NYSACAC Conference
LOCATION CHANGES: Lunch Moved To The Dining Commons | Bocce Moved To The Dome | Details
It Starts With You
Annual Conference | June 7-10, 2022 | Utica University
New York State Association For College Admission Counseling
At the 44th Annual NYSACAC State Conference, “It Starts With You,” hosted by Utica University, you’ll explore the future of college admissions, and the vital role you play. NYSACAC is focused on delivering professional development to the heart of our profession, and during both Coming Together (June 7–8) and the Annual Conference (June 8–10), you’ll have the opportunity to face industry changes head on.
CONFERENCE NEWS
► CONFERENCE AGENDA:
Download this handy PDF guide | Download
► COMING TOGETHER:
Check out these amazing sessions | More
► READ ALL ABOUT IT:
Our outstanding Educational Sessions are now posted | More
► RICKARD TO KEYNOTE:
Common App CEO Jenny Rickard will be this year's Keynote Speaker | More
Get Started ► Register Now ► Sponsorship / Exhibitor
Keynote: Jenny Rickard
Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of Common App, will be the 2022 Keynote Speaker.
Keynote sponsored by Platform Q
Registration and Fees
Early Bird: $340 (Members)
(Full Conference with on-campus lodging)
About the Conference
Coming Together | June 7-8
Organized by the NYSACAC Coming Together Committee, the Coming Together Conference offers thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities in support of our goals around the issues of diversity, equity, and access.
NYSACAC Annual Conference | June 8-10
The 44th Annual New York State Association for College Admission Counseling Conference brings together colleagues who serve college-bound students in New York State for exciting professional development and networking opportunities. The theme of this year’s conference is “It Starts With You,” focusing on the people who make all the difference in our profession.
We look forward to seeing you at the 44th NYSACAC Annual Conference in Utica!
Greetings and Registration
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Steering Committee and 2022 Conference Host, welcome to the official website for the NYSACAC Annual Conference. With our long-awaited return to an in-person conference, we’re fortunate to have an experienced host and abundance of talent within the ranks of the Steering Committee. This team is working tirelessly to ensure you have an engaging and invigorating in-person conference experience. With this year’s theme as “It Starts With You” we are focused on delivering professional development YOU will value. The unprecedented changes of the last two years have been difficult, but they’ve forced us to reimagine our work and there’s no group better positioned to share their knowledge and experience than this one. Personally, I’m excited to learn from all of you.
NYSACAC serves as your voice in state and national matters. As we each seek opportunities to impact student lives, our organization is here to serve and provide you with the necessary tools and resources for success. Whether you are new to the field with questions about where to go and what to do, or whether you are wise with years of experience, NYSACAC provides the forum to engage, network, and learn. There will be opportunities for engagement across all levels of experience.
This year, the beautiful campus of Utica University in Utica, New York will welcome hundreds of professionals from the surrounding towns, cities, and states, beginning with the Coming Together’s 25th Anniversary Conference from June 7-8, followed by our 44th annual conference on June 8-10. With various educational sessions, a college fair, CBO fair, vendor showcases, local college tours, and more, this year’s conference will be one of NYSACAC’s most comprehensive and all-encompassing opportunity for professional development. In the evenings, you’ll have opportunities to reconnect with friends while building new relationships over games of bocce, trips through Utica’s "boardwalk", tours of local landmarks, a visit to Turning Stone Casino, and much more.
With options ranging from one-day attendance to full conference packages, NYSACAC 2022 offers a customizable attendance option to fit your needs and schedule. Discounts are in place for early bird registrants (by May 17) and for all NYSACAC members (time to make sure your membership is up to date!). There are also opportunities to give and receive conference grants for counselors whose attendance relies on financial support.
The 2022 Steering Committee, Utica University, and I all look forward to welcoming you to NYSACAC 2022!
Sincerely,
Chris Doyle
President-elect, NYSACAC
Happy 2022!
I am so excited to invite you to attend the NYSACAC Conference this summer at Utica University. For those who attended in 2015, you might remember connecting with colleagues, sliding down the slide during the Carnival, or tasting amazing food at The Stanley Theatre and then having a wild dance party on the most amazing stage.
The committee is hard at work planning our 2022 conference - but a couple items to note include a Boardwalk event here on the Utica campus and a night at Turning Stone Casino!
Since 2015 Utica University has been BUSY! We’ve added new academic programs, increased our staff and student body, opened two campuses in Florida, and have been building on the Utica, NY campus! Since 2015 we’ve added the following in Utica:
- Cynkus Family Welcome Center - The home of Utica Admissions!
- Pioneer Village - Our 144 bed apartment style residence village.
- Thurston Hall - A 100% donor funded Construction Management building.
- Gordon Science Center - State of the art science facility with labs dedicated to Animal Behavior, GIS computing, human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, and more!
- Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreational Center - one of the largest air supported domes in North America and home to our track and field teams.
- The Wilcox Center Intercultural and Student Organization Center.
- Dining Commons $4 Million renovation.
- Brvenik Center for Business Education - Our academic home in the heart of Utica, NY for our business programs.
I cannot wait to welcome you this June!
Sincerely,
Jeff
Dr. Jeffery T. Gates
Senior Vice President
| Early Bird (Deadline: May 17, 2022) | Non-Early Bird | |||
| Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | |
| Full Conference Wednesday, June 8 - Friday, June 10 (includes on-campus lodging June 7 - 9) | $340 | $400 | $400 | $430 |
| Coming Together Tuesday, June 7 - Wednesday, June 8 (includes on-campus lodging June 7) | $190 | $210 | $210 | $230 |
| Full Conference (commuter) Wednesday, June 8 - Friday, June 10 | $270 | $300 | $300 | $330 |
| One-Day Pass (commuter) Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday | $190 | $200 | $200 | $210 |
Please note: Off-campus housing is not included in the conference registration fee. Utica University will be able to provide the majority of attendees with single bedroom accommodations.
Grants
If it is cost-prohibitive for you to attend the conference, you can apply for a grant. Deadline for grant applications is Tuesday, April 22, 2022. Grant recipients will be notified by May 6.
Refunds
A full refund, minus a $20 cancellation fee, will be available until May 17, 2022. After this date, no refunds will be processed.
Thanks to our Sponsors / Exhibitors
Gecko is a student engagement platform that is purpose-designed for higher education. It integrates with existing systems and workflows to create a connected, customizable student engagement experience. Using the Gecko platform, you can:
- Transform the student experience
- Boost enrollment and retention
- Lighten the workload for staff
The mission of LINK for Counselors (www.linkforcounselors.com) is to provide information that keeps High School and Transfer Counselors informed. Everything we provide to you is free, at no-cost to you or your school.
Colleges, interested in reaching Counselors? Contact us to discuss advertising opportunities at Theresa@LINKforCounselors.com
Colleges, interested in reaching Counselors? Contact us to discuss advertising opportunities at Theresa@LINKforCounselors.com
CollegeVine is the largest college recruiting network in the country, with more than 1 million registered student members. It starts with our free college counseling and access programs for students, delivered through a mix of software tools, student communities, guidance content from experts and universities, and a professional-style recruiting network with up-to-date student profiles. Join more than 150 universities, 3,000 college advisors, 5,000+ school counselors on CollegeVine to help students receive the college and career guidance they need. www.collegevine.com/colleges
Encoura® is an educational technology company serving over 2,000 higher ed institutions. Through the Encoura® platform, the company combines data science, advanced analytics, research, & predictive modeling so institutions can meet their enrollment goals & improve student success & outcomes.
Encourage is a mission-driven postsecondary planning program that encompasses a suite of free tools, timely advice, and resources designed to provide a deeper level of guidance and intentional engagement to all learners and educators. Through its voluntary program millions of students benefit from the connections to colleges and planning resources annually.
Spark451 is an enrollment strategy, marketing, and technology firm focused on the higher education market. We specialize in enrollment marketing, student search, creative services, and digital media. As marketing experts, we integrate a multitude of communication channels and digital platforms for effective student recruitment, advertising, and media.
For more than 35 years, Carnegie has been a leader and innovator in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy, offering groundbreaking services in the areas of Research, Strategy, Digital Marketing, Lead Generation, Slate Optimization, Student Search, Website Development, and Creative that generate authentic connections.
Carnegie connects colleges with students through the power of human connection. A belief that genuine connection is the key to capturing attention and building affinity drives all that they do. Their core philosophy fuses the principles of human psychology with marketing and enrollment innovation. Carnegie measures and then markets to a student’s unique behaviors and motivators to create deep connection and real conversation. This leads to action, enrollment, retention, and lasting affinity.
Carnegie connects colleges with students through the power of human connection. A belief that genuine connection is the key to capturing attention and building affinity drives all that they do. Their core philosophy fuses the principles of human psychology with marketing and enrollment innovation. Carnegie measures and then markets to a student’s unique behaviors and motivators to create deep connection and real conversation. This leads to action, enrollment, retention, and lasting affinity.
Capture Higher Ed is a leading enrollment management and marketing firm that helps institutions make personalized, data-driven, timely and measured connections with prospective students. Powered by the Behavioral Intelligence Platform, Capture’s solutions and services help universities identify, convert and enroll the right students.
A nonprofit membership organization of more than 1,000 colleges and universities, Common App is committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students — a third of whom are first-generation — apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and connect to college counseling resources through Common App.
In addition to providing a single, online application and 24/7/365 support to all students, Common App connects applicants to a mobile app, financial aid and scholarship information, online portfolios, and a vast library of counselor resources available in English and Spanish. You support students. Common App supports you! Sign up for our monthly counselor newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/commonapp/signup
In addition to providing a single, online application and 24/7/365 support to all students, Common App connects applicants to a mobile app, financial aid and scholarship information, online portfolios, and a vast library of counselor resources available in English and Spanish. You support students. Common App supports you! Sign up for our monthly counselor newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/commonapp/signup
Parchment believes credentials matter in the lifelong journey of a learner, from applying to college to advancing their career. We deliver a comprehensive, award-winning academic credential management platform and global network, providing learners and other key stakeholders the ability to innovate, request, verify and share credentials simply and securely.
College Bound Selection Service (CBSS) is the missing piece in your recruitment strategy. We can identify your High School and Transfer Prospects. By adding CBSS to your mix of data suppliers, you reach over 30% of the students from your high yield areas that would otherwise be excluded from your communication flow.
Mongoose offers modern engagement solutions that balance automation and human interaction, simplifying and enriching the higher ed experience for faculty, students, families, and alumni. Easily break through the noise and reach students where they are with higher ed's premier texting platform. With time-saving features like campaigns, auto-response, and shared inboxes, Cadence is trusted by over 725 schools to deliver easy-to-manage, personalized texts to their students at mass scale.
As the industry leader in video-powered student recruitment and yield, PlatformQ Education’s products and services enable institutions to connect with prospective students, families, and key influencers, gain valuable insights into these audiences’ needs, and leverage those insights to improve recruitment and conversion.
The Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR/SSAR) by ScarletCS is currently used by first-year, transfer, and international applicants to enter, track, and submit courses and grades, test scores, and related documents to participating colleges and universities.
Over the last three decades, Liaison has helped over 31,000 programs on more than 1,000 campuses more effectively manage admissions through its Centralized Application Service (CAS™) technology and complementary application processing and support services. The higher education technology leader supports its partner institutions’ total enrollment goals by pairing CAS with its Enrollment Marketing (EM) platform as well as the recently acquired TargetX (CRM) and advanced analytics software Othot.
The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) is a statewide association representing the public policy interests of the chief executives of New York’s 100+ independent colleges and universities. CICU member institutions enroll 40 percent of college students in New York.
School Guide Publications is a multi-platform network reaching students planning for admission as first-time freshmen, college transfers, or graduate study. Colleges can reach potential students online or in print. Counselors prepare students using School Guide resources such as College Fair Guide, College Transfer Guide, and Graduateguide.com.
At Sodexo we believe in the difference a day makes. That’s why we are proud to focus on people’s essential needs: we see them as key to improve the quality of life. We know that by focusing on the tangible, the real, the concrete improvements, day after day, for millions of people, we have a big impact not only on individuals but also on society and the planet. We believe it all starts with the everyday. We are proud to be a Utica University partner! Welcome to Utica University, NYSACAC!
3Enrollment is modern marketing built for higher ed, covering the full student engagement cycle, from inquiries to application to deposit, integrating mobile, social media, digital marketing, SEM with conventional marketing.
It all starts with an idea! At Collegiate Productions, we partner with our clients to transform ideas from concept to reality while always adhering to brand guidelines. Innovation is our passion. Our capabilities include providing product innovation that focuses on engaging the consumer at every touch point. Our standards include the highest level of customer service, uncompromising quality, and seamless execution for every project.
Since 2009, we focus on the needs of the Higher Education market in providing a "One Stop" location for the best quality marketing products. Our goal is to achieve the highest customer satisfaction with an effort to build a partnership with each of our customers. Our team of professionals can assist our clients with solutions by offering printing services, premium promotional products, apparel solutions and consulting services. Your needs are our passion.
Since 2009, we focus on the needs of the Higher Education market in providing a "One Stop" location for the best quality marketing products. Our goal is to achieve the highest customer satisfaction with an effort to build a partnership with each of our customers. Our team of professionals can assist our clients with solutions by offering printing services, premium promotional products, apparel solutions and consulting services. Your needs are our passion.
Looking for a specific item or just browsing for ideas? ESM Enterprises is your source for Promotional Products and Business Gifts. Our extensive range of products will ensure you find something to suit your needs.
Put our knowledge about branded marketing to work for you! With high quality promotional products, fast delivery times, and prices to fit any budget, we will provide customized, relevant recommendations for you. Simply take a look around or contact us now and we'll do the shopping for you!
Put our knowledge about branded marketing to work for you! With high quality promotional products, fast delivery times, and prices to fit any budget, we will provide customized, relevant recommendations for you. Simply take a look around or contact us now and we'll do the shopping for you!
We hope you enjoy the Bath & Body items in your bag! Mathilda Jean Boutique carries a full line of bath and body products, jewelry, gifts, gourmet treats, candles and women’s clothing. www.mathildajean.com is your source for online boutique shopping.
CampusLogic delivers SaaS technology that helps colleges and universities remove barriers in the financial aid process. The company currently helps nearly 800 schools increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates with the most comprehensive platform of Student Financial Success products. The CampusLogic platform includes a net price calculator, complete scholarship management, personalized digital communications, simplified financial aid verification, 24x7 personalized virtual advising, tuition and scholarship crowdfunding, and integrated data visualizations. CampusLogic has received multiple awards, which include the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Inc. 5000, and Education Technology Insights Top 10 Artificial Intelligence Solution Provider. In April 2022, CampusLogic was acquired by Ellucian, a leader in higher education technology.
Unibuddy offers smarter student recruitment to higher education institutions through the facilitation of peer-to-peer interactions. Their suite of products enables prospective students to virtually connect with student ambassadors and staff through one-on-one chat, communities, live events, and more. Partnering with universities around the world since 2017, Unibuddy has helped more than one million students feel supported in making crucial decisions around their higher education experience.
For more than 40 years, students and their families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. Our mission is to provide personalized, innovative, best-in-class private tutoring, test prep, and admission products and services to help students knock down barriers and achieve their academic goals. With expert instructors, high-quality content, and cutting-edge technology, we offer a range of programs that meet the unique needs of each student—because student success is at the heart of everything we do.
For the last 70 years, ETS has been driven by a vision of what’s possible when all people can improve their lives through education. The TOEFL® tests help you make the best admissions decisions. With the TOEFL portfolio of high-quality English-language assessments and resources—including our flagship TOEFL iBT® test and the innovative and reliable TOEFL® Essentials™ test—you can recruit the most applicants, select the best, and retain more of them. Visit www.ets.org/toefl/
Covideo is a software company that helps higher education professionals connect with current and prospective students, alumni, donors and other key groups through video messaging. Through the platform, teams can record, send, and track videos across a variety of channels like email, text, chat and social. With an emphasis on personalization and personal connection, Covideo is helping colleges and universities reimagine their communication.
The FX Matt Brewing Company is located in Utica NY and has been family owned and operated since 1888. We are the only brewery in America to have three district tours in craft beer: (1) Our founder, FX Matt, was making craft beers pre-Prohibition (including his West End IPA (AKA Legacy) in 1914). (2) The “Utica Club” brand was notably crafty for the WWII era, having made a large variety of styles. (3) Finally, we came full circle back to our craft roots when we initiated the Saranac brand in the mid-80’s.
Why does all of this matter? It means we’ve got a whole lot of expertise in the craft space.
Why does all of this matter? It means we’ve got a whole lot of expertise in the craft space.
College-Bound Services offers college transition services for students with special needs. Thes include our 32-page database, based on years of research and practical experience, lists over 600 US colleges that have special "fee-for-service" programs or superior support for students with special needs. This is a must-have tool for every school counselor or educational consultant.
EAB’s mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We harness the collective power of more than 2,100 schools, colleges and universities to uncover proven practices and transformative insights. And since complex problems require multifaceted solutions, we work with each school differently to apply these insights through a customized blend of research, technology, and services. From kindergarten to college and beyond, EAB partners with education leaders, practitioners, and staff to accelerate progress and drive results across three key areas: enrollment management, student success and institutional operations and strategy.
For more than 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing our clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. We are proud of our longstanding history of supporting not only our customers but also our communities, employees and shareholders.
Place Bids Online | Opens 9:00 A.M., Monday, June 6 | Closes 1:00 P.M., Thursday, June 9
We welcome you to participate in the annual NYSACAC Silent Auction which opens Monday, 6/6 at 9 a.m. and closes Thursday, 6/9 at 1 p.m. Bid on 50+ items that have been donated by our colleagues, member-institutions, and organizations & businesses throughout New York and beyond! The Silent Auction is virtual for your convenience and can be visited via this link. All proceeds go toward student scholarships and professional development opportunities. Happy bidding!
NYSACAC Conference Agenda
Note: We will be adding details to the agenda in the weeks and months ahead, so be sure to check back.
| Agenda for Tuesday, June 7 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 PM. | Registration for NYSACAC Annual Conference / Coming Together Conference Cynkus Welcome Center |
| 12:15 - 1:15 P.M. | Coming Together Lunch Strebel Dining Commons |
| 1:15 - 2:30 P.M. | Coming Together Opening / Keynote Strebel Auditorium |
| 2:30 - 2:45 P.M. | Break |
| 2:45 - 3:45 P.M. | Coming Together Session 1 |
| 3:45 - 4:00 P.M. | Break |
| 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. | Coming Together Session 2 |
| 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. | Executive Board Meeting Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall |
| 6:30 - 8:00 P.M. | Non-CTC Dinner on your own |
| 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. | Coming Together Dinner Note New Location: Strebel Dining Commons |
| 8:30 - 9:30 P.M. | Steering Committee Reception Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall |
| 8:30 - 11:00 P.M. | Coming Together Social - Sponsored by CollegeVine  |
| 11:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M. | Late Night Hospitality Relax and catch up around the fire pit in the residential quad or catch a game on the TV's in the Pioneer Pub. |
| Agenda for Wednesday, June 8 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. | Golf at Valley View Golf Course (8 miles from Utica University) |
| 7:00 - 8:30 A.M. | Breakfast for Coming Together and Steering Committee, Eboard Strebel Dining Commons |
| 8:00 A.M - 2:30 P.M. | College Tour 1 - Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, Onondaga Community College |
| 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. | Registration for NYSACAC Annual Conference Cynkus Welcome Center |
| 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | Exhibitor Area Open |
| 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. | College Tour 2 - SUNY Poly, Herkimer College, Mohawk Valley Community College Departs from Strebel Circle |
| College Tour 3 - Hamilton College, Colgate University Departs from Strebel Circle | |
| 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. | Coming Together Session 3 |
| 10:00 - 10:15 A.M. | Break |
| 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. | Middle Management Institute Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall |
| 10:15 - 11:15 A.M. | Coming Together Session 4 |
| 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. | Coming Together Closing Strebel Auditorium |
| 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. | Coming Together Lunch / Steering Committee and Eboard Lunch |
| 1:00 - 7:00 P.M. | Exhibitor Area Open Strebel Lounge |
| 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. | SIG Meetups: WE-WISH - Faculty Center 101 African Diaspora - Faculty Center 105 |
| 1:00 - 1:45 P.M. | Newcomers Orientation |
| 2:15 - 3:15 P.M. | Conference Welcome and Awards Harold T. Clark Jr. Athletic Center |
| 3:30 - 4:30 P.M. | Conference Session A |
| 4:30 - 5:30 P.M. | SIG Meetups: Community College/Transfer SIG - Faculty Center 101 Latinx SIG - Faculty Center 105 |
| 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. | Cocktail and Hors d'Oeuvres Welcome Reception Harold T. Clark Jr. Athletic Center |
| 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. | Newcomers Reception / Cocktail Hour |
| 6:30 - 11:00 P.M. | Utica University Boardwalk Dinner and Social - Sponsored by encoura®  |
| 11:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M. | Late Night Hospitality Relax and catch up around the fire pit in the residential quad or catch a game on the TV's in the Pioneer Pub. |
| Agenda for Thursday, June 9 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. | Registration for NYSACAC Annual Conference Cynkus Family Welcome Center |
| 7:00 - 8:30 A.M. | Breakfast Strebel Dining Commons |
| 8:00 - 8:30 A.M. | General Membership Meeting Strebel Auditorium |
| 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. | Conference Session B |
| 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | Exhibitor Area Open Strebel Lounge |
| 9:45 - 10:45 A.M. | Conference Session C |
| 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | Conference Keynote - Sponsored by Platform Q  |
| 12:00 - 1:15 P.M. | Lunch Strebel Dining Commons |
| 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. | Exhibitor Area Open Strebel Lounge |
| 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. | Conference Session D (Includes Legislative Session) |
| 1:30 - 4:00 P.M. | Executive Leadership Forum Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall |
| 2:45 - 3:45 P.M. | College Fair Hutton Sports Dome |
| 3:45 - 4:15 P.M. | CBO Fair |
| 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. | Executive Leadership / Exhibitor Reception (MMI invited) Library Concourse |
| 4:15 - 5:15 P.M. | SIG Meetups: LGBTQIA+ SIG - Faculty Center 101 Women in Counseling and Admission SIG - Faculty Center 105 |
| 4:45 - 6:45 P.M. | FUNdraisers: ♦ Paint and Sip - Sponsored by GECKOTents on Strebel lawn (Note: Fully Booked - No New Registrants)  ♦ Bocce - Sponsored by Capture Hutton Sports Dome  ♦ Utica Zoo - Explore the grounds and meet some amazing animals! Bus departs from Strebel Circle (Note: Fully Booked - No New Registrants)
♦ 7 Hamlets Brewing - Beer, wine, and live music - Sponsored by Common AppBuses depart from Strebel Circle (Note: Fully Booked - No New Registrants)  |
| 6:15 - 7:15 P.M. | Past President's Reception Pioneer Pub |
| 7:00 - 11:00 P.M. | Social and Dinner at Turning Stone Casino (Transportation provided) NYSACAC is taking over The Tin Rooster and The Gig at Turning Stone! Join us for great food, drinks, music, and some casino fun. Buses depart from Strebel Circle |
| 11:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M. | Late Night Hospitality Relax and catch up around the fire pit in the residential quad or catch a game on the TV's in the Pioneer Pub. |
| Agenda for Friday, June 10 | |
|---|---|
| 7:45 - 8:45 A.M. | Breakfast Strebel Dining Commons |
| 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. | Conference Session E |
| 10:15 - 11:15 A.M. | Closing Ceremony / Slide Show / Lunch to go Harold T. Clark Jr. Athletic Center |
Coming Together Sessions
Organized by NYSACAC’s Coming Together Committee, this year we are celebrating the 25th Annual Coming Together Conference (CTC). CTC's intention is to create a space where professionals can engage in thought-provoking conversations and share best practices around equity, inclusion, access, and success in post-secondary education. The conference also provides an opportunity for reconnecting and relationship-building for the year ahead. As in years past, Coming Together will continue to foster a practitioner-focused culture by utilizing a variety of formats that encourage open and honest conversations.
Keynote / Fireside Chat
Join us for a conversation with key participants, practitioners, and leaders in the history of the Coming Together Conference as we reflect on the past 25 years and discuss why this space is more important than ever. From its beginnings as a small group of 15 college access / success professionals at The New School to an annual convening of 250+ attendees, Coming Together is a crucial space in the NYSACAC community. Our panelists were all instrumental in the creation of Coming Together and bring with them a wealth of experience, and knowledge, not only as active practitioners in the field, previous Coming Together Conference Co-Chairs, and former NYSACAC Vice Presidents of Inclusion, Access, & Success. We look forward to diving into the origins of the Coming Together Conference and looking to the future as we continue to create and hold this space for many years to come.
Panelists:
Beryl Jeffers - Director for Enrollment Services, The State University of New York (SUNY)
Chris Milton - Director of the Pathway to Student STEM Success, The City University of New York (CUNY) Lehman College
Jo Anne Phang - Director of Admissions - Partnership Programs, Syracuse University
Carla Shere - Director of College Counseling, Heckscher Scholars
Open Air Fair
After the Coming Together Educational Sessions end, the conversations should not stop there. Taking place right after each educational session, the CTC Open Air Fair is a space for continued discussions, and opening up dialogue for other topics that might not have been touched upon via a formal educational session. Each Open Air Fair session will be focused on a specific topic, and will allow participants to ask questions, share best practices, and engage in critical dialogue. Participants will be able to, and are encouraged to hop in and out of Open Air Fair sessions as they choose, to make the most of their time and experience.
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTE High School and Technical College Partnerships - Best Practices Revisited, Post-Pandemic | Hubbard Hall 212 | How can CTE High Schools and programs collaborate with technical and community colleges to provide our graduates opportunities for long-term post-secondary success in a post-pandemic society? Revisiting our presentation at the 2019 Conference, this workshop shares time-tested best practices for CTE high schools and programs partnering with college admissions offices, including an overview of instant admission sessions, accepted students days, articulation agreements, and more. We will focus in particular on accommodations and adjustments that saw us through the COVID induced shut-downs, as well as the various ways in which the pandemic enhanced our practices and strengthened our relationships, despite the challenges we face as we move back towards "normalcy." | Michael J. Mahrer - College Access Coordinator and English Teacher, Chelsea CTE High School; Jennifer Moreno - Community Coordinator and College Advisor, Chelsea CTE High School; Dan Ianno - Director of Admissions, SUNY - Mohawk Valley Community College |
| (Re)defining the Role of Community College Post Covid-19 and Beyond | Hubbard Hall 213 | Since the 1900s community colleges have served as a bridge for students seeking access to a brighter future. With an early emphasis on technical trainings, that awarded diplomas or certificates of proficiency, community colleges have evolved to become reputable institutions offering associate degrees that provide students access to competitive wages or transfer to some of the most elite four-year colleges or universities. Yet, two-year institutions continue to grapple with the stigma of being perceived as extensions of high school even with evidence of countless success stories of students who have become successful business persons, entrepreneurs, teachers, judges, actors, governors, to name a few. It is time to reimagine the role and significance of community colleges in the 21st century. | Larry Johnson, Jr. - President, Guttman Community College CUNY |
| Charting a Path to Transfer Success: The Role of CBOs | Hubbard Hall 207 | Through her work, CUNY researcher Dr. Lexa Logue has noted that 87% of first-year students at 2-year CUNY community colleges profess the desire to transfer to 4-year colleges. Still, only 16% do so successfully after 6 years. There are important opportunities for community-based organizations to play a larger role in assuring successful transfer. In particular, CBOs are often still engaging with their program alumni after they matriculated to college to support persistence. This facilitated discussion will focus on how CBO and higher education institutions are currently supporting their youth through the college transfer process; innovative and creative practices which promote successful outcomes; opportunities for collaboration between institutions and systems; and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transfer process and emerging trends in transfer applications. | Tania Ortiz-Ashby - Senior Program Director, Partnership for After School Education; Shreya Malena-Sannon - Chief Program Officer, Partnership for After School Education |
| Debunking The Model Minority Myth In College Admissions | Hubbard Hall 107 | The common practice when college counseling and reviewing Asian/ Asian-American student applications is to often group them together in a monolithic formula. The assumption is that Asian students always pursue STEM, Asian students always exceed in their classes and exams, and that, overall, they are always at an academic advantage when applying into colleges or selective programs. However, these misconceptions are due to the Model Minority Myth, which neglects the histories and experiences of millions of Asian families who do not fit this mythical formula. In this workshop/lecture, participants will learn about the immigration patterns that created the Model Minority Myth, how this history perpetuates educators biases against their Asian students, and different methods to holistically counsel students in the college applications / admissions process. | Tachrina Ahmed - Director of College Access and Success at Expanded Horizons, Henry Street Settlement; Jennifer Chavez - College Access Coordinator, Henry Street Settlement; Angel Tatis - College Success Coordinator, Henry Street Settlement |
| Hot Ones: Career Readiness Edition | Hubbard Hall 206 | We all know career readiness as a buzzword in our field, but what could it look like for college students when it works? In this intimate cross-sector panel discussion, we will hear from college and CBO leaders who are restructuring their work to have career readiness front and center. We will be asking hot questions and enjoying even hotter snacks (pending Covid safety guidelines). For anyone who is working to prioritize career readiness in college persistence practice, this conversation will stoke your flames. | Risa Dubow - Consultant / College Counselor, Grad Team Collective; Maggie Brown Read - Consultant, Grad Team Collective |
| Improving Postsecondary Access to Noncollege Pathways: The Process of Researching, Connecting, and Matching Young Adults with Career and Technical Opportunities | Hubbard Hall 209A | Our field is starting to move beyond a college for all approach, but this has left many college advisors wondering how to effectively support students who want a non-college option while ensuring we maintain an equity lens in our work. We will open this session by sharing what we have learned in our own work about the landscape of pro-pathways (including certificates, credentials, advanced training, and trade) and different models for building a career-inclusive advising approach (both within a college office and school/program-wide). We will highlight existing tools and resources for college advisors and students, and then participants will move through real-life scenarios in order to share and generate their own insights and promising practices using the tools and their own experiences. | Robin Blanc - College Access Director, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow; Yana Geyfman - Alumni Manager, NYC Outward Bound Schools |
| Lift as you Climb: Navigating Professional Ranks of Postsecondary Access and Success | Faculty Center 101 | How does one navigate the professional landscape and ascend the postsecondary hierarchy of access and success? There are inherent challenges in growth and development from entry-level to middle management and senior-level administrators. Equally challenging are the nuances present, whether working in the secondary, higher ed, or CBO space. Add another layer of complexity and challenge if you are a potential candidate from a diverse or historically underrepresented background. Join your like-minded colleagues for an interactive dialogue and skill-building collaboration to gain perspective on how to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities to move up the professional ladder in our field. | Shameek Robinson - Regional Director, Northeast, College Advising Corps; Robyn G. Phillips - Founder, Blaque Forest Creative Group LLC |
| Out of the Closet While Living in the Woods | Hubbard Hall 214 | LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate. With this significant shift in self-identification, this session will focus on how individual colleges, community-based organizations, and schools are helping to address issues of sexual identity to ensure equity. | Emmanuel Cruz - Director of Admissions, New York School of Interior Design, Post-Secondary Pathways Manager, East Harlem Tutorial Program; Betty Chen - Post-Secondary Pathways Manager, East Harlem Tutorial Program |
| Social Emotional Learning and Trauma informed Care in College Counseling | Hubbard Hall 114 | Explore the role Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care play in post-secondary planning discussions and events. Participate in some hands-on activities and share best practices. This session will make use of storytelling, facilitated discussion and games/activities to make your practice more engaging. | Clara Delgado - Program Director, Good Shepherd Services |
| We Conquered May 1st...now what? | Faculty Center 105 | Much of our focus for seniors is navigating the college admissions process and finding the right-fit institution for them to enroll in. But what happens after the decision is made? What steps should students take after May 1st to prepare themselves for the start of college in August/September? We bring together higher education professionals from academic and student affairs to discuss what students and their counselors need to know about what happens between May 2nd and the start of classes. Learn best practices for working with students to develop the tools necessary to ensure they take care of everything they need to take care of before they arrive to campus for orientation. | Aaron Ray - Director of Opportunity Programs, Hamilton College; Travis Hill - Associate Dean of Students, Hamilton College; Emma Moteyunas - Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students, Hamilton College |
| Session Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| "Mind the gap": Financial Aid for Middle Income Students | Faculty Center 102 | Open Air Fair |
| Alternative / Upward Pathways | Hubbard Hall 205 | Open Air Fair |
| College Success Professionals UNITE | Hubbard Hall 211 | Open Air Fair |
| Lessons from COVID-19 | Hubbard Hall 215 | Open Air Fair |
| Summer Melt & Transition | Faculty Center 104 | Open Air Fair |
| Supporting LGBTQIA Students | Hubbard Hall 218 | Open Air Fair |
| Supporting Undocumented / DACAmented Students | Hubbard Hall 204 | Open Air Fair |
| The Model Minority Myth | Hubbard Hall 108 | Open Air Fair |
| Trauma Informed Counseling / Care | Hubbard Hall 113 | Open Air Fair |
| Working with Neurodiverse Populations | Hubbard Hall 209 | Open Air Fair |
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Toolkit for Discussing Racial Bias and the Inherent Trauma of Attending College with High School Students | Hubbard Hall 207 | Over the course of their years in college, students of Color consistently encounter bias and racism on their College Campuses. Whether this is in the form of microaggressions, unconscious bias, or explicit racism, students of color are forced to navigate systems and structures that are inherently traumatic to them. During this session, we will discuss best practices around preparing students to navigate the systems and structures that exist on college campuses, while preserving and uplifting their self-worth and advocacy skills. We will also discuss the importance of incorporating social-emotional learning and growth prior to and during the college application process as students develop their own toolkits to navigate the trauma of being a POC on a college campus. | Adrienne Lauchert - College Counselor, DREAM Charter High School; Carlos Grimes - College Counselor, DREAM Charter High School; Andrew Nicolas - College Counselor, DREAM Charter High School |
| Counseling Trans and Genderqueer Students | Hubbard Hall 212 | Although there may be some overarching idea on how counselors (at H.S. and college level) can support trans and non-binary students, most of those ideas are rooted in emotional rather than advocatory counseling. While it is invaluable to ensure trans/genderqueer students have a safe space to share their stories and needs to their counselors, counselors should also be equipped to support their students beyond holding that emotional space. | Tachrina Ahmed - Director of College Access and Success at Expanded Horizons, Henry Street Settlement; Darlene Laboy - College Access Coordinator, Henry Street Settlement |
| From the Jump: Starting College & Career Exploration in "Junior Seminar" | Hubbard Hall 209 | The college exploration and application process can be daunting, especially for first-generation students. It is also essential that students start on this process before their senior year. In this session, we will share lessons, materials, and inspiration for engaging 11th graders. These materials have been developed for a semester-long advisory program in a high school, and provide structures and systems that are intended to put students in the driver's seat for post-secondary planning. Resources include a financial aid survey for families, a workbook for students to track their progress, and a scope & sequence of lessons ranging from financial aid to college research to the benefits of applying to college via early decision and early action plans. | Diana Moldovan - Director of Programs, Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice; Alberto Lainez - College & Career Advisor, Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice; Anabel Adames - College Advisor, NYU College Advising Corps |
| Opportunity Program Admissions: How Can This Process Be Improved? | Faculty Center 105 | Counselors recognize how arduous the H/EOP/SEEK/CD admission process is, and how our students struggle to submit all necessary supplements and documentation for every school. This session will be an opportunity for the access community to come together to identify the barriers, and to propose solutions that will improve the process for students, families and institutions. After this session, facilitators will share our suggestions with NYSED, HEOP-PO, SUNY and CUNY. | Cassie Magesis - Director of College Success, Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy; Mike Campanelli - Director of College Counseling, Urban Assembly School for Green Careers; Maria Franqui - College Counselor, Urban Assembly School for Leadership and Empowerment |
| Opportunity Programs: Never Say “We Have Seen It All”, an Intermediate Approach | Hubbard Hall 214 | Participants will gain an in-depth knowledge base navigating the landscape from relationships, finding the right fit, and documenting eligibility. | William (Bill) Short - Director, Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, St. Lawrence University; Julio A. Torres Jr. - Admissions Representative, Western Connecticut State University |
| Raising "STARS": How One Public School's Post-COVID Approach to "Non-College Pathways" Took Flight | Hubbard Hall 206 | STARS = Skilled through Alternate Routes. STARS (STARS = Skilled through Alternate Routes) is a concept developed by the non-profit Opportunity@Work. While the normative pathway of high school to college works for some, for others it falls short. Low engagement and college going culture, disillusionment with available options. As a counselor coming into a new school where many students dismissed college and many sought work in the trades or tech, we had to learn about alternatives leading to GOOD* jobs and options. This session will start with a sharing of experience at City Poly, share learnings from partnering with The Marcy Lab, a 1 year tech apprenticeship program and transition to discussion and idea sharing from the audience to spark discussion about how to better incorporate alternatives to traditional college into our advising. | Lennix Foreman - Director of Career & College Coaching, City Polytechnic HS, NYC DOE; Rohan Pessoa - School Counselor, City Polytechnic HS; Tatiana Marshall - Director of Admissions, The Marcy Lab |
| Successful and …: Living and Thriving Through Authenticity and Self-Preservation in a Systemically Racist World as BIPOC Professionals | Hubbard Hall 107 | The pandemic has challenged the way in which BIPOC professionals show up to work as their true full selves. We have been forced to abandon our integrity for our professional and personal survival, often transmuting in the work and the communication we have with the communities we serve. This discussion and workshop will explore how we as individuals and as a collective can shift the way we perceive success without needing to forgo five fundamental aspects of our integrity: relationships, our words, self-care, self-respect, and work ethic. We can begin to deconstruct our internal biases and be able to elevate the aspirations of our communities by modeling how to show up as our authentic selves and have that translate into the work that we do. | Leticia Vasquez - Vice Chair of Special Events, CACNY; Shuba Maniram - Vice Chair of Meetings, CACNY |
| Testing in the Times of Covid: New SAT, Old SAT, No SAT | Faculty Center 101 | From canceled SAT Subject tests to ACT Superscoring to the cyberSAT testing is changing and the way colleges are using testing is changing even more. This session will discuss the myriad changes, help you understand what they mean to colleges, counselors, and families. A panel of experts in testing, admissions, and counseling will guide the conversation and answer questions. | Akil Bello - Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement, FairTest; Ana Henriquez - Director of College & Career Counseling, Bronx Center for Science & Mathematics; Jonathan Burdick - Vice Provost for Enrollment, Cornell University |
| The Five W's for NYS Students to Consider Historically Black Colleges and Universities | Hubbard Hall 213 | Many New York State students and counselors are unaware of the benefits of attending one of the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In fact, this lack of awareness may even lead to bias against these important institutions. In this workshop, facilitators Michael Walden, a college counselor and HBCU alumnus, and Ummi Modeste, a college counselor and HBCU parent, will discuss the "who, what, when, where and why" of considering HBCUs, especially for New Yorkers. Don't worry, the "how" will be covered, too. | R. Ummi Modeste - Independent Educational Consultant; Michael Walden - College Counselor, The SEED School of Maryland |
| Session Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative / Upward Pathways | Hubbard Hall 205 | Open Air Fair |
| BIPOC Selfcare | Hubbard Hall 108 | Open Air Fair |
| Conversations About Race with Students | Hubbard Hall 203 | Open Air Fair |
| Early College & Career Access | Hubbard Hall 209A | Open Air Fair |
| HEOP Admissions | Faculty Center 104 | Open Air Fair |
| HBCU Admissions & Counseling | Hubbard Hall 218 | Open Air Fair |
| Supporting Undocumented / DACAmented Students | Hubbard Hall 204 | Open Air Fair |
| Holding Space for Seasoned Professionals | Hubbard Hall 113 | Open Air Fair |
| Special Financial Aid Processes | Hubbard Hall 215 | Open Air Fair |
| Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students | Hubbard Hall 211 | Open Air Fair |
| The Future of the SAT & Higher Ed | Faculty Center 102 | Open Air Fair |
Educational Sessions
Take part in this outstanding professional development opportunity for everyone in our profession. Join the discussion as our colleagues and partners share their expertise, experience, and perspective.
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Schools and the Pandemic | Faculty Center 105 | A panel of experienced counselors from NYS public high schools will share important highlights from our experiences as we managed the college counseling process throughout the pandemic, from our rapid shift to remote learning in the spring of 2020, to our full in-person return this year. | Jeffrey Makris: Director of College Counseling, Stuyvensant High School; Alex Rigney: Director of College Advisement, Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology |
| Establishing Career Connections | Gordon Science Center 78 | Mentorship is an important aspect of professional development that should be natural and unforced. You may even find a mentor or mentee to connect with during our fun activity! Whether you are in search of a mentor or would like to mentor a new professional within our organization, join us for tips, tricks and testimonials. | Anna Ragno: Associate Director of Admissions, Utica University; Shuba Maniram: Manager of Postsecondary Programs and Partnerships, New Settlement College Access Center; Luis Barcelo: School Counselor, Pelham Memorial High School |
| Gen Z - High Touch Communication in a High-Tech World | Faculty Center 101 | Attend a discussion of Gen-Z traits and how to authentically communicate with this population in a personalized way | Andrea Nadler: Senior Associate Dean of Admission, Hofstra University; Bryan Rothstein: Senior Association Dean of Admission, Hofstra University |
| Onboarding the New Hire | Hubbard Hall 107 | High school counseling offices, college admissions offices and CBOs are constantly in a state of flux with employees turning over on an annual basis. How do we ensure the success of our new hires, particularly helping them integrate with existing staff, norms, and cultures? We will discuss best practices and strategies | Heidi Green: Director of Counseling Services, Fayetteville-Manlius High School; John Young: VP and Dean of Admissions, Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Donna Shaffner: Principal, Financial Aid Optimization |
| Bridging Communications Post-COVID Between Students and Admissions | Hubbard Hall 205 | Through this workshop individuals will be able to share ideas on how they changed reaching out to the traditional student. Facilitators will talk about their experiences within their perspective schools, explaining the different techniques they used to better communicate. Breakout sessions will help encourage new ideas. | Sara Eletr: Admissions Counselor, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Khalia Banks: Senior Admissions Advisor NYC Regional Recruiter, SUNY Cortland |
| Standardized Testing, Unstandardized Guidance | Donahue Auditorium | Critics of the SAT and ACT argue that loosened testing requirements improve college access for underrepresented students while mitigating misuse. Proponents acknowledge that, although imperfect, standardized tests provide essential, nationally-normed information that enables colleges to decode the transcript and meaningfully compare applicants. Amid this debate, data from selective colleges indicates that students with scores retained an advantage over those without scores. This session will unpack the benefits and drawbacks of testing while thoughtfully speculating about the future of the SAT and ACT. | Adam Ingersoll: Co-Founder and Principal, Compass Education Group; Jonathan Burdick: Vice Provost for Enrollment, Cornell University |
| Application Dos and Don’ts: Help Your Students' Applications Stand Out for the Right Reasons | Hubbard Hall 207 | Careless mistakes are an avoidable pitfall commonly seen in applications for college admission. This presentation will share tips and advice to help students craft polished applications that will help them put their best foot forward. The presenters will share examples of humorous (and sometimes cringeworthy) errors. Resources will be shared with all participants. | Suzanne Miller: Long Island Admissions Counselor, SUNY Geneseo; Kate Anderson: Assistant Director of Admissions, SUNY Oswego; Caitlin Maceno: Admissions Counselor/Long Island Recruitment Coordinator, SUNY Albany |
| Opportunity Programs: The Nuts and Bolts | Hubbard Hall 212 | Regardless of your level of experience, this session will provide strategic information to further assist you and your students regarding opportunity programs and building relationships. | Ikenna Uche: Senior Assistant Director, Fordham University; Julio A. Torres Jr.: Admissions Representative, Western Connecticut State University |
| The Road to HSI: Where and How to Recruit Out-of-State Hispanic Students in 2022 | Hubbard Hall 213 | The changing demographics in NYS provide opportunities for secondary and higher educations professionals to close achievement and college attainment gaps while creating nurturing communities that foster student success. Our panel will discuss how high schools and two and four-year colleges can implement pathways to college attainment, retention, and completion through student mentoring and engagement. Populations to be covered include students who are new to the United States, students from families with limited financial resources, and students of color, especially those in suburban and rural communities that are experiencing rapid changes in their populations. | Vinay Bhaskara, Co-founder, CollegeVine |
| Holistically Lit | Gordon Science Center 271 | How was your college experience? Were you part of a student club? There is more to college than studying and earning good grades. This session will explore the role of faculty and staff members as it pertains to students on-campus | Beryl S. Jeffers, MA, Ed.M: Director, The State University of New York, The Welcome Center; Felipe Ayala, Jr.: ASAP Academic Advisor, Bronx Community College and Co-chair ASAP Men’s Roundtable; Donovan Griffin: ASAP Academic Advisor, Bronx Community College and Co-chair ASAP Men’s Roundtable; Nicole Benjamin: ASAP Academic Advisor, Bronx Community College and Chair of the ASAP Women’s Empowerment Committee |
| Record, Recruit, Repeat - Improve Yield and Fight Melt with Personalized Video | Gordon Science Center 272 | Between declining enrollment numbers, Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing challenges, colleges and universities have been tasked with finding creative ways to continue to engage with prospective students. Rather than relying solely on traditional outreach such as phone calls and emails, forward-thinking admissions teams are adapting with a new form of communication: video email and messaging. Join us as we explore this innovation, exchange best practices, and share how admission teams are winning with personalized videos. | Margaret Henney: Director of Marketing, Covideo; John C. McLoughlin: Director, Onshore Recruitment & Strategic Affiliations, Covideo; Jessica Nelson: Executive Director of Admissions, Utica University |
| Did COVID Kill the SAT and ACT? | Macfarlane Auditorium | It is confirmed cannon that video killed the radio star, but has COVID managed to off the SAT and ACT, too? Let’s view this question through various lenses so that we may deem if it’s indeed curtains for those pesky tests. Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief, will lead this discussion and serve up our most pressing questions. He’ll use surveys of college brass, college students, college bound students and their families to lead the presentation. | Rob Franek: Editor-in-Chief, The Princeton Review |
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seize the Day: Embracing the Changing Demographics in Our Student Populations | Faculty Center 101 | The changing demographics in NYS provide opportunities for secondary and higher educations professionals to close achievement and college attainment gaps while creating nurturing communities that foster student success. Our panel will discuss how high schools and two and four-year colleges can implement pathways to college attainment, retention, and completion through student mentoring and engagement. Populations to be covered include students who are new to the United States, students from families with limited financial resources, and students of color, especially those in suburban and rural communities that are experiencing rapid changes in their populations. | Marissa Guijarro: School Counselor/Adjunct Instructor, Suffern High School/LIU Hudson; Robert Mariani: Teacher/ASIPRA Advisor, Suffern High School |
| What Happened to My Rep?! | Faculty Center 105 | A panel from both sides of the desk will discuss the challenges that COVID imposed on the essential relationship between colleges and those who guide students to them, the high school and CBO counselors. Participants will learn data behind what they have seen and heard anecdotally, and we will open the discussion to learn how admissions offices are moving forward in the newest phase of the COVID era moving into fall 2022. | Jane Mathias: Director of Guidance, Nardin Academy; Timothy Lee: Vice President for Enrollment Management, Le Moyne College; Ana Henriquez: Director of College and Career Counseling, Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics; Luis Santiago: Director of Admissions, Western Connecticut State University |
| Reimagining Student Search | Gordon Science Center 178 | Creating prospective student lists is becoming more challenging for colleges and universities in a test optional environment. Historically, many leads came from two places: test-taker lists from college match services (SAT, ACT, etc.) and in-person recruitment, such as admission counselor travel. These are both now in flux. The objective of this session will be to collect the wisdom of the audience and the facilitator(s) through active discussion of alternative Student Search tactics for college and university recruitment teams. Possible tactics include: social media influencers, look-alike modeling, and others. | Nicholas Balk: Vice President of University Partnerships, enrollmentFUEL |
| Listening to the Student Voice: How to Meaningfully Engage Today's Students | Gordon Science Center 271 | Students’ voices are loud and clear today. Growing concerns like financial responsibility and social inclusion can be readily heard from students everywhere. As students’ motivations have evolved over the course of the pandemic, colleges and universities have been challenged to change with them. Now, it is even more critical to identify opportunities within your enrollment funnel to meaningfully engage students in a way that speaks directly to their motivations and preferences. we’ll share the latest research and marketing solutions that can help you deliver the right message to the right student at the right time—and just as importantly, on the right channel —ensuring you bring your best-fit students from admitted to enrolled. | Joe Cosentino: Regional Director, Encoura |
| Person, Purpose and Process: A Student-Focused Curriculum for Post-Secondary Options | Hubbard Hall 107 | Person, purpose, and pathway are guiding ideas to enhance a post-secondary process for students. Combining SEL components of self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, and personal interests, this presentation will provide attendees with a unique method to engage students in their post-secondary pathways. By breaking down the activities into a developmental school counseling format beginning in the first year of high school, students are able to develop a four-year academic plan with purpose, build a resume identifying specific skills, explore essay topics that are meaningful, visit colleges with a perspective on personal growth, and align abilities with future careers and goals. Presenters will provide resources to help develop a college and career readiness program that is student-focused. | Dr. Deborah Hardy: Independent School Counselor and Founder, GuidEd Consulting |
| Helping Learners Turn Their Credentials into Opportunities with District Records Management | Hubbard Hall 205 | In an information based economy, knowledge is currency and credentials can unlock doors to college and career opportunities. In this discussion between a facilitator and guidance leaders from two NY high schools, we'll dig into the challenges of storing and sharing academic records and how two NY high schools have improved support of learner college and career outcomes with innovative solutions for digital records management. | Brian Drummey: Regional Sales Manager, Northeast, Parchment |
| Talk to Me Nice: Equity Through Self-Advocacy | Hubbard Hall 206 | Working with low-income, first generation, students of color as high school college advisers means advocating for our students and showing them how to advocate for themselves. The term “self-advocacy,” has roots in both disability and civil rights movements, and joined our lexicon in the 1960s and 70s. There are so many barriers to self-advocacy that our students face, including racism, sexism, classism, and ableism. In our discussion, we will speak about the origins of self-advocacy, our own experiences advocating for ourselves during our own college processes, as well as our experiences working with students who live at the margins of many intersecting identities | Zuri Gordon: College Adviser, NYU College Advising Corps, Bronx Lab School; Anabel Adames: College Adviser, NYU College Advising Corps, Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice; Amada Hassan: College Adviser, NYU College Advising Corps, Global Learning Collaborative |
| SIGS: Value of Affinity, Diversity, and Community within NYSACAC | Hubbard Hall 207 | NYSACAC values the unique personal and professional background and experiences of all its members. That diversity of background and experiences contributes to a robust and beneficial community. Still, within that larger community, there are groups of individuals sharing similar interests and goals. Special Interest Groups (SIGs) create safe spaces amongst those groups of individuals for networking, resources for mentorship, and training for professional development. We have 6 Special Interest Groups that serve as ally and affinity groups for those interested in specific populations/topics. They are LGBTQIA+, African Diaspora, Transfer/Community College, WE-WISH (White Engagement: Work on Identity and Status for Healing), Latinx, and Women in Counseling & Admission. During this session, learn about the current SIGs of NYSACAC, their benefits, and opportunities for you to join. | Shameek Robinson: Regional Director, Northeast, College Advising Corps; Erica Padilla: Regional Associate Director, New York Metro, University of Rochester; Estrella Redondo: Interim Director of Enrollment, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies |
| Evolving the Admissions Office to Make Deeper Connections with High School Students | Hubbard Hall 211 | With changing enrollment strategies, institutions across the globe are re-evaluating their admissions and recruitment methods. This session covers a new way enrollment leaders can leverage data gathered from the country's largest credential exchange to uncover new recruitment opportunities from high schools and then streamline the admissions processes so that they can more quickly admit students. | Heather Hoskins: Manager, Admissions Services, Higher Ed Parchment |
| LGBTQ: Why Are We Languishing? | Hubbard Hall 212 | In this workshop, we will have a self-care discussion about coping with languishing in this post-acceptance world. How can people move on from stagnation and emptiness in this pre-post COVID world? | Emmanuel Cruz: Associate Director of Admissions, SUNY Oswego |
| Empowering Counselors to Use the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission | Hubbard Hall 214 | As we settle into the new reality of best practices instead of an enforceable ethical code, it is important that we discuss how our role in advocating for and educating our students and families has shifted.This session will focus on the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission and how practitioners can use it as a tool to advocate for our students. We will review what is in the Guide, discuss how it differs from previous ethical documents (SPGP and CEPP), and explore the new responsibilities of counselors in advocating for their students. We will explore challenging scenarios that frequently arise in our work, and talk through possible steps that can be taken when encountering these scenarios. | Mike Campanelli: School Counselor, The Urban Assembly School for Green Careers; Austin Brass: Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Daemen University |
| The Impact of COVID-19 and Online Learning | Faculty Center 102 | COVID-19 and online learning experience have been an unprecedented phenomenon for all students across the world and students were considerably impacted by the pandemic. This study aims to explore and shed light on how urban high school students, where the majority is low income, were impacted by the pandemic. | Mustafa Kekec: Director of Guidance, Buffalo Academy of Science |
| Be Seen: Build Awareness for Today's Digital Natives | Faculty Center 104 | Your goal—stand out, win the first (and second) look, build affinity to your institution. Old solutions that only focus on student search, CRM, inquiries, even marketing automation—are not enough to break through the noise. Winning in today’s complex, interconnected, multidevice environment requires a radically new approach (and the right technology) to build awareness among digital natives. | Geoff Broome: Director of Enrollment Marketing, 3 Enrollment Marketing |
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diving Into College Admissions | Faculty Center 101 | For counselors new to the profession, acquiring the knowledge of college admissions can, at times, feel overwhelming. We will address what has worked for us as new counselors, what we have struggled with, sources of support, and how we have grown. Counselors from a variety of backgrounds and institutions ranging from single sex independent schools to large public high schools will share their experiences and discuss challenges they have encountered in their first few years. | Mary Kate McDermott: Counselor, Nardin Academy; Ann O. Leslie: Director of College Counseling, Buffalo Seminary; Kwasi Yeboah: Admission Counselor, Le Moyne College |
| Is There a New Normal in College Admissions? | Faculty Center 105 | With an aggregate of well over 100 years working in a variety of positions/institutions, this experienced group has observed significant changes in our profession. As we emerge from the pandemic, we will share our perspective on what the “new normal” in college admissions looks like. We explore what has changed and what remains the same in our profession after two years of COVID adaptions. We will discuss what implications that leaves for the present-day students, parents, counselors, faculty, and administrators both at the colleges and in secondary schools. | Will Cardamone: Director of College Counseling, Manlius Pebble Hill School; Matt Malatesta: VP for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment, Union College; Susan Davidson: Senior Associate Director of College Counseling, Rye Country Day School |
| Transgender Students and the Future of Sports | Gordon Science Center 178 | Lia Thomas is not the first trans swimmer in the NCAA, but her victories have put her at the center of a debate about trans athletes. With this significant win, there's been much debate about how transgender students should go through the NCAA process for eligibility. | Emmanuel Cruz: Associate Director of Admissions, SUNY Oswego; David O'Connor: MS, PMHNP-BC; Caitlin Maceno: Long Island Coordinator, SUNY University at Albany |
| Demystifying HEOP | Gordon Science Center 271 | There are over 50 Higher Education Opportunity Programs in NYS and each one is unique. For over 52 years, HEOP has been a leader in providing access, a sense of inclusion, and career and academic success to some of the most incredible students to ever graduate from a New York high school. Despite this, there are many misconceptions about what our programs are and what we do, and there are many folks who do not know that our programs exist. Join three HEOP directors as they share the history, mission, and intricacies of what these programs are, what they can do for students, and what counselors, access/success professionals, and admissions professionals need to know about the latest trends we are seeing in students coming out of a COVID-impacted high school experience. | Aaron Ray: Director of Opportunity Programs, Hamilton College; Woody Horning: Director, Student Opportunity Programs, Cornell University; KL Lane: Director of HEOP and AHANA, Le Moyne College |
| Identify Now, Convert Today, Enroll Tomorrow | Hubbard Hall 107 | We are in a period of hyper transformation for enrollment marketing and recruitment. With everything being measured for its efficacy, it is now more important than ever that enrollment leaders have the necessary tools, data, and strategic focus to identify, convert and enroll more of the right students. The speed to relevance of your messaging to prospective students in the format and time they want it is crucial to your success. Join us for a panel discussion about the power of Behavioral Intelligence and how several institutions have grown enrollment by identifying more of the right students. | Christopher M. Harris: Senior Enrollment Strategist, Capture Higher Ed; Bob Sercu: Enrollment Solutions Consultant, Capture Higher Ed |
| Therapy Dogs in Action - From An Idea to Implementation | Hubbard Hall 205 | The data is clear: therapy dogs support learning, reduce school anxiety, build confidence, and make people happy! Learn how one school district developed its therapy dog program - from a high school counselor’s idea to full implementation, with dogs working at every level in the district. We will share our process, including how we garnered administrative support, who our dogs are (including their handlers), and we’ll provide the protocols we developed to protect both the people and the dogs as they work together. This session applies to professionals on both sides of the desk! | Heidi Green: Director of Counseling Services, Fayetteville-Manlius High School; Dana Pierce: School Counselor, Fayetteville-Manlius High School; Angela Sommer: Family-School Liaison, Fayetteville-Manlius High School |
| It Takes a Village and It Starts with You: The Importance of Collaborating with Coworkers during the College Process | Hubbard Hall 206 | We hope to highlight the importance of building a network of people within your school community that is passionate about post-secondary planning. Our goal as presenters is to be able to assist counselors throughout the college application process. We will share our experiences of working in New York City public high schools as part of a CBO and building connections with coworkers to increase college culture for all students within the school. We will be leading a discussion with the hope that participants will have the space to reflect on their strengths within the post-secondary process (PSP) and identify stakeholders that they can collaborate with. | Reaven Hernandez: College Advisor, NYU College Advisor Corps; Megan Mullaney: College Advisor, NYU College Advisor Corps |
| Out of the Office Forever? A Discussion on Remote Work | Hubbard Hall 207 | “Work from home” has been the buzzword of the pandemic for two years. Now that we are approaching post-pandemic life, some employers are allowing new flexibility for remote and/or hybrid employees, but what does that look like in practice? This session will facilitate honest dialogue between panelists (who are all working remotely on an ongoing or permanent basis) and participants about the pros and cons of remote work, and how to best maximize efficiency while also prioritizing self care. | Brenna May: Associate Director of International Admissions, Bennington College; Shameek Robinson: Regional Director, Northeast - College Advising Corps |
| Think Globally: An Exploration of First Year Abroad Programs | Hubbard Hall 212 | Presenters from Verto Education, Marist College, and Lynn University will highlight various first-year abroad programs available to high school seniors. They will discuss the access, value, benefits and outcomes associated with these unique experiences as well as detail their admissions processes. | Stephanie Espina: Director of Admissions – Recruitment, Verto Education; Kate Budzinski: Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Marist College; Federico “Freddy” Glitman: Senior Associate Director of Admission, Lynn University |
| 360° Around the SRAR | Faculty Center 102 | One of the most controversial aspects of the ever-evolving college application process has been the SRAR: the Self-Reported Academic Record in all of its forms. In this session, we will explore the different forms it takes from the perspective of the student, the high school counselor, a college that uses it, and a college that does not. Is it helpful? Is it accurate? Who does it benefit? How do the other parts of the application fit with it? | Jane Mathias: Director of Guidance, Nardin Academy; Jordan Winfrey: New York State-based Enrollment Services Manager, University of Pittsburgh; Lauren Sangimino: Assistant Director, Stony Brook University |
| I Wasn't Prepared for This | Faculty Center 104 | Over the last 2-5 years there has been marked shift in the content of students’ personal essays - sharing trauma, hardships, and loss. Now, we must absorb this information over and over throughout the review cycle – how do we cope? We will discuss discuss ways to prepare ourselves, our teams, and our campus for the newest students joining our communities. | Lisa Searle: Associate Director of Admission , Ithaca College; Marie Nocella: Associate Director of Admission, Sarah Lawrence College |
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYSACAC Leadership Meet and Greet | Macfarlane Auditorium | This session will give attendees the opportunity to meet members from the NYSACAC leadership team and ask questions. We want to hear about your concerns in the profession and see how we, as an organization, can help you. | Lauren Sangimino: Vice President for Finance NYSACAC, Assistant Director, Stony Brook University; Marissa Guijarro: Immediate Past President NYSACAC, School Counselor, Suffern High School; Marie Nocella: President NYSACAC; Lisa Searle, VP for Professional Development NYSACAC; Meghan DeMayo-Dalen: Vice President for Communications NYSACAC; Estrella Redondo: Vice President for Access, Inclusion. and Success NYSACAC; Melissa Bellantonio: Secretary NYSACAC |
| Virtually Everywhere: What We have Learned About Our Work, Our Offices, and Ourselves | Faculty Center 101 | This panel of admission officers and school counselors will reflect on the past three admission cycles and the central role virtual interactions played in shaping the decisions they made for their students, staff, offices and counterparts. They will reflect on lessons learned, the strategies they've employed to account for the virtual reality we now live and work in, and they will discuss their thoughts on what they expect in the coming year and beyond. | Chris Doyle: Director of Undergraduate Admission, Marist College; Jane Mathias: Director of Guidance, Nardin Academy; Luis Santiago, Director of Admissions, Western Connecticut University; Rob Robinson: Senior Managing Director |
| The Mysterious Selective Admission Process | Faculty Center 105 | Historically the admission process at highly selective colleges has been mysterious. Counselors, parents, and students have had many questions, concerns about the necessary requirements for admission. The goal is to clarify the factors used by selective institutions through a panel presentation with Cornell and Colgate universities. Through a full application/transcript review we will address the importance of grades, rigor of curriculum, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, demographic factors, legacies, special admits(athletics/arts), testing policy and any additional details considered. The goal is to draw the curtain back for increased knowledge and understanding of a mysterious process. At the conclusion of the presentation we will encourage interactive questions with our panel. | David Coates: Coates College Consulting; Carl "Sandy" Behrend: Behrend Consulting; Pamela Tan: Deputy Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Cornell University; Patrick Greaney: Assistant Dean of Admissions, Colgate University |
| The Importance of Supportive Communications with Non-Traditional Students | Gordon Science Center 178 | On or after July 1, 2021, were you homeless or were you self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? While this may seem like an innocent question to most students, this question is sensitive and may be triggering for students who are homeless. While working with undocumented, immigrant, to homeless students, the language that college advisors use is very important. Creating the space to allow families to feel comfortable enough to share this information is just as important. By using supportive communication skills, we hope to create a safe environment for these students and their families where they feel comfortable working on post-secondary planning. It starts with us, the college advisors, and our supportive communication that shape these students’ post-secondary process. | Han Oo: Futures Advisor, NYU College Advising Corps/The James Baldwin School; Kojo Dadzie: College Advisor, NYU Advising Corps; Elvis Creppy: College Advisor, NYU Advising Corps |
| Understanding the Value of ACT Work Keys | Gordon Science Center 271 | In this session, you will learn how the ACT® WorkKeys® assessments can unlock opportunities for students and set them up for success. The ACT WorkKeys career readiness benchmarks can be used in career counseling to guide individuals who are exploring different college majors, CTE programs, or job training programs linked to different career pathways. Students can put WorkKeys score results on college applications or present them at job interviews. New York Students have the opportunity to use ACT WorkKeys to earn the CDOS commencement credential. You will also learn about the American Council on Education’s credit recommendation for the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). | Greg Nierpala: Senior Regional Account Executive, ACT |
| Lift As You Climb: Navigating Professional Ranks | Hubbard Hall 107 | Come gain perspective on how to assess your knowledge, skills, abilities, and drive to navigate up the professional ladder in the postsecondary access and success space. There are inherent challenges involved in growth and development from entry level, to middle management, and then senior level administrators. Equally challenging are the nuances present whether working in the secondary, postsecondary, or CBO space. Add another layer of complexity and challenge if you are a potential candidate from a diverse or historically underrepresented background. | Shameek Robinson: Regional Director, Northeast, College Advising Corps; Robyn German: Deputy Director, Postsecondary Access, Urban Assembly |
| Empowered Women Empower Women | Hubbard Hall 205 | This panel will discuss ways that women can grow in our profession — and the responsibility that women have to help, hire, mentor, befriend and empower each other. | Lisa Sohmer: Independent College Counselor, Sohmer College Counseling; Meylin Andares: Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, IOPS, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Ana Henriquez: Director of College and Career Counseling, Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics; Yohaly Navarrete: Director Undergraduate Admissions, CUNY Immigrant Student Success Liaison |
| Decline in Graduates + Shift in Demographics + TEST OPTIONAL = Let’s Meet at the Bar for a Drink | Hubbard Hall 206 | Prior to 2020, we knew a few things that would be consistent within our Profession: decline in high school graduates up to 2036, shift in demographics including a rise in minorities and then......COVID, which has catapulted higher education into the "test optional" frenzy. Since then....we've seen the UC system develop a new mindset, the digital SAT's and much more including purchasing AP names! Come learn how a moderately selective private institution is meeting enrollment, how a vendor is facilitating new data trends and how a college counselor is trying to help advocate for their students. | Federico Glitman: Senior Associate Director of Admission, Lynn University; Luis Barcelo: School Counselor, Pelham Memorial High School; Joe Cosentino: Regional Director, Encoura |
| Your Damn Website: Five Reasons Your Website Isn't Converting | Hubbard Hall 212 | A website is an institution's greatest marketing asset. Yet most colleges and universities admittedly have websites that lack in areas essential to converting student prospects at various stages in the funnel. From a lack of visibility in organic searches to content and layouts that hinder user experience, some websites can be more of a barrier than an asset for information and conversion. In this session, we'll identify five potential issues causing your site to function more as a dam than a resource and review solutions to help you transform it into a free flow of accessible information optimized for conversions. | Jaime Oleksik: AVP, Enrollment and Marketing Strategy, Carnegie Dartlet |
| Strategic Initiatives to Support Wellness in Students, Faculty, and Staff | Faculty Center 102 | Guttman Community College has a rich set of structures to support wellness, structures rooted in pre-pandemic practice that have now matured into standard practice and will be carried forward beyond the COVID-19 crisis, because of the significant positive impact they have on student retention. Methods include proactive outreach to students, student wellness ambassadors, and appreciative advising, as well as personalized faculty and staff professional development to augment trauma-informed and mental well-being practices. Wellness services are accessible via different access points, thus providing students (and faculty and staff) important flexibility and just-in-time support (or opportunities to get training). We will use a discussion format to elicit audience interest and expertise in how to support student wellness. We will also identify available sources of funding for these endeavors and existing third-party resources | Dr. Daniel Ambrose: Dean for Enrollment Management, Guttman Community College; Courtney Stevenson: LMHN, Director of Student Counseling and Wellness Services, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College; Dr. Eva Fernandez: VP Academic Affairs & Provost, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College |
| Session Name | Location | Description | Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments | Strebel Auditorium | In January, College Board announced that starting in 2023, the SAT Suite of Assessments will be delivered digitally. In this session, we will share more about how going digital will create a shorter and less stressful experience for students and educators, and what to expect from the transition. | Nicole Gibbs: Senior Director, External Engagement, College Board |
| Gateway to Grad School | Faculty Center 101 | Education professionals partnering with high school students, those in college, and recent college graduates to encourage their interests while tempering conversation with the realities of grad school admissions across a variety of disciplines can be a valuable resource. This presentation will call for the guided exchange of ideas that promote consideration for the pursuit of graduate studies across disciplines. | Julie McNair, Ed.D: Educational Coach & Consultant, MetaPassageways |
| Flying the Nest: How to Best Prepare Parents and Guardians for Their Children Studying Overseas | Faculty Center 105 | Children heading off to college can be a stressful time for parents and guardians. What happens when your child wants to travel over 3,000 miles to Scotland as well? This session focuses on highlighting some of the key differences in a college experience overseas and how best to support the parents/guardians in preparing both themselves and their child for studying abroad. Using the personal experiences from international admissions reps and families, the session will provide hints, tips and advice on applications, admissions & student life overseas. | Paul McBean: Student Recruitment Manager Americas, University of Dundee |
More About the Conference
Important details about this year's conference.
All Tours on Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Buses depart from Strebel Student Center Circle
Tour 1: Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, Onondaga Community College
8:00 a.m. - College Tour will depart from Strebel Circle – please arrive early to ensure a timely departure
9:00 a.m. - Arrive at Le Moyne College
9:10 a.m. - Tour Le Moyne College (time to include mimosas and muffins with a welcome from Le Moyne College President; tour of portions of campus, tour of Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship)
10:15 a.m. - Depart Le Moyne College for Syracuse University
10:30 a.m. - Arrive at Syracuse University
10:45 a.m. - Tour Syracuse University (time to include a walking tour led by student guide, time in the Office of Admissions, boxed lunches provided by SU)
12:00 p.m. - Depart Syracuse University for Onondaga Community College
12:15 p.m. Arrive at Onondaga Community College
12:30 p.m. – Tour Onondaga Community College (time to include a welcome and overview of OCC, faculty showcase, and tour)
1:30 p.m. – Depart Onondaga Community College for Utica University
2:30 p.m. - Return to Utica University for the Conference Welcome and Awards ceremony
Tour 2: Herkimer College, MVCC, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute
9:00 a.m. - College Tour will depart from Strebel Circle – please arrive early to ensure a timely departure
9:10 a.m. - Arrive at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
9:15 a.m. - Tour SUNY Polytechnic Institute
10:15 a.m. - Depart SUNY Polytechnic Institute for Herkimer College
10:40 a.m. - Arrive at Herkimer College
10:45 a.m. - Tour Herkimer College
11:45 a.m. - Depart Herkimer College for Mohawk Valley Community College
12:10 p.m. Arrive at Mohawk Valley Community College
12:15 p.m. - Lunch at Mohawk Valley Community College
12:45 p.m. - Tour Mohawk Valley Community College
1:45 p.m. - Depart Mohawk Valley Community College for Utica University
2:00 p.m. - Return to Utica University in time for the Conference Welcome and Awards ceremony
Tour 3: Hamilton College and Colgate University
9:00 a.m. - Depart Utica University for Hamilton College
9:20-10:00 a.m. - Welcome from the Hamilton College Dean of Admission
The Hamilton College visit begins in the Siuda House, Office of Admission.
10:00-10:45 a.m. - Hamilton College Campus Tour
The tour begins at Siuda House and ends at the Sadove Student Center.
10:45-11:00 a.m. - Board the bus
The bus will depart from the Sadove Student Center.
11:00 a.m. - Depart Hamilton College for Colgate University
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Arrive at Colgate University, student-led tour
The tour begins at James B. Colgate Hall and ends at Frank Dining Hall.
12:30-1:00 p.m. - Lunch at Colgate University
Enjoy lunch in Frank Dining Hall with Colgate admission staff and students.
1:15 p.m. - Depart Colgate University
The bus will depart from James B. Colgate Hall.
2:00 p.m. - Return to Utica University
How to Find Utica University
Utica University is located in Utica, N.Y., 50 miles east of Syracuse and 90 miles west of Albany. Utica is approximately five hours by car from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Montreal.
Find Us On Google Maps Area Attractions
On-Campus Housing
Utica University has a wide variety of residence hall accommodations and we look forward to providing conference participants with an excellent residential experience. All conference guests staying on-campus will enjoy:
- Comfortable rooms with free access to the Clark Athletic Center and Kunath Fitness Center (Fitness Center available 6:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.).
- Close proximity to all on-campus conference activities, and free transportation to off campus events.
- Free on-campus parking
- Free WI-FI throughout campus
- A linen package including 2 sheets, a blanket, pillow, pillow case, towel and washcloth
Single rooms are limited and will be assigned on a space-available basis. Please include the name of a potential roommate on your registration form.
Off-Campus Housing
Please be sure to mention that you are attending the Utica University NYSACAC Conference when making your reservations.
Fairfield Inn and Suites
71 N Genesee St
Utica NY 13502
Book Now and Get the NYSACAC Conference Group Rate
Hampton Inn
172-80 N Genesee St
Utica NY 13502
Hampton Inn
Keynote Speaker: Jenny Rickard
President and CEO of Common App
Jenny Rickard is President & Chief Executive Officer of Common App, a not-for-profit membership organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, apply to college through Common App’s online application. Founded in 1975, Common App serves more than 900 member colleges and universities worldwide.
Jenny has shown a strong commitment to college access as evidenced by her accomplishments as the chief enrollment officer at both the University of Puget Sound and Bryn Mawr and in admission roles at Swarthmore and New York University School of Law. Her extensive service within the national higher education community includes a wide range of roles with the College Board, Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), US Department of Education, and The Common Application Board of Directors — serving as Board President from 2007 to 2008.
Within the corporate field, Jenny was a vice president responsible for higher education product strategy at PeopleSoft. She was also a consultant for the higher education software company Datatel and started her career on Wall Street at J.P. Morgan & Co.
Since Jenny joined Common App in August of 2016, the organization has developed a long-term strategic plan and roadmap and has expanded its access initiatives, including the acquisition of Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time in the White House, and the development of a new application system for transfer and adult students.
Jenny serves on the board of directors for the Posse Foundation and College Possible. She is an advisory board member for the National Education Equity Lab and Liaison GradCAS, a centralized application for graduate admission, and she currently sits on the American Council on Education’s Washington Higher Education Secretariat.
Jenny received a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University, Stern School of Business; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Swarthmore College.
Information coming soon - please check back.
Proof of vaccination is required for all conference participants. A copy of your vaccination card will be required as part of the check-in process. Depending upon CDC, New York state and local guidelines, masks may be required for indoor gatherings. Further clarification will be forthcoming as the dates of the conference approach. For now, it’s best to assume that masks will be required for indoor gatherings. Any participant presenting symptoms of COVID is required to immediately isolate themselves from other participants and leave the conference.
In mid-April, conference registrants will receive instructions to upload their vaccination information as a prerequisite for the conference check-in process. Instructions will be emailed on a rolling basis to those who register after mid-April.
Contact Us
Jessica M. Nelson
Jessica M. Nelson
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management; NYSACAC Conference Host Site Coordinator
(315) 792-3006
I would like to see logins and resources for:
For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.