The NYSACAC Summer Institute is a three-day intensive mentor-based experience that brings together emerging professionals from all sides of the desk and energetic, seasoned mentors to grapple with a wide range of admission counseling issues.  Summer Institute 2025 will take place at Marist University, from August 5th through August 7th. 

As a participant, you will learn best practices, share expertise, develop creative approaches to new and not-so-new problems, establish networks, and review ethical standards for our profession. We are certain that the unique combination of a vibrant curriculum and a diverse group of participants and mentors will offer you a refreshing and rewarding experience.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Who

Summer Institute is designed for admissions professionals with up to three years of experience, as well as high school/CBO counselors and advisors with up to five years of experience. 

Dates

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 through Thursday, August 7, 2025

(Check-in no later than 1:00pm on Tuesday. The program will end by 4pm on Thursday.)

Location

Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY    

Cost

$575 by July 1st ($625 after July 1st).  Fee includes meals (except for one dinner which is on your own), an air-conditioned single room in a Marist residence hall, and program materials. Participants must reside in the residence hall throughout the stay at the institute. 

Overnight housing is available for an additional charge ($50) for participants wishing to arrive a day in advance on Monday and stay on campus. This includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday in the Dining Hall. Please indicate your interest in arriving early on the registration form.

Registration

Registration for the 2025 NYSACAC Summer Institute is now open! It will close on July 30th.  

Members applying for conference grants (below) should NOT register for Summer Institute until they have been notified of the status of their request.

Grants

Each year, a number of professional grants are available to Summer Institute attendees.  To apply for a grant to Summer Institute 2025, please use the form below:

THE MENTOR MODEL

The Institute’s mentors are accomplished colleagues who share a deep commitment to the profession and have diverse backgrounds with years of experience.  The Institute’s curriculum focuses on developing three key areas:

• Professional Development

• Networking Opportunities

• Case Studies

The small mentor group is the primary mode of interaction and communication for the Institute, where attendees will learn from one another. 

Additionally, mentors and guest presenters will offer their expertise in the following Institute Topics:

• Admissions Travel

• Athletic Recruitment

• Building the College List

• Building Relationships

• College Access

• Counseling First Generation Students

• Cultural Diversity

• Ethical Issues

• Financial Aid

• Effective  Presentations

• Implicit Bias

• Student Mental Health

• College Admissions Trends

• And More....

SUMMER INSTITUTE PLANNING TEAM

Co-Directors

Stacy Ledermann

Assistant Vice President of Admissions

St. John Fisher University

Haniya Mee

Director of College Counseling

Oakwood Friends School

Curriculum Director

Davin Sweeney

College Counselor

Avenues: The World School

Lead Mentor

John Young

College Counselor

McQuaid Jesuit High School

Public Relations Coordinator

Colette Montgomery

Le Moyne College