Conference 2017 Newsletter

One Association.

One Vision.

Welcome to the 39th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Message from the President: “To begin the history of NYSACAC it is necessary to look back on two state organizations, New York State Counselors Association and the New York State Association of Deans and Guidance Personnel. These two state Associations merged on July 1, 1965, under the title of the New York State Personnel and Guidance Association.

This merger aimed to facilitate eventual establishment of a good collaborative effort of all guidance Organizations in the State working together for the highest professional interest of New York State. After the formation of the new NYSPGA several admissions counselors and secondary high school guidance counselors felt the need for a vehicle to maintain high professional standards in college admission guidance on both the college and secondary level. These concerns led the admissions counselors and high school guidance counselors to meet in Denver, on October 9, 1965, during

the National ACAC Annual Conference to discuss the possibility of forming a state chapter of ACAC.” (Excerpted from “History of NYSACAC 19651976” document) As our history goes, on April 11, 1967 the NYSACAC Constitution was drawn and approved.

IN THIS ISSUE: From the President..........................1-2 Road to 50 Updates.............................3

We started with four guiding principles: -To establish and maintain high professional standards in college admission guidance at both secondary and college levels; -To develop and to expand the relationships between secondary schools and colleges; -To assist in the development of efficient programs of counseling and guidance which will aid the student in selecting a suitable college; and -To serve the students, parents, the secondary schools and the colleges by considering the whole range of secondary school-college relations.

Membership Matters........................4-5 College Essay & Financial Savvy.........6 Upcoming Events...........................................11 Scholarship Winners...........................12 Expect the Unexpected..................14-15 New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

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Conference 2017 Newsletter

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NYSACAC Newsletter

Conference, 2017

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From Susan Davidson, NYSACAC President, continued

The mission, vision and bylaws have all been tweaked over the years, but the basic tenets have not changed much between then and now. I find that the magic of this association lies within the people who have served the mission over the years.

for large changes in the world of admissions. Prior-prior year FAFSA, the new Coalition Application, and a re-imagination of the SPGP were a few of these. We committed to our programming, undaunted, ready to serve students and families and I cannot sufficiently thank those support one another. I want to thank our who have come before me, those executive board for their leadership.

I will mention a few highlights from who have mentored me, and those this year. Our Road to 50 campaign with whom I have been privileged to serve on this executive board. championed by our Development Co-Chairs has been raising funds to Many have pursued a career in our support scholarships for counselors to profession due in large part to the attend our programs and to support mentors they’ve met along the way. As all of our programming. We look we celebrate 50 years as an association forward to a celebration of the Road and come together for our annual to 50 at our Annual Conference and gathering, we honor our mentors.

Coming Together at SUNY Geneseo.

Here are ways that you can participate: This year also marks the 20th Annual Donate to the Road to 50 Campaign Coming Together Conference! In a year of political changes at the state at: and federal level, I have high praise https://nysacac.memberclicks. for our Government Relations Conet/index.php?option=com_ Chairs, who have kept us informed mc&view=mc&Itemid=95 and up to date on important action Honor your mentors by dedicating items. The Government Relations a song to them for our Road to 50 Co-Chairs and our VP of Inclusion, playlist: Access and Success, accompanied me https://docs.google.com/a/nysacac. on an expedition trip to the White org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyWXpeN1- House last December as well. Our Technology Committee launched N2A2F9-u2ZXYyQgQvtZoSUe_ a new website in 2016 as a much RDujv5Bl3pAeE7g/ needed update to our platform. viewform?c=0&w=1 School/College Relations launched Dedicate a song to your mentor at the registration table at SUNY a new series of webinars called: “A Word from Both Sides of the Desk.”

Geneseo beginning on June 6th.

Three “call-in” webinars provided members with an opportunity to As I take in the 2016-2017 year, I dive into issues facing our profession. am reminded of the vast importance The Seedling program, early college of our work and of professional awareness, was revitalized with development within our field. the help of our CBO Co-Chairs, ran When the executive board met in upstate and downstate this year.

August of 2016, we were bracing With our membership over 1800, our

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Susan Davidson, M.Ed., is Associate Director of College Counseling at Rye Country Day School

organization is strong and thriving.

I want to give special thanks to Kristen Capezza and Rob Piurowski, from whom I have learned so much this year. Taking this role on as part of a team increases its value tenfold.

Thank you to SUNY Geneseo for serving as our Conference Host for 2017. I am especially grateful for your team’s organization and generosity.

Thank you to Rye Country Day School for supporting me to serve in this role.

I will never stray far from the work of NYSACAC. In my role as a college counselor, NYSACAC has helped me improve my practice in countless ways. I look forward to continued involvement with an organization that supports and nourishes its professional constituency.

With sincere gratitude, Susan Davidson

NYSACAC Newsletter

Conference, 2017

Updates: The Road to 50

by Robert Kaercher and Luis Barcelo, Co-Chairs NYSACAC Development Committee Fifty years ago, a group of forward-thinking, like-minded professionals banded together and laid the foundation for NYSACAC. The Development Committee began collaborating in August 2016 with a desire to learn more about the individuals who have shaped the professional lives of current NYSACAC members.

our organization, and its members, have shaped the lives of others by providing professional development and mentorship. In return, this has impacted the lives of countless young people we work with. This is what it is all about!

to 50 Fund to support the endeavors of NYSACAC. We need your help to create the first ever NYSACAC playlist to celebrate the Road to 50!

It has been a wonderful trip and we hope you keep building this road The Road to 50 Years is a major milestone for an organization, but it with us. Continue to be an advocate will be one of many that NYSACAC and guide your students, and each Meeting for the first time on the will experience. Join us at the annual other, as members of this incredible executive board, but feeling connected conference by sharing your story organization. through our profession and desire and the name of the individual or to help students, we realized the individuals who have shaped your Cheers and have a wonderful importance of our organization and the life through mentorship. And for fun, conference! fuel it provides our profession. Each day dedicate a song to them and consider we hear the wonderful stories of how making a contribution to the Road

Conference Information For general conference information, important updates, schedules and more, visit the 2017 NYSACAC Annual Conference website at:

www.geneseo.edu/nysacac

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NYSACAC Newsletter

Conference, 2017

Membersh

Annual Conference & Membershi Many people ask me what NYSACAC does, why it matters, what happens at the annual conference and why I love this organization so much. NYSACAC connects all professions working with students in the college process, provides opportunity for students, and bonds us, not only as colleagues, but as friends.

Marie Nocella Assistant Director of Admissions and Multicultural Coordinator

NYSACAC has been instrumental in linking me with professionals in the field of admissions who serve as mentors, sources of information and friends. As result of getting involved with NYSACAC, I am more confident in speaking about my role in the admissions process, have an outlet to advocate for students in NY State via Legislative Action Day, and am better able to promote colleges to my students as a result of the college professionals I met. In the end, this Siena College organization makes me excited to be a school counselor!

Just at that point in the year, when Luis E. Barceló the admissions cycle is wearing you School Counselor down, NYSACAC shows up like a Pelham Memorial High School breath of fresh air. Their professional development programs are informative and rejuvenating. The NYSACAC is a group of supportive annual conference is the light at the colleagues banned together for the same goal. With budget cuts, larger end of the tunnel! and more needy student populations, Brian D. Culligan and a stronger and more competitive Senior Admissions Advisor pool of students applying to college, State University of New York it’s great way to work collaboratively SUNY Welcome Center with others.

Carla Shere, Ed.D. Why is NYSACAC important to me?

Director of College Guidance The importance runs on many levels: It Columbia Secondary School for Math, is the networking with my colleagues Science and Engineering on both sides of the desk, it keeps me updated on what is happening around the state. The professional NYSACAC keeps me up to date on the development opportunities that latest trends in the world of college make me continue to be excited admissions and provides me with a plethora of networking opportunities. about my profession!

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Sarah Ireland Associate Director of Admissions Skidmore College

Dr. Annemarie Cervoni High School Counselor Orchard Park High School

It is the one organization that is for all of us and allows all of us to collaborate and discuss for the sake of our own professional growth or to support students on their paths to higher education. Whether it’s through the annual conference or knowing that I can pick up the phone and call or send an email to a colleague or friend, most of my best resources and mentors are from NYSACAC connections.

Amber Long Director of College Counseling Think Global School

As a proud New Yorker and a counseling professional, it’s the best way to collaborate with other counseling professionals from both sides of the desk in the state of New York. It’s a way to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others from small schools and large schools, public and private. So much of what I learn through NYSACAC professional development is shared with students and families. Becoming involved is one of the best professional decisions I have ever made.

Rob Kaercher College and Career Counselor Byron-Bergen Junior/Senior High School I love being a part of NYSACAC because it allows us to work towards increasing college access and success for all students across NY.

Cassie Magesis Director of College Readiness Urban Assembly

NYSACAC Newsletter

hip Matters

Conference, 2017

ip = Happy & Informed Professionals When I’m stumped or confused, or just can’t see the forest through the trees, I tap into the NYSACAC network. It’s like having GPS for the college counseling profession and it hasn’t steered me wrong yet.

Chris Doyle Director of Transfer Admission

NYSACAC has provided me with the opportunity to fully grasp “the bigger picture”. Without my involvement in this organization, my knowledge base, skill set, and list of professional contacts wouldn’t be where it is today.

Through professional development opportunities, I have been able to understand higher education from Marist College both sides of the desk and to work towards creating change, and finding solutions to issues that need to be addressed state-wide.

NYSACAC is important to me Stephanie S. Espina because the organization is always Director of Freshman Admissions at the forefront of emerging issues Adelphi University and trends.

By attending the annual conference, participating in professional development forums, I live by the statement “you never reading the newsletter, etc., we are know when you will meet your next able to step outside of our everyday boss.” This holds true at NYSACAC. roles and see the bigger picture.

The association has not only provided Lauren Sangimino professional development and Assistant Director of Admissions wonderful networking opportunities, but an extended family of mentors Stony Brook University who have been devoted to my growth throughout my career.

Membership in NYSACAC is Zee Santiago important to me because it has College and Career Planning Manager opened my eyes past the walls of my Office of Postsecondary Readiness office and helped me to understand New York City Department of the vast and comprehensive higher Education education landscape.

Through my involvement on the Executive Board and attendance to our annual It is an organization that is passionate conferences, I have learned a about college counseling and access. plethora of things about my career, Just as important is the network and and have gained a myriad of friends, professional development that it provides. colleagues, and mentors along the Ana J. Henriquez way. Thank you NYSACAC! Assoc. Director of College & Career Bryan Rothstein Counseling Associate Director of Admissions Bronx Center for Science & Adelphi University Mathematics

It is the professional networking, sharing resources, learning from experts/colleagues in both settings and mentoring new professionals to help shape their experiences in the field Kristen Connor K-12 Counseling Supervisor Bethlehem Central Schools NYSACAC has been a major source of inspiration to me on a professional and personal level. I’ve learned so much and developed lasting relationships by participating in annual conferences and serving the association as a member of the Executive Board. As a school counselor and graduate educator, NYSACAC provides a wealth of resources.

Marissa Guijarro School Counselor Suffern High School

Why does Membership Matter to you?

Share your thoughts throughout the conference using #NYSACAC17

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NYSACAC Newsletter

Tell Each Student: Trust Yourself on the College Essay

Conference, 2017

by Kim Lifton, President Wow Writing Workshop

Before we start working with our students on the college essay, we remind them that this is their journey and they should own their process. We also assure them that when they are done, they will be more confident, empowered writers, ready for college and their futures.

Our message: “Trust yourself!” It’s important that your students trust their own words, style and voice.

Year after year, we teach students how to think about, and write their application essays. And every year, several students tell us they cannot write, but we know better. With instruction, anyone can learn how to convey their message through writing . Through our methods, we have never worked with a student who could not follow our guidance and write an impactful college application essay.

David was one of those students who lacked the confidence to look within himself and craft a personal statement. Applying to college was stressful; writing the essays paralyzed him. He came to Wow convinced he could not write an essay good enough.

David had good grades in math and

English, and scored well on the ACT (writing included). He spoke clearly and possessed the ability to articulately convey his message. The boy who said he could not write was a sports reporter for his high school newspaper.

Like so many students feeling pressure to get into college, David’s fear of writing this essay prevented him from getting the job done as he started to shut down.

“Can you think?” I asked him.

“Um, yes,” he said.

“Well, then, you can write.”

That’s our mantra: “if you can think, you can write.” David and I talked about what mattered to him, and why. What did he want admissions to know about him? What did they already know? He said he was kind and compassionate with a soft spot for special needs children. He knew colleges would never know about these traits from anything else he had listed on his application.

We brainstormed ideas that would showcase his traits, answer the prompt and show insight. David wrote a story focused on the moment his cousin

with Down Syndrome, who regularly attended his hockey games, held up a homemade sign to cheer him on during a game. “I just wanted to score one for my cousin,” David said.

It was an insightful narrative about his relationship with his disabled cousin that illustrated something meaningful to David. The essay was authentic, his own idea, and no one else could possibly duplicate it. David was admitted to the University of Michigan, his first-choice college.

That night, David’s mom called. She had never seen her son this excited about anything other than girls or sports. He finally believed he could write.

David listened to his writing voice, and he liked what he heard.

Your students can do the same. You can guide them through a process of reflection before they start writing their essays (we even wrote a book about this!), and help them gain confidence so they trust themselves.

You can access Wow’s free resources for professionals and let parents know about our free resources for families.

How Financially Savvy are College Students?

by Stephanie Stock, Director of Business Development Sallie Mae

Conventional wisdom says young people have a lot to learn when it comes to managing money, but the reality is most American college students are handling their finances carefully and conscientiously. That’s the finding of “Majoring In Money: How American College Students Manage Their Finances,” a new national study from Sallie Mae and Ipsos.

“Majoring in Money” compiled the results of online interviews of 800 college students between the ages of 18 and 24, and found students are taking the right steps when it comes to managing money: -77% pay their bills on time -60% never spend more money than they have 6

-55% are saving at least some money every month.

Most make purchases with debit cards (85%), cash (86%), and mobile payment methods (77%), although 56% have at least one credit card. The report reveals that the majority understands the value of good credit. Most students are using credit cards responsibly: 56% have at least one credit card; 69% say their average monthly balances is $500 or less; 63% pay the balance due in full each month; and 59% say their primary reason for getting a credit card was to establish a credit history.

When it comes to learning about how to manage money, most college students have been home-schooled: 71% say their parents taught them how to handle their finances. And, while the majority of students express confidence in their current money management skills, the report’s findings also point to the need for additional education.

More than eight in 10 students said they wanted to learn more about money management, especially about saving, budgeting, and paying for college.

The full report and accompanying infographic are available at S a l l i e M a e. co m /M aj o r i n g I n M o n e y.

Updates from Camp College

NYSACAC Newsletter Winter, 2017

Camp College will take place improve the program, we are at Canisius College, July 7-9 gathering information about previous and SUNY Potsdam, July 21-23. mentors and Camp sessions. If you have ever served as a mentor at Hoping to bring a group to Camp, Camp College, please complete our apply to serve as a mentor, or represent brief survey about your experience. your institution at the college fair? Visit the Camp website at www.nysacac. org/campcollege for more information Send your contribution to our swag supply! or write to camp.college@nysacac. org to inquire about space availability. Camp College’s mission is to provide access to higher education for all students by getting them prepared Support Camp College for the college process through a Purchase a Happy Camper ribbon for three-day residential experience your name badge at the NYSACAC filled with workshops and group conference. All proceeds will support discussions that promote college Camp College programming for this awareness and preparation.

This summer. Look for a member of the year’s camps will take place at: Camp College committee to become a Happy Camper! Minimum donation: $5.

Canisius College July 7-9

bottles, apparel, bags, lanyards, and other fun swag for giveaways!

In addition, if you and your colleagues have any name badge lanyards from previous NYSACAC conferences, we ask that you mail those directly to Canisius College to be used at our first Camp College program.

Please mail your donations to the Camp College liaisons at the addresses below: Kristin Hall Camp College Donations Canisius College Office of Admissions 2001 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14208-1517 Please send donations by June 19

SUNY Potsdam July 21-23

Special thanks to NYSACAC, our host Xavier Velasquez sites Canisius College and SUNY Camp College Donations Potsdam, Hofstra University, the We are looking for a variety of donations SUNY Potsdam NACAC Imagine Fund and Bus Bank ranging but not limited to t-shirts and Office of Admissions for their support of Camp College 2017. school supplies. All contributions are 44 Pierrepont Avenue shared directly with Camp College Potsdam, NY 13676 attendees and are great opportunities As we prepare to host two fantastic to promote your institution, company Please send donations by July 5 sessions in 2017, we are also looking or organization. Any donation would to the future. In preparation for be greatly appreciated. However, Camp College’s 20th Anniversary we are especially in need of water (2019) and in an effort to continually

NYSACAC Newsletter

Conference, 2017

Second Annual Winter Institute a Success

by Courtney Cyr and Bob Herr, Co-Chairs NYSACAC Winter Institute This January, we welcomed over 35 of our newest college admissions professionals to the second annual NYSACAC Winter Institute, hosted at Manhattanville College. This oneday comprehensive program brought together new professionals, with less than one year of experience, through dialogue with seasoned mentors on various topics relevant to the first year in the field of college admission counseling.

Attendees participated in workshops including: -The Changing Admissions Landscape Kent Rinehart, Marist College & Kristen Capezza, Adelphi University -Financial Aid 101 Bob Herr, Wagner College -Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution Rodney Morrison, Stony Brook University -The Building Blocks of Admissions Mike Acquilano, Staten Island Academy & Christine Murphy, St. Joseph’s College

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about best practices, share relevant ideas, establish networks through facilitated discussions and role-playing, and were treated to lunch with NYSACAC President, Susan Davidson. Winter Institute received praise from those in attendance and NYSACAC is looking forward to another great event in 2018.

‘Thanks for putting on the Institute. As someone who is new to admissions, I really appreciated the extra training and insight

it provided. It was also a great networking opportunity!’ - 2017 NYSACAC Winter Institute attendee The Winter Institute Co-Chairs, Courtney Cyr from Hofstra University and Bob Herr from Wagner College, send a special thank you to the workshop presenters, NYSACAC Vice President for Professional Development and Planning Lauren Sangimino, and the staff at Manhattanville College for their help with this exceptional event.

Welcome from the 2017 Annual Conference Steering Committee

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NYSACAC Newsletter

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!

Conference, 2017

The Annual NYSACAC Summer Institute Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY August 8-11, 2017

Professional Development Networking Case Studies This four-day intensive mentor-based institute brings new college admissions professionals, high school counselors and CBO counselors together with energetic and seasoned mentors to grapple with a wide range of admission counseling issues.

Registration closes July 21, 2017.

www.nysacac.org/summer-institute

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NYSACAC Newsletter

Conference, 2017

How grit can serve our students for the better

by Jerome Furman Director of College Counseling East Side Community High School

“If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they could do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning. That way children do not have to be slaves of praise. They will have a lifelong way to build and repair their own confidence.”

-Carol Dweck Reading this article you are probably an educator, counselor or administrator; if not, I am sure you interact with children in some capacity (son, daughter, niece, nephew, etc.). With these interactions, children exhibit qualities that unbeknownst to them define their future. Whether we ask “will this student graduate?” or “will they make it out of their current situation?”

The real question we want to be answered is “who will endure and face the challenge; and who will give up?”

Many in the psychology field have argued as to what makes an individual successful. What pushes our top students to remain at the top? What makes students push themselves in whatever their endeavor? Many would say it is “grit” that pushes them to become their best. Psychologist, Angela Duckworth, author of the book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” argues that one characteristic emerged from her research in defining success: not good looks, nor social

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intelligence, nor physical health, but grit.

Using the “Grit Scale” that she developed, Duckworth found that assessing a student’s grit was a better indicator of their overall GPA and graduation rates, whereas IQ was more predictive of SAT scores. Used to describe one’s “passion and perseverance” when it comes to long-term goals, grit has been seen as the indicator for those who may not be the smartest or the quickest to grasp things, but the individual who targets a goal and does not let minor obstacles hinder their progress. By encompassing the psychological assets of interest, practice, purpose and hope; these characteristics feed off one another and, in turn manifests itself as grit. In addition, many of us understand the desire to be successful, but few understand what it is like to go to sleep with a goal in mind, then to wake up with that same goal.

Though grit is a characteristic that pushes many towards their goal, having too much grit is something that could hinder one’s pursuits. Insensitivity is one downside to having too much grit, being unable to sympathize or have empathy for those around you or those you are working with. Another downside would be stubbornness, the inability to leave a project if it is exacerbating the desired outcome. In the end, those with grit possess one thing that many take for granted, which is hope: hope that things will get better and hope that they can conquer whatever they are struggling in or working to overcome.

Possessing a “growth mindset,” the belief that intelligence can change over time, as opposed to a fixed mindset, which is the opposite, adds to those students that showcase grit.

So what can we do as educators to cultivate grit within our students?

Currently, at my high school I am working with the 9th through 12th grade students on exposure to college as well as professions that the skills they already embody can lead them to, e.g. social media platforms and STEM concepts. As we know, advancements in technology have provided our students with instant gratification, and although great, this strips the need to search for information which potentially strips the ability for students to discover their passions.

Whether it is an overprotective parent or environment that will not allow children to fail, students’ unwillingness to persevere will always be detrimental to their growth. As educators we can meet our students where they are and use the encouragement, trust and rapport that we build with them to help change their situation in order to bring to the surface the grit that already exists within them, despite their circumstances.

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SUMMER EVENTCALENDAR JUNE

June 6-7, 2017 : NYSACAC 20th Coming Together Conference @ SUNY Geneseo June 7, 2017 : NYSACAC Middle Management Institute @ SUNY Geneseo June 7-9, 2017 : NYSACAC 39th Annual Conference @ SUNY Geneseo

OCTOBER October 1, 2017 : NACAC Long Island College Fair @ Suffolk County Community College - Grant Campus October 15, 2017 : NACAC NYC STEM College and Career Fair @ Jacob K. Javits Center

JULY July 7-9, 2017 : NYSACAC Camp College @ Canisius College July 21-23, 2017 : NYSACAC Camp College @ SUNY Potsdam July 23-26, 2017: NACAC’s Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI) @ Las Vegas, NV

AUGUST August 8-11, 2017: NYSACAC Summer Institute @ Skidmore College

SEPTEMBER September 13-14, 2017 : NACAC Pre-conference workshops @ Boston, MA September 14-16, 2017: NACAC 73rd National Conference @ Boston, MA September 27, 2017 : NACAC NYC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair @ Jacob K. Javits Center

save the date

FREE* three-day overnight college admission program; Prepares students for the college process with interview preparation, essay writing; workshops and activities; Engages students in college classes and experiential activities; and more!

Geared towards first generation and underserved high school juniors and seniors Canisius College: Friday July 7, 2017 - Sunday July 9, 2017 College Fair - Saturday July 8, 2017

* Transportation Excluded

SUNY Potsdam: Friday July 21, 2017 - Sunday July 23, 2017 College Fair - Saturday July 22, 2017

Calling all Previous Camp College Mentors!

In an effort to collect information as we approach our 20th anniversary, we would like to gather all of the information for anyone who has ever volunteered at Camp College. If you have volunteered as a mentor or brought students as a chaperone in the past, please complete our very short survey at http://tinyurl.com/CCPastMentors.

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2017 Middle Management Institute From Peter Hagan & Lauren Sangimino, Co-chairs

The second annual Middle Management Institute will be offered as a pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, June 7th at SUNY Geneseo.

Participants will hear from a seasoned panel of experts on “Managing Programs”, “Managing People”, and interact with enrollment leaders during, “A View from the Top”. Participants will have a special networking opportunity with the leaders in The Executive Track the evening prior.

Chris Doyle Director of Transfer Admission, Marist College

And a special thank you to our sponsors:

Timothy Lee Director of Admissions, SUNY Albany

Western New York’s Consortium of Baccalaureate Schools

Christine Murphy Vice President for Enrollment Management, St. Joseph’s College

For more information, please visit the conference website at w w w.geneseo.edu/NYSAC AC / middle -management-institute

We would like to thank our panelists for their participation and valued experience:

Kent Rinehart Dean of Undergraduate Admission, Marist College

Beau Benson Associate Director of Admissions, New York University Karen Brown Director of Admissions, SUNY Oneonta

Austin & Williams

Mary Napier Napier Executive Search

We look forward to seeing you at Geneseo!

Peter Hagan, Director of Admissions, Syracuse University

Donna Shaffner Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Utica College

Lauren Sangimino, Assistant Director, Stony Brook University

Sara Ziesenitz Associate Dean of Admission, Hamilton College

Co Chairs Middle Management Committee

School-College Relations Committee Update: Spring Webinar Professional Development Series

The School-College Relations Committee has wrapped up a successful three-part webinar series! Co-chairs Gina Christel and Peter Hagan are grateful for the participation of 5 outstanding volunteers who helped accomplish the goal of facilitating conversations across both sides of the desk – from our respective offices! In March, Kent Rinehart

and Susan Davidson did an outstanding job of discussing the topic of anxiety in the college admissions process. The final webinar, on April 19, hosted panel members Michelle Curtis-Bailey, Risa Dubow, and Michelle Easton, who shared their perspectives on how we can better work together to provide opportunities for expanded college access.

It was exciting to engage with webinar

participants who were able to send in questions and comments, as the primary goal of the series was to open up lines of communication and share resources. Please look for opportunities to tune in and participate next year!

A WORD FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE DESK NYSACAC WEBINAR SERIES SPRING 2017

Gina Christel Michelle Curtis-Bailey Director of Guidance Senior Admissions Garden City Public Schools Advisor/EOP Coordinator Stony Brook University

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Peter Hagan Director of Admissions Syracuse University

Susan Davidson Associate Director of College Counseling Rye Country Day School

Michelle Easton Access Program Director Bottom Line

Risa Dubow Success Program Director Bottom Line

Kent Rinehart Dean of Admission Marist College

NYSACAC Newsletter Conference, 2017

The 2016 NYSACAC Scholarship Award Winners: Where are they now?

By Carla Shere, Ed. D.

NYSACAC Scholarship Co-chair

The NYSACAC Scholarship Committee would like to introduce two of the scholarship winners from last year. Now you, the membership, will know how they are doing in college and how the scholarship has helped with their transition process!

Terry-Ann Lawrence

Alexander Lopez (photo unavailable) is a first year student at Manhattanville College and double majoring In Education and Psychology. While at Manhattanville, Alex has completed over 40 hours of community service as the Student Coordinator of a shelter in Stamford, Connecticut. He has also joined the Latin Fusion dance team on campus and has won the Residence of the Month award

Terry-Ann Lawrence attends the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at City College which is a direct entry program to medical school. At Sophie Davis, she is studying to become a physician, with a mission to work in underrepresented communities. The NYSACAC scholarship helped to lessen some of the financial burdens placed on her parents. She says “I used the scholarship money to get whatever school supplies I needed (e.g. textbooks required by some of my courses). You have to buy plenty of textbooks while in college (even if you find textbooks on Amazon for a low price, you still end up spending a lot of money collectively).”

She also says “My first year at Sophie Davis was a major transition from high school, however, my strong support system at Sophie has helped me through. My advisor, Ms. Richards, helped me create a study schedule and an efficient study group.” Terry Ann is a member of Bottom Line, a CBO designed to help students navigate their college experience. At Bottom Line, she has monthly meetings with another advisor, Mr. Cruz, who helps to ensure she is taking advantage of the college resources (e.g. the Writing Center, off-campus and on-campus clubs, the study rooms, and the library).

for his assistance and contribution to his residence hall.

Advisor supervising and assisting students! He will also be serving as an Orientation Leader. Not only will he be training to become an RA during the summer, but he will also be introducing new incoming freshmen to Manhattanville College. With the NYSACAC Scholarship money he plans on using it to cover the remaining balance on his account along with tuition payments.

While in high school, Alex was a mentor, and hopes to continue this role while at Manhattanville. He has applied for a Resident Advisor position, and after attending a group workshop, was selected to have an interview, and during his Sophomore year will be an Resident

Advertise with NYSACAC Want to get the word out about a new program? Seeking exposure across New York State and 1800+ members? Click here to find opportunities for advertising in our Conference Newsletter. http://www.nysacac.org/nysacac-newsletter

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Expect the Unexpected Tips for hosting visitors amidst a challenging campus climate

By Cara Nichols Associate Director of Admission Ithaca College

For many students, attending college is a time for growth, exploration, and expression. As these students transition from adolescence to adulthood, they begin to develop a stronger understanding of the issues that face our communities on a local, national and even global level. As a direct result, academic communities across the country are coming together to discuss issues of racial inequality, culture and inclusion on college campuses. As part of the discussion around these complex issues, many students are choosing to lend their voices to raising awareness through protests, demonstrations, and teach-ins.

In recent years, Ithaca College has seen a higher-than-normal level of activity surrounding protests and demonstrations on our campus. The highest concentration of activity occurred in the fall semester of 2015 and ranged from rallies on our campus quad to a 10-day occupation of the Administration building (where the Office of Admission is housed) to strategically organized demonstrations at Admission Open House programs with the intention of sharing messages with prospective students and their families. Often, we were not aware that demonstrations or activity would be taking place until 14

it was underway. As a result, we quickly students and their families amidst learned to adapt and adjust and a challenging campus climate. worked to expect the unexpected.

Despite often challenging conditions during this time, we in the Office of Admission were able to work with partners across campus to continue to host positive and meaningful campus visits for prospective students. As we have since reflected on these events, we’ve identified three points that are crucial for anyone who works with campus visitors to keep in mind when hosting prospective

Proactively Think About a Plan B:

While we often aren’t aware of planned demonstrations and activity until they are happening, there are a couple of ways to ensure that you are as prepared as possible. Here at Ithaca, we found that it is essential to have strong, established partnerships with offices and departments across campus. From Public Safety to

Facilities to Conference & Events, knowing who to connect with in each of these areas proved to be invaluable when unexpected situations arose. It is important to work with these partners to identify alternate locations for information sessions, and possible changes to the tour route if the demonstrations or protests necessitate a move.

Additionally, it is vital to have a written, internal Emergency Plan that has been shared with members of your team. This document should include clear instructions and procedures for a variety of circumstances, be familiar to all staff members that need to carry out the plan, and be practiced at regular intervals.

Communication is Key: As situations occur, it is important to remember that communication is critical. Be sure to keep everyone

connected to the situation in the loop as much as possible, as things often are changing rapidly. Clear and direct communication is imperative.

Additionally, it is crucial to have methods in place to help educate both internal and external constituents on events as they unfold, as well as the issues that are being discussed. At Ithaca we have found the leadership within our department to be extremely open and supportive of both staff and students, especially with regard to activity happening on campus and the issues being discussed. This open communication has helped to build an environment of trust and inclusivity, which in turn has helped us to be even more successful in the work that we do.

Be Open and Adaptable:

that you be open and adaptable as situations occur. Be ready to think on your feet and be creative. Often you will be in a reactionary position and need to keep your options open. This means being receptive to the ideas of others and considering a variety of possibilities, while making decisions quickly and effectively. It is also necessary to work together and ask for help. Handling challenging situations effectively is always a group effort.

Finally, regardless of the situation or current campus climate, it is important to remember to keep the student experience at the center of what you do and focus on providing an excellent campus visit for prospective students and their families.

As important as it is to be prepared ahead of time, it is just as essential

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Newsletter Committee: Sara Robinson, Co-Chair Associate Director of Admissions & Advisement University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daniel Shanley, Co-Chair Assistant Dean for Admission Operations Colgate University Jerome Furman, Committee Counselor East Side Community High School

New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

Sheryl Kavanagh, Committee School Counselor Grand Island High School Christine Loo, Committee Director of College Counseling The Stony Brook School Cristina Rivas-Laline, Committee School Counselor Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School

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