Welcome to the NYSACAC Newsletter! Please feel free to send any feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. We hope you enjoy the Newsletter!

                                                                                              - NYSACAC Newsletter Committee

event at Molloy University in March. This year’s topics featured Managing Up, Down and Across, Moving Up in Your Role, and Making Data Informed Decisions. Our College Fair committee co-chaired by Colette Montgomery and Dan Kuhlman organized two fairs this spring at SUNY Maritime and Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Thanks to our co-chairs along with the host schools. If you are interested in helping our College Fair Committee organize fairs next year please email [email protected]

Camp College, a program meant for rising high school seniors from across New York State where students participate in a free, informative, fun experience to learn about the college process, is scheduled for July 23-25 at SUNY Geneseo. If you're interested in having your students attend, please reach out to co-chairs Marcelle Hicks and Tiarah Vergara. This is an event your students won’t want to miss! For more information visit [email protected]

If you have new staff joining your team in the coming months, consider sending them to this year’s Summer Institute, scheduled for August 5-8 at Marist University. Our co-chairs, Stacy Ledermann, Haniya Mee, and their committee, are working diligently to plan this outstanding program.

Please be on the lookout for information for our Ketchup Series over the next few weeks. Topics will include “How to Effectively Execute an Instant Decision Day,” and “What to Expect at the NYSACAC Conference.” This is co-chaired by Makenna Gagnier and Erica Doherty. 

Lastly, I want to thank our amazing Newsletter co-chairs Madison Morgan and Brian Gleitsmann. They have done a tremendous job re-imagining our Newsletter and I hope that you enjoyed the articles.    

NYSACAC is driven by the dedication of volunteers. In closing, if you're interested in joining a committee, please email me at [email protected], and I will help you find the best fit. I look forward to seeing you at Hartwick College in June for our Coming Together and Annual Conference.

Dave Follick, NYSACAC President

Direct admissions programs are on the rise, and your students likely have questions – and so do you!

Join the folks at Niche for a 45-minute webinar to learn how seniors can receive immediate college acceptances (plus scholarships!) without filling out a single application. From receiving offers to navigating next steps after acceptance, they’ll break it all down so you can confidently guide students through all-things direct admissions. 

• Wednesday, 4/30 @ 12PM EDT
• Hosted by Bo, former school counselor with 14+ years of experience
• Register here

Start warming up!  In less than two months the NYSACAC Coming Together Conference and Annual Conference at Hartwick College will be here. Hartwick College is taking their conference game to a whole new level. They have started preparing the grounds for our opening day; June 3-4 Coming Together Conference and June 4-6 Annual Conference.  

Opening Ceremonies With Big League Keynote Speakers:

Home-Run Events Not To Miss

Double Header Game Nights: SUNY Oneonta will host Wednesday evening’s dinner followed by an evening of socials and excursions at the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, Ommegang Brewery, and musical entertainment at Hartwick College.

Thursday will consist of 7th Inning Stretch FUNraisers like bocce, cornhole, WINGO, and Paint 'n Sip. Following that will be a tropical themed dinner on campus with entertainment. 

Grand Slam Sessions: We received over 100 session proposals! The Programming Committee has been reviewing and reaching out to presenters. Everyone who submitted a proposal should be notified by mid-April. Thank you to all who submitted a proposal!

Take A Swing At Silent Auction: You don't have to be at the conference to place a bid!  We will start taking bids online starting June 3rd. Anyone can bid on prizes like a signed MLB baseball!

Away Games: There will be college tour options on June 3rd (SUNY Oneonta and Russell Sage College) and June 4th (SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Binghamton). For those taking Amtrak from New York City on Tuesday, Russell Sage College will provide bus pick up at Amtrak, tour the campus, then drive attendees to Hartwick College. Return bus service on Friday will be provided to Amtrak in Albany. Visit the conference website for more information.

Rookie Camp: First time attendees will have virtual programming leading up to the conference, be paired with a mentor, and a meet up at the conference.  

Team Hotel Block: In addition to on-campus housing, Hartwick College has secured a block of hotel rooms. Anyone interested in staying at the nearby hotels can book their room directly through Hartwick College using this webpage.  

A Word For Our Sponsors: There is still time to be a sponsor! We offer customizable sponsorship opportunities for vendors AND colleges. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in being a sponsor. Thank you to our current sponsors!

Don’t strike out! Early Bird registration ends May 15th!   

Please continue to check the conference website for more information. We look forward to seeing you at Hartwick College, June 3-6!

Lauren Sangimino, NYSACAC President-Elect

Consider the folks in your office, a great counseling professional you've met on the road, or a long-time colleague that you've always admired, then submit a nomination for any or all of the following six awards:

• The President's Award is given to an individual who, over a period of years, has performed outstanding service to NYSACAC, to our profession, and to the community.

• The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to individuals who have given exceptional service to our profession. Three awards are given in this category: College, High School, and Community Based Organization.

• The Inclusion, Access, and Success Award is given to an individual or program that champions the issues of access, making post-secondary opportunities available to historically underrepresented students.

• The Rising Star Award honors individuals and programs that exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college. Preference will be given to those who have worked in the field for no more than five years. They must be new members who are striving to make a difference within the association through their work in committees.

Please nominate yourself or another well-deserving professional here:

The deadline for award nominations is May 9, 2025 at 5pm.

Bylaws: One of the responsibilities of the Immediate Past President is to review the association's bylaws, make any necessary changes, and present those updates to both the Executive Board for their approval, and then to all members of the association. Members will receive the recommended changes at least 30 days prior to the General Membership Meeting, and will vote on the recommendations at that meeting during the Annual Conference in June. 

Best wishes for the end of the academic year! I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Hartwick in June!

Heidi Green, Immediate Past President

Whether you’re new to the Coming Together Conference (CTC) or a returning attendee, we invite you to join us at Hartwick for this year’s CTC. CTC is more than just a conference—it’s a community built on the shared goal of identifying and tackling barriers in higher education. This is the opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with professionals who are passionate about supporting students and breaking down barriers. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a meaningful impact, CTC is the place to start.

Organized by the NYSACAC Coming Together Committee, the Coming Together Conference (CTC) offers thought-provoking sessions and valuable networking opportunities, all centered on fostering diversity, equity, and access in higher education. This annual gathering provides a dedicated space for professionals who identify as, serve, or strive to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities in education.

Why Attend the Coming Together Conference?

This year’s theme, “Leveling the Field,” invites practitioners from all areas of college access and admissions to engage in meaningful conversations about dismantling barriers, bridging gaps, and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have equitable opportunities to access, thrive in, and succeed beyond post-secondary education.

How is CTC Different from the Annual Conference?

CTC is an intimate and intentional community within the larger Annual Conference community. Since its inception in 1997, CTC has provided a space for professionals to explore and address issues specific to those who serve or belong to historically underrepresented groups in higher education. Sessions are typically smaller, allowing for deep discussions and strong connections among attendees.

Benefits of Attending CTC

Attending CTC alongside the NYSACAC Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from a diverse range of professionals in a more focused setting. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the field, CTC offers a space to exchange resources, share best practices, and gain fresh perspectives. Given the rapid changes in the higher education landscape, this is an ideal moment to both learn and share your expertise.

This Year’s Social Theme: Tailgate!

Get ready to show your team spirit! This year’s social theme is Tailgate—a celebration of community and camaraderie. Whether you rep your college’s team or your favorite professional team, come dressed in your best fan gear. Enjoy yard games, tailgate-style food, great music, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can connect in their own way—whether by dancing, playing games, or just relaxing with colleagues.

Join us for this impactful experience where we come together to level the field for all students. Questions? Reach out to [email protected]. 

We can't wait to see you this June at Hartwick!

Lauren "Quigs" Quigley and Emmanuel "Manny" Moses

Coming Together Conference Co-Chairs

This June, I will attend what I think is my 27th NYSACAC Conference. Why do I keep going?

For starters, the conference is always evolving. Every year, sessions focus on what’s in the

news and on the horizon. Meetings for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the CBO Fair, and WINGO

are all recent additions to the conference schedule. There are first time attendees (aka people to meet) and new initiatives, off-campus excursions, and powerful speakers.

This June, I will attend what I think is my 27th NYSACAC Conference. Why do I keep going?

For starters, the conference is always evolving. Every year, sessions focus on what’s in the

news and on the horizon. Meetings for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the CBO Fair, and WINGO

are all recent additions to the conference schedule. There are first time attendees (aka people to meet) and new initiatives, off-campus excursions, and powerful speakers.

with programming on the importance not only of diversity, but also social justice, equity, and perspective. As a result, while CTC maintains its original mission of supporting marginalized counselors and students, attending CTC is now a priority for professionals at all stages of their careers and from all backgrounds. For me, CTC is energizing and enlightening, making it the perfect springboard for my annual conference experience.

The most important reason I keep coming back to the NYSACAC conference is that I change

from year to year. When I was a new college counselor, I counted on the sessions—and the

presenters —to teach me the basics of list building, working with families, and understanding the FAFSA. As I moved towards being a director, I focused my time at the conference on building

my network and presenting on topics like, “Counseling International Students,” “How to Host a

College Night,” and “Getting Involved in National Leadership.”

In 2016, when I transitioned to independent counseling, I valued the opportunity to learn from and share with the NYSACAC community from my new vantage point. These days I focus much of my attention on mentoring and supporting women. I co-chair NYSACAC’s Women in Counseling and Admissions SIG, which holds its only in-person meeting at the conference. One of the highlights of the conference for me in recent years has been presenting, “Empowered Women Empower Women” with a panel of colleagues who are also my friends.

Now that I think about it, maybe that last part is the most important thing. The people I see every

year at Coming Together and the Annual Conference are more than colleagues—they are

friends and some are even like family. As an association, we gather every June to conduct

business and learn from each other—and also to have fun, socialize, and refuel at the end of

the academic year. We fill our tanks with knowledge, energy and friendship, preparing ourselves

for whatever the next cycle brings.

Lisa Sohmer, Sohmer College Counseling

Whether you are a first-timer, or it has been a little while since you’ve attended a state conference, we have some tips & tricks to make the most out of it!

First-Timers:

• If requested, you’ll be paired with a mentor prior to the conference to connect with, ask questions, etc.  

  • Didn’t request a mentor? No worries - we have you covered! First Timer Co-Chairs Courtney and Amanda will be in touch soon with all you need to know about attending.

• We encourage you to attend the Virtual Ketchup Series May 21st from 11:30 am- 12 pm on “What to Expect at Conference.” We’ll have some great tips and time for questions.

• Look out for mentor communications in mid-late May along with additional notes on what to expect at the conference.

• Be sure to attend the First Timers Reception on Wednesday June 4th at 4:30 pm. Join us for a cocktail while we introduce all that NYSACAC has to offer - at the conference and beyond!

All Conference Attendees:

• Get to know your Regional Representative before the conference! Each Region (1-6) has two representatives that can help answer questions and help you to feel prepared. If you see them at Hartwick, please say hello! 

• As schedules come out, look at which sessions sound most interesting and impactful ahead of time. Going with a group? Divide and conquer so you can get the most out of sessions! Representing your institution? Connect with your supervisors before to see what sessions might fit best for your institutional goals.

What do I pack?

• Business cards (either paper or digital) - networking is the highlight of the conference!

• Business casual clothes that are comfortable - remember those college days racing to class. You’ll be walking around the campus to various buildings for sessions, so sneakers are encouraged.

• Most of the evening dinners and activities are casual. Be sure to check for themes and pack any coordinating attire!

• Check the weather ahead of time to ensure you bring things like umbrellas or jackets. There’s nothing worse than sitting wet in an educational session!

• Show your school spirit! Whether you're representing a high school, an independent counseling service, or a higher education institution, we encourage you to wear your institution's gear and represent with pride.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either of us at any time. We look forward to seeing everyone at Hartwick next month!

Courtney Stern & Amanda Brady

Conference Steering Committee, Annual Conference First Timer Co-Chairs 

The NYSACAC Scholarship is open and accepting applications! Do not miss your chance to nominate students from your school.

Scholarships will be awarded to deserving students throughout New York State. If you are working with any students who will be starting college or transferring to a new college in Fall 2025 and fit the criteria, we encourage you to nominate them.

To learn more about the NYSACAC scholarship and eligibility requirements, please visit nysacac.org/nysacac-scholarship. 

Please note you must be a NYSACAC member to nominate a student. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.

Amidst the uncertainty and many concerns in higher education, what can we do?  We can lean on each other.

I am thankful for the vast network of professionals to whom I am connected through NYSACAC and NACAC.  We can turn to each other to vent and commiserate (there is certainly value in turning to a sympathetic and understanding ear), but we can also ask each other for resources, ideas, and support.  From quick texts, emails, and calls with questions, to asking a colleague to come speak to a group of concerned students and families, we have an organization full of experts who want to help and with whom we can relate.  We can be thought partners, brainstorming ideas to forge ahead, figuring out how we still do our important work.

I was asked recently if there is hope. I believe there is hope because we have each other.

Marie Nocella (she/her)

Sarah Lawrence College

Past President, NYSACAC

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, professional development remains essential for staying up-to-date with industry best practices, enhancing our skills, and fostering growth in admissions and counseling roles. Luckily, Region 1 (Long Island) has had a variety of opportunities for professionals to expand their knowledge and network in the field.

What’s been happening?!

It’s been a very busy month of March. NYSACAC offered an phenomenal Professional Development Regional Forum at Stony Brook University on “Admissions Intelligence: AI’s Role in Shaping College Admission.” It was so wonderful to see so many high school counselors, CBOs, IECs, and higher education professionals come out for the event. It was wonderful to meet so many of you.

NYSACAC also had our Middle Management Institute at Molloy University giving professionals looking to gain more knowledge to continue to grow in the profession. They say you are in admissions 3 years or 30 years, and I am excited to see how these individuals continue to contribute to our profession in the coming years! Our current President-Elect, Lauren Sangimino, and fellow Long Islander was also there networking and sharing knowledge.

In other local news, the local professional associations Nassau Counselors Association (NCA) hosted their CAP Conference a few weeks ago at Adelphi University and Western Suffolk Counselors Association hosted their Spring Conference at Farmingdale State College, SUNY. Both colleges are NYSACAC member colleges. We love to see all the exciting events happening throughout Region 1.

We hope to see lots of Long Island representation at the NYSACAC Conference at Hartwick College this June. Always feel free to reach out to us Region 1 Representatives at [email protected], especially if you have questions or ideas for our region.

Meghan DeMayo-Dalen

Suffolk County Community College

NYSACAC Region 1 Representative

Hello from the NYSACAC Region 2 Representatives, supporting the amazing five boroughs of New York City! As NYSACAC has shifted to a Regional Rep model, our impact has been felt! We have been able to support at a number of events within NYC, including two college fairs and the Spring Regional Forum. We started the fall by attending the amazing NYSACAC College Fair on Staten Island at Staten Island Academy. In March, we also supported the NYSACAC College Fair hosted at SUNY Maritime. Our amazing hosts not only rolled out the red carpet but ensured we had an amazing space for a fair that saw 58 college and university representatives along with over 400 high school students! Seeing the smiles on students' faces and feeling the energy in the room proved just how impactful an event like this can be for the young people within our region.

This past month, we were also glad to support the 2025 Spring Regional Forum. This gathering was hosted on the St. Joseph's University campus in Brooklyn. Conversations focused on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping college admissions, now and into the future. NYSACAC Region Two members heard from colleagues, and experts in the space, while engaging in dialogue around what possible implications, as well as innovations, this technology could offer the field and the profession.

An important part of our role is to hear the concerns of and feedback from our constituents in New York City. To that end, in December 2024, we hosted our first ever Town Hall via Zoom for NYSACAC members of the five boroughs. Attendees of the session represented a variety of the communities engaged in this work: post-secondary institutions, IECs, secondary schools, as well as representatives from the non-profit/CBO space. Some of the overarching themes, and queries for the organization, touched upon ways in which communication and engagement could be streamlined. With so many individuals and so many organizations in Region 2 engaging in this work, how can we all support one another? How can we, and NYSACAC as a whole, effectively communicate the resources and opportunities we offer?

There was also a call for open lines of communication and feedback on what Region 2 constituents need from NYSACAC leadership. Honest conversations around funding, especially in support of public school counselors being able to engage in opportunities such as the Annual and Coming Together Conferences, and even Summer Institute were lifted. There was also a call for transparency around the costs and financial landscape of the organization, especially post-NACAC cost sharing changes. Finally, we were also able to send out a survey to Region 2 members that weren’t able to be in attendance, with most responses echoing the sentiments above about ensuring continued program offerings, such as Camp College, while continuing to offer affordable access to these resources. This is especially necessary as some practitioners might not know about or be able to afford membership. 

We are so excited to cap off our year in Region 2 by hosting another virtual Town Hall on May 2nd at 12pm. In our upcoming Town Hall, we hope to circle back to the questions, comments, and feedback we received in the Fall. We also hope to continue the tradition of open and honest conversations, especially with the current, unpredictable shifts in our field, and the uncertainty they present for the young people and practitioners in our boroughs. While we never promise to have all the answers, we do promise to hold space and to continue to serve our community. We hope to see you at our last Town Hall of the year, and will share more details soon!

As we both roll off from our roles as Region 2 Representatives in June, we would be remiss if we did not thank the amazing five boroughs of New York City for all you do for our community Our work is crucial, and even more critical right now! You matter. We see you. And we are in this with you!

Briana Avery and Emmanuel "Manny" Moses

NYSACAC Region 2 Representatives

College Fair Committee:

We are excited to announce that we have created a NYSACAC College Fair Registry! We hope that by providing a running list of college fairs for the Spring 2025 recruitment season and future cycles, we can increase access to important information for all members as we plan our calendars. Please submit information regarding your upcoming college fairs and events to be added to the registry!

We are looking for host sites for our Fall 2025 College Fairs. If your institution is interested and available in hosting a college fair, please email [email protected]!

Professional Development: 

Student Leadership in Admissions Conference - Save the Date!

Please save the date for the 2025 Student Leadership in Admissions (SLA) Conference, which will be held on Saturday, September 6th at SUNY Albany from 10 AM-3 PM. SLA is a one-day professional development program designed for student admissions ambassadors/tour guides and the staff that support them. More details, including this year's theme, conference proposal information, and logistics will be shared this spring. Hope to see you there!

School-College-CBO Relations Committee:

We’re excited to announce the spring series of “Ketchups” with NYSACAC! These are free, quick, and casual virtual sessions designed to help you stay updated on what’s happening in the world of college admissions counseling — from both sides of the desk. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, prepare for conference season, or simply connect with colleagues, there’s something for everyone.

Upcoming Session:

What to Expect at Conference

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Is this your first NYSACAC conference, or has it been a while since you last attended? No problem! Lauren Sangimino (Stony Brook University) and Bryan Gross (Hartwick College) will give you the inside scoop on what to expect and how to make the most of your time at the conference at Hartwick College.

These sessions are open to everyone, so grab your lunch and join us for a quick “ketchup” this spring. Let’s learn and grow together!

Summer Institute:

Want your content featured in our next newsletter? Send your updates and content to us at [email protected]

Contact Info:

New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

P.O. Box 28

Red Hook, NY 12571

[email protected]