August 10, 2007
Who: The National Association for College Admission Counseling’s (NACAC) 63rd National Conference
What: NACAC’s National Conference is the largest annual gathering of college admission professionals. This year’s conference will address current topics in counseling, admission, financial aid and technology and provide members with specific in-service training suited to their institutional and career needs.
The conference attracts more than 4,500 attendees each year, including secondary school counselors, college admission officers, independent counselors, financial aid administrators, enrollment managers, and affiliate organization members.
When: September 27-29, 2007
Where: Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas
Program Highlights:
• Speakers include Dr. Chauncey Veatch, 2002-2003 National Teacher of the Year, will address the importance of counselors and the key roles they play. Dr. Laura Rendón, Ph.D., Iowa State University, will address the current issues of promoting success for underserved students in higher education such as: What is today’s definition of an underserved student? What factors shape the success of underserved students in higher education? And what can educators do to promote the success of underserved students? Dr. Denise Pope, Stanford University, will discuss the stress students experience in high school and how preparing for admission to postsecondary institutions contributes to that stress. Is the pressure to succeed, especially the pressure to get good grades and get into college, turning schools into morally bankrupt academic boot camps?
• More than 120 diverse and informational educational workshops, seminars and sessions led by experts in the field of college admission counseling on such topics as admission testing, college access and selectivity. Experts will also discuss “yellow chip” student athletes, careers in engineering, stress and the college application process, community college, early access programs and much more.
• NACAC New Members and Counselors’ Preview Day (formerly known as Local Counselors’ Day) is a great opportunity for local counselors from Austin and the surrounding towns to network with other local counselors and meet leaders from Texas ACAC and NACAC.
• An exhibit hall featuring more than 250 companies showcasing products and services that assist counseling professionals, including the latest technology, marketing and communication tools.
• A Counselors’ College Fair that will provide an opportunity for all national conference attendees to share information, network with colleagues and meet with representatives from approximately 500 colleges and universities.
A Sample of Sessions of Interest:
• The State of College Admission: Trends in Counseling and Admission
• Beyond Bragging Rights and Bumper Stickers: The College Process, Adolescent Development and Family Dynamics
• We Know They Are Stressed, Now What?
• Recruiting Goes High-Tech
• NACAC Commission on the Use of Standardized Tests in Undergraduate Admission
• Opening Doors and Paving the Way: Developing Access, Readiness and Resilience Among Underrepresented Students
RSVP: Please email Kristen Bourke if you would like to attend this event as a member of the press.
Complete information on the 63rd NACAC National Conference
About NACAC: NACAC is an Alexandria, VA-based education association of more than 10,000 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association, founded in 1937, is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.