition of “college” to include diverse postsecondary pathways. Examine barriers that have historically limited college access for certain populations, and explore solutions to promote educational equity. Develop actionable approaches for educators, policymakers, and community partners to foster a culture where all Mississippians see college as attainable. Reflect on ways to communicate the inclusive message of “college is for everyone” to students, families, and communities throughout the state. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Supporting underserved students | No | Shannon Grimsley | Woodward Hines Education Foundation (Get2College) | Jackson | Mississippi | Brian Thomas | Woodward Hines Education Foundation (Get2College) | Mississippi | Jean Massey | Mississippi Business Alliance | Mississsippi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon B1 | Plan a College Fair? Strategies to Streamline Your Event | Scheduling, registering, promoting, and reporting: Planning a college fair is no small feat. Join us for a conversation with an experienced fair host and StriveScan on tips for coordinating an efficient and effective event. You’ll leave with strategies and tools that bring your event into focus, cut through administrative fog, and strengthen the connections that help students and colleges navigate toward each other with confidence—allowing you to open doors and change lives. | n/a | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Exhibitor/vendor with SACAC Client Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students Technology Other | No | Erin Sheehan | StriveScan | Philadelphia | PA | Whitney Horton | Lake Highland Preparatory School | Orlando | FL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon B2 | Get up, Stand Up…Stand Up for Your Rights: How to Engage in Legislative Advocacy in Perilous Times | Getting involved in government advocacy work can be difficult for practitioners. We recognize that it is especially risky in this political climate to speak out about education issues and injustices that impact our students. With this in mind, this session will engage counselors, admissions staff, and community-based professionals in discussing ways to advocate for students on social justice issues and provide easy ways to connect with like-minded advocates and lawmakers to advance change. | Participants will be empowered through this session, which will discuss the following: How to safely engage in activism as a practitioner Ways to build a coalition with other educators Strategies to share your story with lawmakers | All | All Levels | Other | Yes | Ashley Young | Georgia Budget & Policy Institute | Atlanta | Georgia | Anna Pless Peel | The New School | Georgia | Rose Llanos | Lynn University | Florida | Samantha Krietemeyer | Houston Academy | Alabama | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon B3 | Changing Connections, Changing Lives: Building a Counseling Office Presence on Social Media | Several counseling offices have built vibrant, branded social media presences to better connect with students and families. Learn how counselors use Instagram to share key updates, celebrate students, promote colleges, and curate meaningful content that informs and inspires. Explore practical strategies using Canva, scheduling tools, and creative series like “Tiny Mic” interviews to strengthen engagement and authentically represent counseling programs online. | Develop a consistent, mission-aligned social media strategy for their counseling office. Create engaging and professional content using Canva and scheduling tools. Curate posts that balance communication, celebration, and education for students and families. Apply ethical and branding best practices to strengthen trust and engagement online. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Community-Based Organizations | Beginner Intermediate Advanced All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Technology | Yes | Iris Martinez | Christopher Columbus High School | Miami | Florida | Celeste Suris-Rosselli | The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon D1 | The Long Game: Introducing Graduate Education Early to Inspire Future Success | What if the path to graduate school started in high school? This session explores how early conversations with students and families shape college choices, career goals, and access to advanced education. Learn how to position graduate study as part of a student’s long-term “why,” with an equity-centered focus on underrepresented student populations. Participants will gain practical strategies to make graduate education visible, achievable, and transformative. | 1. Identify strategies to introduce graduate education to high school students and families as part of long-term college and career planning. 2. Recognize and strengthen the role of parents and access programs in shaping students' aspirations for advanced degrees. 3. Apply approaches to help students define their “why” for graduate school and connect it to their future goals. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Seaton Brown | College of Charleston | Charleston | SC | Julia Hodge, Ph.D. | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia | SC | Jahleese Hadley | Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington | Wilmington | North Carolina | Fred Quick | Medical University of South Carolina | Charleston | South Carolina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Napoleon D2-D3 | How to Recruit Classically Educated Students for College | Classical Education is the fastest-growing model of education in the US. Whether classical homeschool, classical charter, or classical Christian, a growing number of students are receiving a very different education from public school peers. Colleges and universities are in a unique position to recruit these students by highlighting their shared values and common language. This session highlights some of the key distinctives of classically trained students, as well as their parents' priorities in selecting | n/a | All | All Levels | Enrollment trends Student hot topics Other | No | Taylore Hopkins | CLT | MD | Soren Schwab | CLT | Annapolis | MD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | 3/23/2026 9:00 | 3/23/2026 10:10 | Oak Alley | Love is Blind: College Edition | Is love really blind? Find out in this interactive blind college fair. Participants will be asked to evaluate their fit for different colleges based on programs, atmosphere, campus setting and more. The names of each college will be revealed after the college fair portion of the session. We will discuss the trends and reactions, as well. The goal is for participants to select schools based on fit rather than name brand/prestige. | Participants will be able to bring this session to their own schools and help their students understand the difference between fit and name recognition. Ultimately, the goal is to promote thoughtful and pursposeful college choices which will hopefully increase student happiness and retention. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling | No | Lucy Smith | Charlotte Latin School | Charlotte | NC | Haley Cripps | Charlotte Latin School | Charlotte | NC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Bayside A | Is Your Technology Blockbuster or Netflix? From Spreadsheets to Absolute Cinema | Most applicants never walked into a Blockbuster, yet many offices still rely on "VCR-era" point solutions and Excel spreadsheets. It’s time to stop rewinding and start streaming. Learn how a consolidated foundation powers the AI needed to deliver a hyper-personalized, "Netflix-style" experience for students and staff. Join us to modernize your tech stack and make your admissions journey Absolute Cinema. | n/a | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Enrollment trends Technology | No | Trenton Davis | Salesforce | San Francisco | CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Bayside B | Explore or Enroll? How Early Decision Manages Processes and Classes | Early Decision applications continue to grow, driven by admit rate advantages and enrollment management strategies. But when does ED truly serve students versus institutional yield goals? Timothy Fields (The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions, Emory University) and Jay McCann (The College Finder, The Westminster Schools) examine Early Decision from both secondary school and college perspectives, offering counselors frameworks for student-centered application planning that help families make informed decisions beyond the "silver bullet" narrative. | Understand how admission decisions are influenced by enrollment management needs and current ED trends Articulate when ED serves students well versus when it primarily serves institutional goals Guide families through the financial implications of binding commitments Help students assess their genuine level of college fit before committing early Build balanced, realistic, and expansive college lists using exploration-first principles Reframe Early Decision as one strategic option, not the default path Develop individualized application strategies based on student readiness and circumstances | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | Beginner Intermediate All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | McCann | The Westminster Schools | Georgia | Timothy Fields | Emory University | Atlanta | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Bayside C | Remote Control - Managing Regional Recruiters | Supervising regional admission staff comes with unique challenges, from maintaining connection across distance to managing budgets and setting clear expectations. In this session, higher education leaders from different institutions will share their best practices for leading regional teams, including strategies for communication, appreciation, accountability, and leadership reflection. Attendees will gain practical tools to support staff success, foster engagement, and enhance their own supervisory approach. | Identify effective methods to maintain communication and connection with regional staff. Develop a framework for setting expectations, providing accountability, and showing appreciation/recognition in remote contexts Apply budgeting and resource management practices that support both staff and institutional goals. Reflect on and assess their own supervisory style to enhance leadership effectiveness. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Self-care/professional development | No | Juwan Andrews | Texas A and M University | College Station | Texas | Jillian Bolak | Georgia College | Milledgeville | Georgia | Susan Abee | Samford University | Birmingham | Alabama | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Borgne | Speeding Tickets, Academic Dishonesty, and Vaping: Understanding the College (Mis)Conduct Review | Understanding the college admissions misconduct review process, including what to submit and what colleges do with this information, can be confusing and intimidating for parents, students, and counselors. This session will help counselors navigate this process with their students and how admissions officers can see the whole student and not just their misconduct. This session will also address how this information is processed and reviewed. | What information students and counselors should submit and why. How college admissions counselors review this information. Why each case is reviewed on an individual basis. How students, parents, counselors, and admissions counselors can navigate this process. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants | Intermediate | College admission requirements, policies, procedures | No | Kaitlin Bennett | University of Georgia | Georgia | Mercer University | Macon | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Grand Chenier | What’s in the Bag: The Beign-Yays and Beign-Nos of the High School Visit Experience | A successful high school visit can feel like a beign-yay; a missed connection, a beign-no. In this interactive session, four experienced professionals from admissions and counseling share survey insights and real-world perspectives on the visit experience. Together, we’ll highlight successes, challenges, and practical strategies for strengthening student engagement and counselor/admissions representative connections, ensuring visits aren’t just routine stops but meaningful, mutually beneficial experiences. | As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to: Recognize key similarities and differences in how counselors and admission reps view high school visits, based on survey findings. Identify common challenges and areas where expectations may not align. Apply collaborative best practices shared in the session to make high school visits more effective and student-centered in their own schools or territories, ultimately building mutually beneficial relationships between high schools and colleges. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics | No | Meg Conner | Baylor School | Chattanooga | Tennessee | Miya Walker | Agnes Scott College | Decatur | Georgia | Allison North | George Washington University | Washington, DC | Matthew Wilmer | The Bolles School | Jacksonville | Florida | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Grand Couteau | Work Smarter, Not Harder: Your 2026 AI Toolkit for College Admissions | In this session, a panel of high school counselors and a college admissions leader will review new survey insights on how AI is being used by students, counselors, and admissions professionals. Presenters will introduce a practical AI toolkit of guides and workflows to streamline routine tasks in the admissions process. Attendees will learn how implementing these AI-driven workflows can streamline processes and also enhance their ability to do their best work around college admissions counseling. | Understand how students, counselors, and admissions professionals are currently using AI tools in the college admissions process. Discover practical AI workflows and guides that can augment and enhance existing common counseling and admissions tasks. Learn strategies to implement AI solutions in daily work, reducing administrative burden and freeing more time for high-impact, student-focused activities. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations All | All Levels | Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development Student hot topics Technology | Yes | Ben Neely | Revolution Prep | Santa Monica | California | Tina MacDonald | College of Charleston | Charleston | South Carolina | Chris Rodriguez | The Lovett School | Georgia | Carlos Nunez | Palmer Trinity School | Florida | Carly Stafford Dixon, | University School of Nashville | Nashville | Tennessee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Maurepas | Leading When the Map Disappears | What happens when the playbook no longer applies? Phil and Jonathan—leaders who’ve navigated NACAC governance shifts, pandemic pivots, and institutional change—explore how authenticity, adaptability, and empathy define leadership in uncertain times. Expect honest stories, practical frameworks, and a reminder that great leaders don’t predict the future—they steady the people walking into it. | Implement communication strategies that keep teams informed and motivated when plans, policies, or expectations are in flux. Use real-time decision-making tools to respond effectively to unexpected challenges while maintaining clarity of purpose. Create a short-term action plan to strengthen resilience and adaptability within their own offices or professional networks. | All | All Levels | Leadership development | Yes | Jonathan Ferrell | Pace Academy | Atlanta | GA | Phil Moreno | The Nueva School/NACAC | San Mateo | CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon A1 | From Experience to Impact: What 60 Years Has Taught Us | With 60 years of combined experience, join a panel of high school and college professionals as they share real-world lessons, best practices, and pivotal moments. Through storytelling, insight, and humor, we’ll explore what it takes to create lasting change, support others without burning out, and stay grounded in purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the work, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and equipped to build your own legacy of impact. | Identify three effective counseling or advising strategies that support long-term student success and foster equitable access to opportunities. Recognize two common challenges counselors and admissions officers face in maintaining boundaries and preventing burnout, and apply strategies to sustain personal and professional well-being. Incorporate mentorship practices that empower students and promote resilience, particularly for those facing systemic barriers. Reflect on their role as door-openers in students' lives and apply insights from experienced professionals to enhance their impact in educational settings. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Networking Self-care/professional development | Yes | Erin Chadwick | Calvary Day School | Savannah | Georgia | Katherine Hilson | University of South Carolina | Columbia | South Carolina | Christy P Conley, Ed.D | North Oconee High School | GA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon A2 | Connection Over Cost: Engaging Counselors at Every Budget | Counselor engagement plays a vital role in connecting high schools and higher education institutions. Whether your campus is launching its first fly-in or managing a long-standing advisory board, budgets often shape what’s possible. This session explores engagement strategies across all resource levels—from high-impact events to creative, low-cost approaches—highlighting ways to meaningfully connect with counselors, including those serving rural and underserved populations. | Identify various models of counselor engagement, from large-scale fly-ins and advisory boards to low-cost and virtual approaches. Evaluate how institutional budget, goals, and audience influence the design and impact of counselor engagement initiatives. Develop strategies to engage counselors from diverse backgrounds, including those serving rural or underserved student populations. Apply creative, scalable practices that can strengthen counselor relationships regardless of financial resources. Benchmark their institution’s current counselor engagement efforts against peer models and identify opportunities for growth. | All | All Levels | Campus visit/tour guides Enrollment trends Networking | No | Kelly Reynolds | University of Tennessee | Knoxville | TN | Stefano Papaleo | Lynn University | Florida | Rebecca Drewry | College of Charleston | Charleston | SC | Camille Wilson | North Carolina State University | NC | Clinton Brown | The University of Tennessee | Knoxville | TN | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon A3 | The Art of Getting In: Counseling Students Towards Arts Portfolios & Prescreens | Creative students face unique challenges in the college process. This session equips counselors to guide students applying to visual and performing arts programs (i.e. competitions and conservatories) through portfolios, prescreens, and supplements. Presenters will clarify program differences, share best practices for showcasing creativity and technical skill, and provide resources for planning timelines and submissions. Attendees will leave with actionable skills to assess talent, understand requirements and help artists translate their passion into compelling submissions. | This session will equip participants with the knowledge and strategies to better support students pursuing the arts in higher education. Attendees will learn how to assess the difference between genuine artistic talent and hobby-level interest, and gain a clear understanding of the varying admission requirements across art schools, conservatories, and universities. The session will also highlight the key components of successful visual and performing arts portfolios and prescreens, providing practical insight into what colleges seek in applicants. Finally, participants will learn how to effectively counsel students on when and how to submit supplemental arts materials to enhance their college and scholarship applications. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | David Le | Ransom Everglades School | Florida | China Hutchins | Ransom Everglades School | Miami | Florida | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon B1 | Transfer-motive Practices: Understanding the Transfer Admission and Transfer Credit Landscape | Students are increasingly adding college-level credit courses at the high school level or transferring credit from previous colleges. From your eager high school student to your junior college athlete, this session will review the work admission counselors face in determining how college credit levels will apply to the student’s academic plan and major, and make recommendations for best practices for high school counselors, admission counselors, and postsecondary college professionals. | 1. Participants will understand the resources in determining transfer credit eligibility at the high school and college level 2.Participants will understand best practices and how to best counsel students during the college counseling and admission process 3. Participants will understand the experiences and expectations to prepare students for the successful transferability of credits 4. Participants will understand policies and pathways students can pursue for college attainment. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | Intermediate | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | Rose Llanos | Lynn University | Florida | Jessica Rosenblatt | Rollin's College | Boca Raton | Florida | Jill Jeppe | EdVisorly | CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon B2 | Small Colleges, Big Impact: Expanding Access & Flourishing for FIRSTGEN & Underrepresented Students | This session explores how small liberal arts colleges are transforming access and belonging for first-generation and underrepresented students. Using our colleges as case study, panelists will share programs, partnerships, and philosophies that go beyond admission—focusing on student flourishing, community, and long-term success. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to support equity and inclusion in both secondary and postsecondary settings. | Understand how small liberal arts colleges create equitable access for first-generation and underrepresented students. Explore models of student flourishing and holistic success beyond enrollment. Identify best practices for collaboration between high school counselors and admission offices to sustain equity work. Learn about data-informed strategies that track persistence and belonging. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | Beginner Intermediate | Access, inclusion, and equity Public school counselors/college counseling Supporting underserved students | Yes | Sarbeth J Fleming, M.A., J.D. | Kenyon College | Gambier | Ohio | Stephanie Molina | Agnes Scott College | Decatur | Georgia | Zaire Lionel | Rollins College | Winter Park | Florida | Latrina Fisher | Spelman College | Atlanta | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon B3 | Passport to Higher Education: Guiding Students Through Global University Options | As more students consider universities outside the U.S., counselors are increasingly guiding families through global admissions systems, costs, and career outcomes. Representatives from EHL (Switzerland), IE University (Spain), and the London School of Economics (UK) will share insights on degree structures, application processes, and student experiences abroad. Attendees will gain practical strategies to help students assess academic fit, understand credential recognition, and navigate the expanding landscape of international higher education. | Understand key differences between U.S. and international higher education systems, including application timelines, degree structures, and entry requirements. Identify practical strategies counselors can use to advise students interested in studying outside the U.S. Explore how international universities are preparing graduates for global careers and lifelong mobility. Gain tools to help families compare the value, accessibility, and outcomes of international degrees. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling | No | Julie Moloney | Meto | Florida | Jacky Horowitz | Gulliver Preparatory School | Miami | Florida | Karla Reigosa | EHL Switzerland | Florida | Faustine Decroocq | IE University | Florida | Grace Musante | The London School of Economics and Political Science | London | UK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon D1 | The Rush South 2.0 - Looking Beyond our Region | Demand for a public university experience in the South continues to be at an all time high. Join us as we expand upon the conversation about demographic and application trends. Let’s now look at data beyond our region. We will identify opportunities to best serve our students and better inform our many constituents of the evolving admissions landscape. | -Provide current context for student enrollment patterns -Explore demographic shifts in and out of our region | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators | All Levels | Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics | No | Haley Cripps | Charlotte Latin School | Charlotte | NC | Alex Segura | Charlotte Latin School | Charlotte | NC | Loudine Louis | Miami University | OH | Gail Polizzi | Purdue University | West Lafayette | IN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Napoleon D2-D3 | Tradition Meets Relevance: Why Single Gender Colleges Still Matter | Single gender colleges offer unique opportunities for leadership, confidence, and academic success, yet they are sometimes overlooked in the college search. This session explores their evolving role and continued relevance, addresses common misconceptions, and provides counselors with practical strategies to introduce students to these empowering institutions. Attendees will leave with deeper insight into the impact of single-gender colleges and a toolkit to help students consider them in their higher education journey. | 1. Review the history and evolution of single gender colleges and their ongoing relevance. 2. Highlight the transformative impact of single gender education on student success and development. 3. Identify and demystify common misconceptions about single gender institutions. 4. Empower counselors with actionable strategies to guide students in exploring single gender college options. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Public school counselors/college counseling Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | No | Morgan I. Offord | Spelman College | Georgia | Nayati Shuler | Agnes Scott College | Atlanta | Georgia | Jacory Bernard | Morehouse College | Atlanta | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
68 | 3/23/2026 10:35 | 3/23/2026 11:45 | Oak Alley | Opening Digital Doors: How Slate Partnerships Transform College-Counselor Collaboration | Behind every open door is a partnership that makes it possible. In this engaging session, high school counselors and Florida State University reveal how thoughtful use of Slate builds trust, transparency, and collaboration. Discover what counselors really need from colleges, how that data guides students, and how sharing the right information can transform access, understanding, and outcomes. | Identify key Slate communication and data-sharing practices that effectively support high school counselors and students. Evaluate what information counselors find most valuable from colleges and how it influences advising and student decision-making. Apply strategies to improve transparency and collaboration between admissions offices and counseling teams using Slate tools. Develop actionable next steps to strengthen partnerships that enhance student access, trust, and success across the admission process. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Technology | No | Iris Martinez | Christopher Columbus High School | Miami | Florida | Allison Slater Tate | Lake Mary Preparatory School | Orlando | Florida | Dr. Erin Verity | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Florida | Hassan Casanova | Belen Jesuit | Miami | Florida | Ludy Joseph | FL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Bayside A | Beyond the Brochure: Social Media's Impact on College Admissions | This session will explore how platforms like Instagram and TikTok are transforming the way prospective students perceive, engage with, and ultimately choose colleges. This session will look at how digital storytelling, online communities, and social media branding influence admission strategies and student decision-making in ways that go far beyond a travel piece. | - Learn how to better focus on content geared toward Gen Z and the "Zoomer" generation. - Learn how to best recruit students and show them how a side of your institution that may have not seen before. - Learn how social media affects the student's overall college application process. - Learn the dos and donts of social media and the focus on college admissions. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | Intermediate | Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Technology | No | Simeon Glover | Rhodes College | Memphis | TN | Rachel Welch | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Bayside B | Collaboration in Crisis: Counseling Students with Academic, Disciplinary, or Personal Challenges | Supporting students with academic, disciplinary, or personal challenges in the college process requires collaboration between counselors, IECs, admissions officers, and families, while also balancing ethical and legal considerations. This session explores best practices for guiding students through disclosures, crafting a compelling application narrative, and setting realistic expectations. Attendees will gain insights into how FERPA and student privacy rights impact communication, transparency, and ethical advising in the admissions process. | Collaborative Counseling Strategies – Learn how school-based counselors, IECs, and admissions officers can work together while respecting student privacy and ethical boundaries. Understanding the Admissions Perspective – Gain insight into how colleges assess applications with academic, disciplinary, or personal concerns and what role disclosures play in admissions decisions. Legal & Ethical Considerations – Explore FERPA, student privacy rights, and best practices for advising students on what to disclose, when to disclose, and how to communicate sensitive information ethically. Effective Family Communication – Develop strategies for guiding parents and students through sensitive conversations while ensuring compliance with privacy laws and maintaining realistic expectations. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics | Yes | Celeste Suris-Rosselli | New York University (NYU) and The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico | Bayamon | Puerto Rico | Lucia Martin | LMCC | Puerto Rico | Dominique Harrison | North Carolina A&T State University | North Carolina | Billy Sichel | New York University | NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Bayside C | Level Up! Leveraging Gamification in the Enrollment Journey to Deepen Engagement | From household names like Duolingo and Roblox to tactics like fitness rings, loyalty programs, and classroom prizes, gamification is a common engagement tactic in 2025. Today’s teens are digital natives that expect interactive experiences, and this session serves to build engagement tactics that meet them on their turf. This session prepares teams to leverage gamification in the counseling and enrollment process. Attendees will take away actionable concepts for their day-to-day work. | Prime participants on gamification as an engagement method with easily relatable examples Educate on the benefits of gamification in a learning environment as evidenced by data Provide implementable tactics for attendees to leverage gamification in their practice Co-develop methods and concepts to more deeply engage gamification with student engagement | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers | All Levels | Enrollment trends Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Technology | No | Sam Bernstein | Loper | Chicago | Illinois | A.J. Frigo | Purdue University - Office of the Provost | West Lafayette | Indiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Borgne | Reflective Leadership: Clarity, Choice and Paths Forward | Embark on a transformative journey to elevate your leadership in today's rapidly evolving education landscape. Discover the power of reflective leadership and self-accountability to enhance your professional impact. Learn practical techniques for decision-making, enhancing self-awareness, and personal growth. Explore tools for self-accountability and goal achievement. Develop skills to embrace feedback as a catalyst for improvement. Leave prepared to implement some reflective practices and accountability measures in your daily and emerging roles | 1. Cultivate the practice of reflective leadership 2. Acquire tools, strategies, and resources to hold yourself accountable 3. Develop skills to transform feedback into actionable personal growth opportunities | All | Intermediate Advanced | Leadership development Self-care/professional development | No | Brandi Smith | Solomon Admissions Consultants | GA | Jessica Sant | The Lovett School | Atlanta | GA | Calvin Wise III | Johns Hopkins University | MD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Grand Chenier | Fit Over Fame: Strategies for Student-Centered Lists | How do we move students beyond college name recognition towards purpose and fit? Join us for an interactive session rooted in our shared commitment to ensuring student persistence by choosing their best fit college (the first time). Walk away with creative, ready to use activities that empower students to engage authentically with colleges that align with their constraints, goals, and aspirations. | Participants will be challenged to think creatively about student college fit factors. Participants will be able to support students in building a college list that is reflective of their needs. Participants will receive access to vetted shared resources to research strong fit options. Participants will be able to empower students with strategies to maximize engagement with college partners. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Jahleese Hadley | Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington | Wilmington | North Carolina | Alexia Shank | Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington | Wilmington | North Carolina | Leslie Sanderfur | Centre College | Danville | Kentucky | Laura Dicas, MPA | Collegewise/Laura Dicas Academic Coaching LLC | Hoover | Alabama | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Grand Couteau | Dillard University & George Washington Carver High: Historically Black Institutions in Partnership | Learn how two innovative institutions are leveraging one another to create foster student success in college. Dillard University and G.W. Carver High, two historic Black-led institutions in New Orleans with deep legacies, launched a formal partnership to increase college access, readiness, and success. This relationship will produce more college graduates from New Orleans and bring more teachers into K-12 schools, with a litany of lessons-learned for other institutions. | Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Guillory, President of Dillard, Soraya Verjee, Chief Talent and Advancement Officer of Collegiate Academies and George Washington Carver High School. Participants will leave with specific, replicable strategies: Intentionally design a partnership between K-12 and higher ed with a shared vision and goal Leverage the strengths of each institution to impact student outcomes collectively, especially around college access, readiness, and success Build off our wins, lessons-learned, initial results, and impact to turnkey at similar institutions | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | Advanced | Access, inclusion, and equity Post-secondary admission hot topics Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Supporting underserved students | Monique Guillory | Dillard University | New Orleans | Louisiana | Soraya Verjee | Collegiate Academies | New Orleans | Louisiana | Courtney Williams | Dillard University | New Orleans | Louisiana | Fred Johnson | Collegiate Academies | New Orleans | Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Maurepas | Flipping the Script: Successful Strategies for Hosting Reverse Fly-Ins at your high school | Interested in bringing college admission representatives to your high school campus but not sure how to start or gain buy-in from campus stakeholders? This session will explore how to build, launch, and develop reverse "fly-in" programs that create meaningful partnership(s). Presenters will share successful models, lessons learned, and strategies to navigate potential challenges. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to design programming that supports relationship-building and meets institutional goals. | By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify key stakeholders and articulate effective strategies to gain institutional buy-in for reverse fly-in programs. Evaluate different programming models to determine which best aligns with their institution’s goals and audience. Apply lessons learned from real examples to develop a customized action plan for launching or improving a reverse fly-in program. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Career and staff development College admission requirements, policies, procedures Enrollment trends Networking Public school counselors/college counseling | No | Mrs. Ebonee Mahone-Todman | Paideia School | Atlanta | Georgia | Zaire Lionel | Rollins College | FL | Steven Albano | Lovett School | Atlanta | Georgia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon A1 | Deferred, Not Denied: Reframing the Deferral Decision | Deferral decisions often fall into a gray area—neither a yes nor a no—leaving students emotionally and logistically confused. However, deferrals are a strategic tool for institutions to manage volume and ensure thoughtful review across multiple rounds. This session explores how to design a meaningful deferral process, communicate it clearly, and use data to support continued review, ensuring the process is truly a "continued opportunity" rather than a setback. | Demystify the deferral process by understanding its strategic role in admissions. Recognize the emotional and informational challenges students face when receiving a deferral decision, and develop communication strategies that provide clarity, reassurance, and actionable next steps. Review data-informed practices that support meaningful continued review of deferred applicants. Identify ways to maintain engagement with deferred students and reinforce institutional values. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers All | Intermediate Advanced | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics | No | Dr. Erin Verity | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Florida | Landon Leiker | University of Georgia | Athens | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon A2 | Starting with Self: Cracking the Door for Sophomores in the College Process | Students need time to explore who they are and parents want to be welcomed to the process earlier. Let's solve for both without turning up the pressure! This session offers a framework for engaging sophomores in early college awareness through self-reflection, strengths-based learning, and innovative programming. | Participants will.... Explore strengths-based approaches (e.g., Gallup CliftonStrengths) to connect student strengths with academic and extracurricular choices. Receive an Executive Functioning quiz to utilize with their students. Learn strategies to build student self-awareness and intrinsic motivation through reflective exercises. Learn innovative programming and discover practical activities that help students identify opportunities, interests, talents and strengths connecting these insights to potential academic and career pathways. The session will highlight adaptable tools including a sophomore family night, 2 assessments, and an interactive game that makes the college process personal, empowering, and developmentally appropriate for younger high schoolers. | Public High School Counselors & Administrators Private/Independent School Counselors & Administrators | All Levels | Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics | Yes | Pamela Ambler | Holy Innocents Episcopal School | Atlanta | Georgia | Steve Hairston | Holy Innocents' Episcopal School | Atlanta | Georgia | Jennie Harris | Porter-Gaud School | Charleston | SC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon A3 | Elevating Access: The Journey of Elon University and Elevation Scholars | A relationship that began with a CBO advocating for one student has evolved into a powerful partnership with a university seeking to grow its CBO collaborations. Rooted in trust, shared purpose, and consistent communication, Elon University and Elevation Scholars have created sustainable pathways of access for talented students. This session explores how one spark of advocacy became a model that expands opportunity through a formalized MOU, "Red Carpet Experience visits" and more. | The objectives of this session are for participants to explore how CBOs and colleges can build intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships that center student success even when financial limitations exist. Elon University, which does not meet full demonstrated need for all students, serves as a case study in how transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and shared commitment can overcome perceived barriers to partnership. Attendees will learn how Elon and Elevation Scholars have cultivated trust and designed sustainable opportunities such as formal MOUs, “Red Carpet Experience” visits, individualized financial conversations, and meaningful student-to-student interactions that align student needs with institutional capacity. Beyond discussions of scholarships and aid, this session will highlight best practices in cultivating authentic relationships, maintaining consistent communication, and building collaborative frameworks that expand access and opportunity for underrepresented students. | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Access, inclusion, and equity Purposeful Partnerships/CBO Supporting underserved students | No | Fredrick Evans | Elon University | North Carolina | Gaslande Fleurimont | Elevation Scholars | Orlando | Florida | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon B1 | When One Door Closes: How Rejection Led Us to the Right Roles | Three colleagues who found themselves interviewing for the same position and all heard “no” share how that disappointment became something more meaningful. Through their reflections, they'll share how vulnerability, resilience, and trust in timing can shape professional growth. Gain perspective on navigating transitions, redefining success, and finding the “right fit” that reignites passion for the work we do. We’ll celebrate the ways that closed doors can lead to transformation: opening new doors and changing lives. | Reflect on professional resilience and growth. Discuss the lessons learned from setbacks or rejections and how those moments can serve as catalysts for growth, renewal, and confident professional identity in the counseling and admissions field. Explore the evolution of change and its effects. Gain insight into the opoportunitites and challenges of moving between roles: one between secondary to higher education, and two moving to different college counseling offices and how each perspective can enrich student support. Learn strategies for navigating transitions with purpose. Learn about strategies to assess readiness for porefessional change, evaluate team and cultural fit, and pursue new roles that align with their values and long-term impact goals. Connect personal career stories to broader professional impact. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will understand how "opening doors" for themselves ultimately enhances their capacity to "change lives" for studnets, colleagues, and communities--honoring 60 years of progress in the profession. | All | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development | Yes | Sarah Athearn | Landmark Christian School | Fairburn | Georgia | Jeremy Mack | LaGrange College | LaGrange | Georgia | Taylor King | Columbus State University | Columbus | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
80 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon B2 | Overcoming challenges for FAFSA completion | Even with a smoother FAFSA rollout this year, key steps in the application process can present barriers to student completion. We'll explore common challenges students and families face in completing the FAFSA and how to support students in overcoming these. You'll participate in case studies and walk away with a toolkit of resources to use in your counseling practice, including resources to support students from mixed-status families. | Identify the common barriers and blocks to FAFSA completion. Provide solutions to students and their families when they face these barriers. Best practices to engage students and families in FAFSA completion, both individually and at events. How to advise students from mixed-status families. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Public school counselors/college counseling Supporting underserved students | No | Jason Seay | Tennessee Higher Education Commission | Nashville | Tennessee | Paul Martin | College Money Method | Fort Lauderdale | Florida | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
81 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon B3 | Global Students, Local Challenges: Supporting International Applicants in an Uncertain World | International students — and the counselors who guide them — are navigating unprecedented uncertainty: visa restrictions, global conflicts, shifting financial aid policies, and growing competition for international enrollment. This session brings together perspectives from both sides of the desk to explore how high school and university counselors can collaborate to better support international students through these challenges. We’ll share real case examples, emerging trends, and practical tools for advocacy and communication. | Identify current global and national trends affecting international applicants’ access to U.S. higher education. Explore strategies for effective communication and expectation-setting between international students, their families, secondary school counselors, and postsecondary administrators. Discuss concrete steps schools and colleges can take to foster inclusion and support student well-being during times of uncertainty. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Access, inclusion, and equity Enrollment trends Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Supporting underserved students | Yes | Julie Moloney | Meto | Florida | Ms. Anna Wright | The Benjamin School | Florida | Lauren Sefton | Rhodes College | Tennessee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
82 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon D1 | Across the Desk: Opening Doors with a Little NOLA Harmony | What do counselors most want from colleges-clearer deadlines, realistic timelines, and transparent housing policies? What do admission professionals most wish from counselors-more student context, prepared families, and balanced college lists? In this interactive session, panelists from both sides will share their top three wish-list items, then guide small-group discussions. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and conversation prompts to strengthen partnerships and better serve students. | Identify the most common challenges and “wish-list” items from both counselors and admission professionals. Apply strategies for improving communication and collaboration. Develop conversation prompts and practical tools to strengthen partnerships with colleagues and better support students. Connect improved counselor–admission collaboration to the broader goal of opening doors and changing lives for the students they serve. | All | All Levels | College admission requirements, policies, procedures Enrollment trends Networking Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Student hot topics Technology | Yes | Ann Katherine Taylor | Baylor School | Chattanooga | Tennessee | Chris Rodriguez | The Lovett School | Georgia | Rick Barth | Clemson University | Clemson | South Carolina | Virginia Elliott | Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis | Missouri | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
83 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Napoleon D2-D3 | Leading With Purpose: Building & Sustaining Passion-Driven Student Leadership Ecosystems | Student representation is a vital part of the admissions and campus experience. Yet, identifying and supporting passion-driven student leaders can be challenging. This session equips program advisors with strategies to recruit, train, and retain students across roles from student ambassadors, work-study, service teams, and more. Attendees will leave with insights to help build sustainable leadership ecosystems rooted in purpose, identity, and visible representation. | Discuss the impact of different leadership styles Reflect on effective student leadership models Identify mission-aligned recruitment strategies for student leader organizations Explore the relevance of retention strategies within student organizations | Developing passion-driven student leaders opens doors for both students and higher-ed professionals. While these roles may not always come with a monetary reward, they provide students with transferable skills that build confidence, strengthen communication, and cultivate a sense of purpose that ultimately increases their future earning potential and expands professional opportunities. At the same time, advisors and supervisors grow through mentorship, learning how to engage and empower new generations. This shared development reflects the theme’s spirit by creating spaces where guidance, opportunity, and growth flow in both directions to open doors and change lives. | All Levels | Campus visit/tour guides Career and staff development Access, inclusion, and equity Leadership development Networking Post-secondary admission hot topics Public school counselors/college counseling Secondary counseling hot topics Self-care/professional development Student hot topics | Yes | Jacory A Bernard | Morehouse College | Atlanta | GA | Morgan Offord | Spelman College | Atlanta | GA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
84 | 3/23/2026 14:00 | 3/23/2026 15:10 | Oak Alley | Opening Doors in the Profession: Leveling Up with Technology | In an industry driven by relationship building, effective strategy and dynamic storytelling, the use of technology is the unsung hero. Join three admission technology leads as they share how they’ve opened doors professionally by carving their own lane in admission technology. Leave the session with a list of action items you can use to add marketable skills and knowledge to your admission counseling resume. | Develop a strategy for evaluating and assessing the impact of technology on your current position Discover key areas for professional growth within admission technology Determine the next steps for learning new or improving upon your admission technology skills Connect with admission technology professionals with almost 60 years combined experience | Post-secondary Admission & Financial Aid Officers Independent Educational Consultants Community-Based Organizations | All Levels | Career and staff development Leadership development Self-care/professional development Technology | No | Pamela Bowie | Rhodes College | Tennessee | Angela Daniels | Arkansas State University | State University | Arkansas | Ta'nice Blackman | University of Arkansas at Fort Smith | Fort Smith | Arkansas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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