Despite 100 degree temperatures, 2023 ACU attendees powered through their curriculum, listened and engaged in the phenomenal presentations by our “professors,” and made ACU 2023 an event to remember. 

This year, the Professional Development Committee was pleased to bring back the overnight experience for ACU. During the event, we welcomed a new class of 31 admissions professionals with a series of sessions that provided attendees with knowledge, tips, and tricks for making the most of the admissions profession. Here are the highlights:

Forging Relationships with High School Students

• Guiding high school students through the college search process requires a unique skill set. ACU recognized this with a presentation by Hannah Hostetler, from Cornell College, that was dedicated to building meaningful relationships with high school students. We discussed strategies to engage and connect with young minds, and even learned some Gen Z lingo (no cap).

Creating a Fulfilling Career in Admissions

• Conner Ellinghuysen, from Buena Vista University, discussed how a career in admissions offers a range of opportunities to build a career on. We explored the various pathways within higher education and enrollment management, and discussed how the role in admissions can evolve into leadership positions, impacting policy, recruitment, and institutional growth. 

• Drew Shradel, Cornell College and Iowa ACAC Past President, joined us on a video call to share the importance of getting involved in Iowa ACAC. The class enjoyed hearing from Drew’s experiences and insights on how involvement with Iowa ACAC can provide professional development opportunities and help build lifelong friendships within the admissions field. 

Navigating the Road and Traveling Tips

• John Peterson, from UNI, presented valuable tips and tricks for making the most of the travel season. Attendees learned the art of maintaining balance while being on the move, from packing efficiently to staying organized, ensuring that their journey on the road would be both productive and enjoyable.

FAFSA and Financial Aid

• Abby Martin, from Iowa College Access Network (ICAN), presented on the FAFSA and the realm of financial aid. We dipped our toes into the FAFSA process, learning about some of the common obstacles that students and families face.

As the day's sessions concluded, the ACU Class of 2023 gathered at The Cellar Peanut Pub, a local Pella staple, for an evening of connecting with each other. The next day, we wrapped up ACU 2023 with commencement, graduating a great group of admissions professionals. 

Thank you to our amazing hosts at Central College, and to our attendees for an amazing event. We hope it was an enjoyable and beneficial experience for you all!

 To our newest ACU Class of 2023 – Congrats and well deserved!!