10:00-10:50 am
Serving the First-Generation, Low Income Students
Increasing college access for low-income and first-generation students is a goal of many postsecondary institutions and for counselors and advisors who guide their students through the process. As this population increases, so does the awareness that they need support and additional resources to successfully navigate the college search. Progress has been made in providing greater college access for these students but strategies must continually be devised to overcome the growing inequities in education. Discuss strategies and learn how to ensure that these students successfully enroll and thrive in college. This session is probably more geared towards high school counselors.

Presented by the West Central District

11:00-11:50 am
Understanding the Role of Mental Health and Helping Students Be Successful in College
In recent years, there have been higher incidences of mental health concerns with college age students, including major depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, substance abuse and more. In an effort to support students toward their college goals, counselors and advisers work to ensure that mental health concerns are addressed and work to advocate for the students as they integrate into the campus community. In this session, mental health and school counseling professionals will give participants basic information to help them identify “red flags” of potential health concerns so that they can support students applying to college and guide them through appropriate resources. Addressing the mental health needs and well-being of students in an integral part of helping the students become successful in their journey through college.

Presented by the West Central District

12:00-12:50 pm
The Importance of Community Building in Non-traditional Recruitment Efforts.
Adult students can’t abandon other obligations to job or family. Non-traditional students return to the classroom to transition careers, create career/income growth, update skills, or meet personal goals. They have to think beyond traditional strategies to connect with this population. It is time to think outside the box on ideas of how we reach adult students. We must look at community presentations for client groups and staff, creation of second-hand referral pipelines, increased involvement in the communities you want to reach. We must work with college administrative staff, high schools and community organizations to understand the role of admissions staff in advocating for the needs of non-traditional students in program development and scheduling.

Presented by the Western District

1:00-2:30 pm
How High Do You Bounce? Building Your Resilience
Many people are feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and stressed due to current events. With stress identified as a global health epidemic, it is now more important than ever to build resiliency skills to manage and thrive. Highly resilient people have the ability to adapt, recover and grow stronger from adverse situations. Learn what characteristics these resilient people possess that help them create opportunities from challenges, and how YOU can also nurture and strengthen your resilience.

Presented by the Western District

10:00-10:50 am
Creating Wildly Engaging Online Presentations
With the huge transition to online learning, we have an opportunity to upskill our teaching as we develop our online facilitation skills! You don’t have to start from scratch when creating your virtual presentation and lecture content. Instead, repurpose your in-person content. However, there are several important differences between in-person and virtual lectures and presentations. In this session we learn about:

• Selecting your topic
• Structuring your content
• Avoiding content overload
• Keeping your audience engaged
• What to put on your slides and how many to have
• Tech and prep

Presented by the South Suburban District

11:00-11:50 am
Becoming College Ready: A Growth Mindset Approach
Many educators as well as students believe in the benefits of a growth mindset, believing that capacities can change and grow and that setbacks are valuable for the information they provide for the future. This session will overview the key elements of growth mindset, apply this approach broadly (beyond academic skills) to student development, and consider how students can cultivate a personal and social context that fosters positive growth.

Presented by the Northwest District

12:00-12:50 pm
COVID Anxiety: How to Handle It and Why Self-care is Important
Even though we are almost a year into the pandemic, there are still many emotions we are trying to handle. One of the reactions you may be feeling is increased anxiety. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and ways to cope as well as why self-care is so important right now.
Presenter, Kellie Calderon, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a variety of experience in the counseling field. She is the founder of Ace Counseling Group and has a dynamic team that has a collective goal of accepting, connecting, and empowering clients to reach their full potential. She has worked in private practice, employee assistance programs, and community agencies. She is well versed in working with teens and young adults that experience anxiety, life transitions, and relationship stress.

Presented by the South Suburban District

1:00-1:50 pm
Admission Testing and the Surging Test Optional Movement
In response to the pandemic, colleges have radically adjusted their admission testing policies. Over 95% of selective colleges do not currently require test scores. But it’s not that simple. Compass Education Group, experts in testing and test prep will host a pragmatic discussion for high school counselors about admission testing in 2021. In addition to analyzing the range of implications, motives, and trends related to the complex test optional movement, Compass will review best practices for exam selection (SAT or ACT), preparation, and the timing of official administrations.

Presented by the South Suburban District

10:00-10:50 am
Military Recruiting in Schools
This session will advertise the different branches of the military and what opportunities are available within those branches, as well as educating attendees on the recruiting process and what is needed by the counselor or high school. Recruiters from Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force will be present to answer all your questions!

Presented by the East Central District

11:00-11:50 am
Advising Prospective NCAA Student-Athletes
Jennifer “J.T.” Thomas, the current NACAC Special Interest Group Leader for Prospective Student Athlete Advocacy and current Mavericks Coach will lead a discussion on what counselors can do to prepare themselves and their student-athletes on NCAA rules and regulations to make the transition to college athlete. She will share her wealth of knowledge from her experience as both a college coach and a former college athlete and how to navigate the chaotic recruiting process.

Presented by the East Central District

12:00-12:50 pm
Educational Issues and Solutions for Our Rural Students
David Ardrey, Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) will lead a discussion on promoting educational excellence in rural and small schools in Illinois.

Presented by the Southern District

1:00-1:50 pm
Legislative Update
This session will address new education legislation, including the FAFSA requirement for high school graduates as well as the new College and Career Readiness Indicator data now required by the state. Heather Strom, School Counseling Principal Consultant for the Illinois State Board of Education will be presenting this session.

Presented by the Southern District