In this professional certificate course, you will learn how to strengthen your institution's enrollment outcomes by optimizing each stage of the admission funnel.
The basics:
- Intended audience: Postsecondary admission officers with 1-3 years of experience in the profession.
- Format: Hybrid
- This course includes three in-depth video modules, one live session held via Zoom, and a variety of activities and assignments where learners can apply what they have learned.
- Cost: $230 for NACAC members; $410 for nonmembers.
- A $30 discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course at the same time.
- Estimated completion time: Four weeks (approximately 2-3 hours per week).
- Participants have six months to access and complete the course in NACAC Learn.
- Upon completion: A completion certificate and a digital badge.
Course description:
Ace the art and science of student recruitment with this professional certificate course on the admission funnel. Designed for early admission professionals, this course will equip you with the tools to attract, engage, and convert prospective students through data-driven strategies tailored to every stage of the funnel. Register today and gain the strategies and tools to strengthen your institution's enrollment outcomes!
After taking this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the admission funnel and the various stages of it (top, middle and bottom).
- Analyze and compare data within the admission funnel to determine which will be important, and how to leverage that data effectively.
- Optimize admission funnel performance by developing and applying data-informed strategies, and measuring success using key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Synthesize and present key data elements and data-informed strategies tailored to each stage of the admission funnel, while measuring and optimizing performance.
Course structure:
Sessions 1-3: On-Demand
- A blend of video lectures, discussion board sharing, and interactive knowledge checks.
- Complete at your own pace ahead of the final live session.
Session 4: Live on Zoom
- Present your final capstone project to the program director and your peers.
- Reflect on what you have learned from the course and how you will apply what you have learned in your work.
2026 registration options:
| Cohort | Start Date | Sessions 1-3 (On-Demand) | Session 4 (Live) | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Summer | Monday, June 8 | Access anytime on-demand! | Thursday, July 2 (11-1pm ET) | Register |
| Late Summer | Monday, Aug. 10 | Access anytime on-demand! | Thursday, Sept. 3 (11-1pm ET) | Register |
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is limited. All requests to switch cohorts, extend course access (by one month) or changes to course registrations will be subject to a $50 processing fee per person/per course. No refunds will be processed.
Cost:
- $230 for NACAC members*
- $410 for nonmembers
A $30 discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course at the same time.
*Unsure if you are a NACAC member? You may be eligible through your school or organization's membership. Contact customer service for more information.
Questions?
For purchasing and billing questions, please email customerservice@nacacnet.org. For questions about the course, please email pd@nacacnet.org.
Program director:
As program director, Melissa Bevacqua has helped plan and develop this course as a subject matter expert currently working in the field. She will provide instruction and support directly to the participants in the course.
Melissa Bevacqua is the Director of Admission for Transfer Recruitment at George Mason University (GMU) in Virginia. Twenty-five years ago, Melissa embarked on her admission career at King’s College in Pennsylvania, then returned to her alma mater, The University of Scranton, where she held roles from admission counselor to associate director. She served as an adjunct professor of human resources management at The University of Scranton and was a recipient of the Provost’s Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Ten years ago, Melissa became the Director of Undergraduate Admission at GMU, an integral member of the leadership team that achieved historic undergraduate growth. Melissa and her team were recognized as innovators and collaborators, named the inaugural recipients of the GMU Patriot Pathbreaker Award. Melissa presents frequently at conferences and is a subject matter expert in enrollment best practices. Melissa graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and a master’s degree in human resource management from The University of Scranton.
Curriculum advisor:
As curriculum advisor, David Burge has been an integral part of the planning and development of this course. He provides guidance and feedback to the program director.
David Burge has served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at George Mason University since July 2015. Before coming to Mason, he served as Executive Director of Admission Services at Arizona State University and oversaw the execution of new student enrollment strategy for undergraduate and graduate, domestic and international students. Other professional experience includes the University of Kansas and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, holding senior leadership roles within each institution’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
David served as president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in 2017-18 and as President of the Great Plains Association for College Admission Counseling (GPACAC) in 2007-08. For six years, Mr. Burge was the faculty lead of the Admissions Middle Management Institute – a longstanding NACAC pre-conference workshop.
A native Kansan, his academic background includes two degrees from the University of Kansas: an undergraduate degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership.
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