The 2018 Los Angeles
Share, Learn, and Connect

Friday, February 23, 2018

8:30am to2:00pm

at

University of California, Los Angeles

2018 WACAC Share, Learn, and Connect Los Angeles

At-A-Glance

7:30am / Registration
Carnesale Commons(CC) 3rd Floor Lobby
8:30am-9:20am / Opening Session
Palisades ABCF, CC 3rd Floor
Welcome from Dan Nannini, WACAC Board Member and past WACAC President
Keynote from La'TonyaRease Miles, Ph.D., Director, First Year Experience, UCLA
Venice A
CC 2nd Floor / Venice B
CC 2nd Floor / Hermosa A
CC 2nd Floor / Hermosa B
CC 2nd Floor / Malibu
CC 2nd Floor / Palisades D
CC 3rd Floor / Palisades E
CC 3rd Floor
Session I
9:30am-10:20am / Dialing Down Di$appointment: Helping Students and Parents Understand Merit and Need-Based Aid / Debunking the Myth of the Starving Artist:
Creative Majors and Careers / WUE:
We Update & Educate / CTCL:
How Can We Help You Help Your Students and Families? / Transitioning and Thriving for
First-Generation College Students and Parents / ACT 101 - Insider’s Guide to the ACT / UC & CSU Update
10:30am-
11:50am / Brunch & College Fair
Palisades ABCF, CC3rd Floor
Session II
12:00pm-12:50pm / Nursing Profession / Visual Literacy: Preparing the Art School Portfolio / Financial Aid at Different Institutions / The
School Profile:
How to Create One and
How It’s Used / Advising Undocumented Students
During College Admission and Planning in the Current Political Climate / Why Can't We All Get Along? Successful Partnerships Between Schools, Independent Counselors +
Test Prep / How We Review: Insight on Presenting Information on the University of California Application
Session III
1:00pm-1:50pm / From Stress to SUCCESS: Finding the Perfect College and
How to Pay for It!! / Beyond the
Mock Interview: Strategies for a Winning
College Interview / Meet Your College Board Representative and Be Informed
of 2018
College Board Program Updates / UndocuAlly: Introduction to Undocumented Students in
Higher Education / Your Passport to Working with International Students / “The Ultimate Playbook: Supporting Prospective Student-Athletes Through Recruitment, Admissions & College”
2:00pm-3:00pm / UCLA Campus Tour (Optional)
LeavingfromCC 3rd Floor Lobby

UCLA has also graciously contributed WiFi access – Thank you, UCLA!
Network: UCLA_WEB(no sign-in required)

Registration: 7:30am

Carnesale Commons (CC) 3rd Floor Lobby

Opening Session:8:30am to 9:20am

Palisades ABCF, Carnesale Commons (CC) 3rd Floor

Welcome

Dan Nannini, WACAC Board Member and past WACAC President

Keynote Address

La'TonyaRease Miles, Ph.D.,

Director, First Year Experience

UCLA

La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles is the Director of First Year Experience at UCLA, where she works collaboratively with Residential Life, Student Affairs departments more generally and academic departments campus-wide to develop initiatives and to increase awareness of the first-year experience on campus.

Dr. Miles has established two successful programs for first-generation college students—one at UCLA and the other at Loyola Marymount University—both recognized for national Best Practices. She regularly consults with institutions nationally concerning first-gen students and also has advised local high schools (including Loyola High School and Verbum Dei High School) about developing programs on their campus. Finally, she established and manages a national Facebook group, "Empowering First Generation Students."

Prior to this position, La'Tonya was the Director of the Academic Resource Center at Loyola Marymount University where she also spearheaded campus-wide initiatives that address student food insecurity and worked closely with the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education to establish travel abroad pathways for students of color and first-generation college students.

She earned a Ph.D. in American literature from UCLA; and her research interests include the hidden curriculum in higher education, narratives about the first-generation college experience, and the relationship of physical space and college student engagement. Further, she is passionate about NBA basketball, college football, "The Flash" and “Friday Night Lights."

Session I: 9:30am to 10:20am

Dialing Down Di$appointment: Helping Students and Parents Understand Merit and Need-Based Aid------Venice A, CC 2nd Floor

The excitement of the acceptance letter is sometimes tempered by the reality check of the financial aid letter. Learn tools to help families determine their EFC, where to find information about the percentage of need colleges fill, if they offer merit-based aid, and if so, how generous they are.

  • Evelyn Alexander, Certified Educational Planner, Magellan College Counseling
  • Casey Rowley, College Counselor, Beverly Hills High School

Debunking the Myth of the Starving Artist:

Creative Majors and Careers ------Venice B, CC 2nd Floor

Performing and Visual artists are unsung powerhouses in today’s economy. Come learn more about the unique and essential value artists bring to our world, and how to best support young creatives in their search for the right fit college major and career path.

  • Laura Young, Director, Enrollment Management, UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture

WUE: We Update & Educate ------Hermosa A, CC 2nd Floor

WUE (pronounced “woo-wee”) is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a regional tuition-reciprocity agreement that enables students from the US Western states to enroll at participating two- and four-year public institutions at reduced tuition. The WUE program offered at 150+ institutions has some similarities among all and many variations causing confusion and misunderstandings. Panelists from WUE institutions will explain the commonalities, discuss the variables and address the nuances. Counselors will be equipped to assist students look at out-of-state schools that offer WUE and ultimately reduced tuition!!

  • Gary K Bednorz, Student Recruitment Specialist, University of New Mexico
  • Dennis Yan, Regional Admissions Supervisor, Northern Arizona University
  • Teri Ann Matsuda, Regional Admission Counselor, Colorado Mesa University

CTCL: How Can We Help You

Help Your Students and Families?) ------Hermosa B, CC 2ndFloor

No sciences? No jobs? Too much debt? The liberal arts are being talked about... and not always in a good way. This session will give counselors tangible takeaways to help students and parents see the value in this type of college or university. The session will offer examples of research and articles that can help counselors encourage students to expand their search criteria and to counter their students' and parents' struggle with getting beyond the usual list of highly visible schools to create a list that reflects the student's talents, needs, and loves. Samples will include data from Colleges That Change Lives member schools and other small, liberal arts schools.

  • Philip "P.J." Petrone, Colleges That Change Lives - Board of Directors, Co-Director of College Counseling, Marymount High School
  • Marty O'Connell, Past Executive Director of Colleges That Change Lives, Co-Director of College Counseling, Marymount High School

Transitioning and Thriving for First-Generation College Students

and Parents ------Malibu, CC 2ndFloor

Learn more about the transition experience for first-generation college students and parents as well as the support and resources available at UCLA for first-generation college students.

  • Symone Morales, Coordinator, First To Go | First Year Experience, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Cynthia L. Alvarez, Coordinator, First Year Experience, University of California, Los Angeles

ACT 101 – Insider’s Guide to the ACT ------PalisadesD, CC 3rdFloor

The ACT is a significant factor in the college admissions process, yet taking advantage of this opportunity is not easy. The ACT is longer, trickier, and requires greater preparation than any exam students have taken before. In this session we will discuss ACT structure, content, and how to overcome the traps test writers set on each exam section. We will also discuss how to develop a long-term plan to put your students in the best possible position to succeed.

  • Jacob Kantor, Director of School Partnerships, Revolution Prep
  • Candice Mackey, Counselor, Culver City High School
  • Deana Delshad, College Counselor, New Roads School

UC & CSU Update ------Palisades E, CC 3rdFloor

Admission Officers from the UC and CSU systems will provide updates and expectations for Fall 2018 and information on initiatives and what is new, exciting, and available for 2018-19.

  • Mike Drish, Deputy Director of Undergraduate Admission, UCLA
  • MarjaniChidinma, Assistant Director of Recruitment, Cal State LA

Brunch &College Fair: 10:30am to 11:50am

Palisades ABCF, CC 3rd Floor

Session II: 12:00pm to 12:50pm

Nursing Profession ------Venice A, CC 2nd Floor

Nursing is the largest health care occupation, with more than 1.9 million jobs. Experts predict there will be a nationwide shortage of 800,000 nurses by 2020. That’s good news for those planning a career in nursing. We invite you to come and learn how to navigate the world of nursing from a private and public lens.

  • Mark Covin, Recruitment & Admissions Coordinator, UCLA School of Nursing
  • Michelle Argueta, Nursing Transfer Counselor, Mount Saint Mary’s University

Visual Literacy: Preparing the Art School Portfolio ------Venice B, CC 2ndFloor

Visual artists-- designers, photographers, painters, architects, fashion designers, animators, filmmakers, et al-- wield a great deal of power and responsibility to create and guide culture. This session offers practical advice and guidance on how to find the right fit visual arts program and best practices for developing the artistic portfolio.

  • Laura Young, Director, Enrollment Management, UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture

Financial Aid at Different Institutions ------Hermosa A, CC 2nd Floor

An overview of the differences in the financial aid process at public and private universities. Representatives from the financial aid offices at USC and UCLA offer insights on the differing approaches to awarding financial aid and scholarships, as well as providing time to ask questions about complex cases.

  • Eddy Convoy, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • Jessica Medina, Associate Director, Outreach, USC Financial Aid

The School Profile: How to Create One

and How It’s Used ------Hermosa B, CC 2ndFloor

This session will provide a greater understanding for how school profiles are used in college admission. Participants will leave with practical tips on what is required to format a school profile, what pertinent information to include, and understanding the role of the school profile in the admission process.

  • Dr. Mari Oropeza, Associate Director of College Counseling & Academic Planning, Milken Community Schools
  • Ms. Shelly Kierman, Associate Director of College Counseling & Academic Planning, Milken Community Schools
  • Ms. Samantha Schreiber, Associate Director of College Counseling & Academic Planning, Milken Community Schools
  • Mr. Charlie Leizear, Director of First-Year Admission, Occidental College

Advising Undocumented Students During College Admission and

Planning in the Current Political Climate ------Malibu, CC 2ndFloor

Providing resources for counselors/advisors to guide undocumented students through the college application and selection process while debunking myths about access to college. Key tools on how to create targeted programming, resources in the community, perspective colleges support programs, financial aid, and social emotional skills needed to guide students.

  • Nancy Mendoza, Academic and College Counselor, Synergy Quantum Academy
  • Martha Sanchez, College Access Manager, SCS Noonan Scholars

Why Can't We All Get Along? Successful Partnerships Between Schools, Independent Counselors + Test Prep------PalisadesD, CC 3rdFloor

We will do a deep dive on schools that have a great culture of student success. Successful relationships between school counselors, independent counselor and test prep providers. The goal of the talk is to debunk the myth of us vs them. Student success is the #1 goal.

  • Jacob Kantor, Director of School Partnerships, Revolution Prep
  • Leigh Weissman, College Counselor, Collegewise
  • Candice Mackey, Counselor, Culver City High School

How We Review: Insight on Presenting Information on the

University of California Application ------Palisades E, CC 3rdFloor

Using concepts from the University of California’s comprehensive review policy, you will review parts of the application and help evaluate applicant files. The process will help you guide future applicants and learn how students can best present themselves on the UC application.

  • Mike Drish, Deputy Director of Undergraduate Admission, UCLA
  • Rhea Lin, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, UCLA
  • Gary Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission, UCLA

Session 3: 1:00pm to 1:50pm

From Stress to SUCCESS: Finding the Perfect College and

How to Pay for It!! ------Venice A, CC 2ndFloor

With thousands of options available, helping students decide where to attend college can be a challenging task. However this presentation will pave the road to refining choices and how to pay for it!! The informative and entertaining workshop covers in-state choices, out-of-state possibilities, the top reasons students choose a college, the various costs, financial aid and scholarship opportunities –merit, need or both!

  • Gary K. Bednorz, Student Recruitment Specialist, University of New Mexico
  • Casey Rowley, College Counselor, Beverly Hills High School

Beyond the Mock Interview:

Strategies for a Winning College Interviews------Venice B, CC 2ndFloor

Take your students’ interview preparation to the next level by going beyond the list of sample questions and mock interviews. In this session you will gain deeper insight into the role of interviews (on-campus, online, alumni) in the admissions process as well as learn how to instill confidence in students by teaching them strategies to handle any question or scenario that comes their way.

  • Maureen Gelberg, College Counselor, Collegewise
  • Aaron Brown, Associate Director, University of Southern California

Meet Your College Board Representative and Be Informed of

2018 College Board Program Update------Hermosa B, CC 2nd Floor

This session will be an opportunity for attendees to meet their College Board regional representative and to receive the recent College Board program updates. Updates will include: additional supports for AP launching in 2019, demos of student College Board online accounts, as well as data rosters available to school counselors.

  • Tracey Rodgers, Associate Director, College Board
  • Juan Alba, Director, College Board

UndocuAlly: Introduction to Undocumented Students

in Higher Education------Malibu, CC 2nd Floor

An introductory workshop on undocumented students in higher education. The workshop includes an overview of the characteristics of undocumented students, legislation that impact their access to higher education, and best practices to help remove barriers undocumented students face in their educational pursuits.

  • Valeria Simmons Garcia, Program Director, UCLA/Undocumented Student Program

Your Passport to Working with International Students ---- Palisades D, CC 3rd Floor

This session will discuss tips and strategies for working with international students at US high schools. Admission officers from the UC, CSU, and Private institutions will discuss how they review applications and how you can help your international students through the application process.

  • Adam Wu, Director of International Admission, University of La Verne
  • Traci Lew, Associate Director, Cal Poly Pomona
  • Olivia Loo, Senior Assistant Director, UCLA

“The Ultimate Playbook: Supporting Prospective Student-Athletes

Through Recruitment, Admissions & College”------Palisades D, CC 3rd Floor

Collegiate athletics provides opportunities to cultivate academic interests, develop leadership skills and pursue professional development and career interests while actively competing in sports as a Division I, II or III student-athlete. In light of the unique benefits and demands of collegiate athletic participation, proactive planning, communication and collaboration between prospective student-athletes, high school counselors and administrators, and college coaches and staff is vital. Panelists will provide foundational information to equip educators with the knowledge necessary to promote student-athlete academic preparation, engagement, and success, from high school athletic recruitment through college graduation.

  • Brooke Smith, Associate Director of College Counseling, Viewpoint School
  • Ja’nae Davis, Associate Athletic Director, Academic & Student Services, UCLA
  • Amanda Wallin, Admission Counselor & Coordinator of Athletic Recruitment, California Lutheran University

UCLA Campus Tour (Optional): 2:00pm to 3:00pm

CC 3rd Floor Lobby

NOTES

Thank you to the 2018 Los Angeles Share, Learn and Connect planning committee for lending their talents, ideas, and energy.

Conference Co-Chairs:

Candy Navarro, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Andrea Zuniga, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Conference Committee:

Alejandra Bonilla, New Roads School

Gia Futia, Current UCLA Student

Rosa Mejia, Santa Monica High School

Manny Mohareb, Viewpoint School

Veronica Ortiz, Whittier College

Ashley Park, Village Christian High School

Ariana Pistorino, University of San Francisco

Chelsy Ramirez, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Casey Rowley, Beverly Hills High Schools

Thank you to our speakers for sharing their wisdom and expertise with our attendees.

Thank you to the admission staff of UCLA for their partnership and generous contribution towards scholarships for this event.

Special thanks to our Contributors: Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC)