During this time, counselors, students, parents, and members have asked for a place to host continue resources and updates from the campuses and other partners and agencies. 

• To perview these on-going updates and resources, visit our main website @
• http://montanacolleges.com/resources
  

Please email us any addtional resources you would like to share to:  amy.leary@montanacolleges.com.  Thank you for your team efforts during this unique time!

The National Association for College Admissions Counseling | NACAC is closely monitoring the evolving news about the coronavirus (COVID-19). See below for:
▶ Coronavirus and College Admission
▶ Updates on NACAC College Fairs and Conferences
▶ Information from Related Organizations
▶ Factors Affecting the College Admission Process
▶ Other Impacts
▶ Additional Resources

MORE INFORMATION

In accordance with the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the MSCA Spring Conference has been cancelled. MSCA will issue full refunds to registrants starting this week. Refunds will be issued in the form of registration payment (i.e. credit cards will be credited, checks returned). 


MSCA knows how important professional development is for our members, therefore we will be working on duplicating the content of the conference in a “Virtual” Conference. Further communication about this opportunity will be heading your way in the coming weeks. 

In the meantime, for school counselors working to transition their programs online, check out the MSCA Resources and see here for help and resources from ASCA
​
MORE INFORMATION

• Watch Ethical Considerations: School Counseling in a Virtual Setting and read FAQs on virtual school counseling
• Watch School Counseling in an Online Setting
• Watch Celebrate College Signing Day Online

Virtual School Counseling Resources

Planning for Virtual/Distance School Counseling During an Emergency Shutdown Download the PDF.
Webinar on Demand: School Counseling in a Virtual Setting
 Watch the webinar. Open to members and nonmembers.

Position Statement: The School Counselor and Virtual School CounselingRead the full position statement
Magazine Article: It’s a Virtual World 
Read the article.

Additional COVID-19 ResourcesHere are some suggestions and resources to consider as you provide support to your students regarding COVID-19. as well as links to other education-related organizations with valuable information to share. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Web CenterThis web center has been created to keep NASFAA members and the financial aid community updated on pertinent news related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This web center is updated daily with new items marked as *NEW*.

NASFAA Articles & Statements

• *NEW* Lawmakers Urge ED to Exclude For-Profit Schools From COVID-19 Relief Funds
• *NEW* Cuts Expected for State Higher Education Funding in the Wake of COVID-19
• ED Releases Updated COVID-19 Guidance Addressing Verification, Need Analysis, Distance Education
• NASFAA Signs on to Letter Urging ED to Act Quickly in Dispersing Emergency Funds
• A Message From NASFAA About COVID-19 and Conference Travel
• NASFAA to Maintain Operational Continuity During HQ Closure
  
• See All NASFAA COVID-19 News Coverage
  

NASFAA Webinars

• COVID-19 and Federal Student Aid: The Latest Information
  April 14, 2020, 3:00 PM ET
• Follow-Up Webinar — COVID-19 and Federal Student Aid: What We Know
  Originally recorded April 2, 2020, now available on-demand.
• COVID-19 and Federal Student Aid: What We Know
  Originally recorded March 17, 2020, now available on-demand.
  • Transcript of Q&A Segment From March 17 Webinar
    
• See All NASFAA Webinars
  

NASFAA "Off The Cuff" Podcast Episodes

• Episode 141: 'COVID-19, A Step Too Far'
• Episode 140: 'This Too Shall Pass' - More on the Coronavirus and Title IV Disruptions
• Episode 139: Coronavirus Takes Center Stage at ED, on the Hill, and in the Private Sector
  
• See All Off the Cuff Episodes

​MORE INFORMATION

Attention Colleagues,
 
We are planning a VIRTUAL College Signing Day for Wednesday, May 6!
 
The Montana University System and Reach Higher Montana are partnering to celebrate all Montana High School Seniors who plan to commit to their post-secondary plans.  Please encourage every high school senior you know to visit ReachHigherMontana.org/classof2020 to learn more. All resources for student participation can be found at this website.  We want to make sure all Montana high school students can participate. Here are two quick, easy ways for your students to join the fun. Email the following to: Classof2020@ReachHigherMontana.org
 
High-quality video

• 10-second video that includes:
  • Your name
  • High school
  • What are your plans after high school (college, military, work) and why did you make those plans?

 
Written description

• Senior picture and a Word document (500 words max) with the following:
  • Your name
  • High school
  • What are your plans after high school (college, military, work) and why did you make those plans?

 
All materials are due no later than midnight on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.  Materials may also be mailed to: Reach Higher Montana, 40 West 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.  All submissions received by Friday, April 10th, will be eligible for early bird drawings! Winners will be posted on ReachHigherMontana.org and will be shared on social media.  Students who send in a video or email will be entered into a random drawing for prizes including a $500 scholarship, a laptop and more!
 
We know there is great uncertainty in these times.  We also know that students may not have the technology resources to participate.  As such, we hope you will assist them as much as possible.  Please help us spread the word about this great opportunity by sharing this information with your students and their families via email and social media. 
 
How your schools can participate:
 

• Have your students email a copy of their videos to you and create your own "College Signing Day" video to share on social media.
• Join us Wednesday, May 6th on Facebook @ReachHigherMontana and use the hashtag #MTclassof2020.
• Together we can take this opportunity to highlight Montana’s graduates and help them celebrate their next steps!
• With questions, please contact Maria Lillrose at mlillrose@montana.edu. 

 
Maria Lillrose
College Access Manager
Educational Talent Search
Montana University System
Mlillrose@montana.edu
406-431-5057 cell
406-449-9138 office

ACT UPDATES
ACT is offering digital learning and workforce resources to assist students, teachers, schools and workers impacted by COVID-19.

We’re committed to serving community needs during this challenging time. The resources below are adaptable for use in home, through online learning and in workforce settings. Bookmark this page to stay on top of the ever-changing landscape as new resources and announcements are added.  To see a full list of updates and resources visit the link below: 
​
MORE INFORMATION 


SAT / THE COLLEGE BOARD UPDATES
Below you will find a summary updates relating to at-home digital AP exam and the AP Classroom supports. The full details of the update can be found on the AP Central Coronavirus Updates page.
At-Home Digital Exams:

• The 2019-20 AP Exam administration will be given from May 11-22. Make-up test dates will be from June 1-5. Each AP subject exam will be taken at the same day and time worldwide. The detailed schedule can be found here.
• Details on exam length, format, and structure can be found here.
• Student may take the exam at home or schools may coordinate and offer the exam at school (if open).
• Full details of exam specifications for each AP subject are posted on AP Central
  • Most AP exams will consist of a 45-minute exam consisting of 2 Free Response Questions (FRQ). Students are expected to access the testing platform 30 minutes prior the start of testing
  • Certain courses with portfolio submission will not have an AP exam and only rely on portfolio submissions.
  • World language and culture exams will only include two spoken tasks consistent with FRQs 3 and 4 of the traditional AP exam.
• All AP teachers will receive their students’ responses from the online exams.
• Information on exam security, exam fees/cancellations, subject specific details, etc. can be found on AP Central
• Online AP Courses continue to be available on AP's YouTube channel. These free lessons are delivered by AP teachers from across the country. The AP Course Schedule has been posted which now includes all AP courses.

AP Classroom Resources for Students and Teachers

• Resources for AP Teachers and AP coordinator have been posted on educators' section of the AP Central Coronavirus site. This includes:
  • Registration for the AP Coordinator webinar scheduled in April 10th
  • Resources for remote teaching through AP Classroom 

Summary of Key Links:

• AP Coronavirus Updates- General page where all information and updates are posted. All information can be accessed through this page.
• AP Coronavirus- Student Page
• AP Coronavirus- Educator Page
• AP Coronavirus- FAQ
• AP Customer Service:
  • Email: apexams@info.collegeboard.org  
  • Phone: +1-877-274-6474 
• MORE QUESTIONS CONTACT:  
• Andrew Bride Associate Director
  State and District Partnerships
  The College Board
  725 S. Figueroa Street, Ste 1700, Los Angeles, CA 90017
  T 213-219-3496
  abride@collegeboard.org
  
  

MCAN Executive Director Role Description

The Montana College Attainment Network is a diverse set of nonprofit, state government, higher and K12 education- based partners who work to support postsecondary attainment for all Montanans. The Executive Director is the primary contractor for this dynamic network and is responsible for advancing the mission of the network, strengthening industry partnerships and communicating the importance of meeting Montana’s workforce demands for credentialed, and degree holding citizens. This role has several primary responsibilities related to achieving the mission of the organization and advancing its goals. This document is not the exhaustive list of all possible duties, but is a broad overview of the work. This role will be part of a core team of MCAN employees and board leadership, including an AmeriCorps VISTA, a network manager, an accountant and board chair who will collectively work to move MCAN to its exciting next phase.

A unique role

• This position is very designed with an intentionally limited set of responsibilities in mind, and requires a professional who:
•  Is deeply committed to educational equity;  Is a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing;  Can work over distance with a team and board, and network;  Has an excellent depth of knowledge about Montana’s educational, geographic and cultural landscapes;  Works diligently with little direct supervision, in an organized and focused way;  Can effectively lead a set of strategies that substantially grow MCAN’s organizational capacity, both financial and human capital; and  Produces excellent results.

Background

• This position is specifically designed to carefully expand the financial capacity of MCAN through memberships, partnerships, and grants in just over a year’s time. The Executive Director will work with the team in leading efforts to maintain current programming, convene roles, and successfully expand the funding base for MCAN. The team members are outlined above, so they probably don’t need to be included here. This role will be expected to work between 5-10 hours/week and will be paid as an independent contractor. The individual will need to have a home office and equipment to execute the role successfully. The role will evaluated for results routinely, and success will be measured largely on fundraising and affiliate membership expansion. Performance will be reviewed informally once per month for the first three months. Pending successful monthly reviews, the position will be formally reviewed at six months and one year’s time. ED’s Charge It is the MCAN Board of Directors’ specific desire that MCAN’s Executive Director help develop the funding capacity for the currently limited position to turn into a full-time role and grow MCAN’s programmatic offerings. Once that funding base has been grown, the board is amenable to an expansion of time and commensurate pay, with the goal of building a traditional paid staffing structure.

Specific Tasks

• As the senior staff member in charge of the substantial task of growing MCAN’s funding base, and ability to carry out its mission, the Executive director will be directly responsible for:
•  Significantly expanding MCAN’s affiliate memberships;  Seeking and securing appropriate grant funding;  Leading conference and event sponsorships; and  Seeking and expanding MCAN’s strategic partnerships. Required Qualifications  3-5 years work experience within post-secondary education;  Post-secondary degree and/or significant experience in nonprofit management;  Experience in policy making/advocacy work;  Demonstrated budget management experience and fiscal integrity;  Proficient communication skills; and  Grant writing experience. Desired Qualification*  Established relevant relationships (e.g. with K-12, post-secondary, state government, nonprofit); and  Experience working with first generation/low income students

*Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to Amy Verlanic, MCAN Board President (averlanic@mtech.edu) by Friday, April 10th, 2020.

For more information visit: http://mtcollegeaccess.org/ or call 406-496-4289

NACAC Update: Coronavirus Outbreak

MORE INFORMATION @ ​https://www.nacacnet.org/news--publications/newsroom/press-releases/nacac-update-coronavirus/ 

(Updated March 17, 2020) -- NACAC is closely monitoring the evolving news about the coronavirus (COVID-19). This webpage provides updates on how the virus impacts NACAC members and other college counseling and admission professionals as well as students and families.

NACAC Programs, Events, and Conferences
Participant safety is a priority at all NACAC programs, events, and conferences, and we are closely watching news regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Updates will be posted here and also communicated to NACAC members and key audiences.

• National College Fairs
  Due to coronavirus health and safety concerns, all remaining Spring 2020 college fairs have been canceled. This includes National College Fairs and STEM College and Career Fairs.
  
  Because of the unprecedented nature of this outbreak, we are reviewing our policies and will send updates as information is confirmed.
  
  At present, NACAC plans to kick off the Fall 2020 season of college fairs on Sept. 10. A total of 55 college fairs are planned for fall. We look forward to your participation.
  
  
• 2020 NACAC National Conference
  Registration for the 2020 NACAC National Conference will be delayed for two weeks. Registration will open on April 14.
  
  
• 2020 Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI)
  Registration for the 2020 Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI) conference will open in mid-April.
  
  
• Affiliate Conferences
  Many of NACAC's 23 affiliate organizations are holding conferences in the months ahead. Please check each affiliate's web page for information on rescheduled or canceled events.
  
  

We are monitoring news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local school systems, and state and local public health agencies. We are also in conversation with our event partners—convention centers, hotels, travel agencies, school districts, colleges, and others—regarding precautions for protecting the public at their facilities. In addition, we are looking at the number of institutions limiting travel.
This is a dynamic situation and we are sensitive to concerns about travel and large gatherings. We are working diligently to learn and share with you as much as possible to ensure smooth and safe planning and programming. 

College Admission Process
​As a service to students and families, NACAC has created an online tool that is a central resource on changes to the college admission process due to the coronavirus outbreak. The tool includes information from colleges and universities nationwide on campus closures, deposit deadlines, and other admission-related changes.

The tool updates automatically in realtime as we receive input from postsecondary institutions. Please share the link widely: nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus

In general, NACAC encourages flexibility with deposit deadlines and other admission-related issues that may be impacted by the outbreak. Open communication between counselors and admission officers about disruptions and possible accommodations is encouraged. For example:

• School closures may impact the ability of students, teachers, and counselors to complete work, submit transcripts, or send recommendation letters. Education Week is tracking school districts that are closed. Many, but not all, closed schools are moving to online instruction.
  
  
• Colleges may be closed to students and/or closed to campus visits. Admission events that usually occur at this time—such as campus tours, information sessions, and open house events for admitted students—may be canceled or moved online. Bryan Alexander at Georgetown University is crowd-sourcing a list of colleges and universities that are closed or offering courses online only. 
  
  
• The Common App provides information regarding disruptions such as the coronavirus. If you are impacted, you can reach Common App's dedicated support team via email. Fee waivers may be available if you are facing unexpected loss. Students who are having difficulty sending official test scores also have the option of sending self-reported scores to colleges.
  
  
• International college students who wish to study in the US are facing numerous challenges regarding school closures, cancellation of testing dates, and more. The biggest impact may be on students’ abilities to get a visa for the fall semester because of delays in visa interviews. 

Testing Dates

• SAT and AP Tests
  The College Board, which administers the SAT and AP tests, is continually updating its list of test center closings and location changes for both US and international sites.
  • SAT — The SAT for May 2 has been canceled. Makeup exams scheduled for March 28 are also canceled. Registered students will receive refunds.
  • AP — No changes regarding the AP exams have been announced. The College Board will have additional information by March 20.
    
    
• ACT Tests
  ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the US. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Please check the ACT website for updates.
  
  
• TOEFL and GRE Tests
  The Education Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL and GRE tests, provides updates on its website. Testing dates have been canceled or postponed in several countries. ETS has, however, arranged a secure TOEFL testing solution that will, by the end of March, allow students in some affected areas to take the test from home.
  
  
• GMAT and Executive Assessment Testing
  The Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT and Executive Assessment testing, has suspended testing in some locations and is providing updates on its website.
  
  
• Other Tests
  • The IELTS website indicates that the vast majority of IELTS English Language Tests are going ahead. Some locations have suspended testing and are listed on the website.
  • Regular updates about Cambridge English Qualifications testing is posted to the organization's website.

Study Abroad Programs
The Centers for Disease Control issued recommendations that institutions of higher education cancel or postpone foreign exchange or study abroad programs. See this list of study abroad programs canceled or altered for Spring 2020.

Other Programs
The IBO, which administers the International Baccalaureate program, provides updates on its website regarding the cancellation of planned events, school closures, and extensions for coursework deadlines. 

News Items

• Inside Higher Education: "How the Coronavirus Is Affecting Admissions" (March 9)
• Forbes: "3 Impacts Of Coronavirus On College Admissions" (Feb. 24) 

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US Department of State
• US Department of Education

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

• Thank You For Your Team Efforts |  We realize that you, your office, entire campus, and community are working hard to keep everyone safe in this transitional time.  We too are placing safety at the forefront.  We are all learning together in this, and we wanted you to know that MPSEOC is here to help in any way we can to help lighten this impact.  Please share any ideas on how you would like MPSEOC to help and/or aid in this time.  We appreciate your team efforts to stay connected and share resources with our members, as we help each other through this time.  Please know we are here. 

• Share Resources  |  If you would like to share any resources with our members, please email us this information (to:  amy.leary@montanacolleges.com), and we will post it on our MPSEOC.org Membership site under the resources & announcements sections.  Thank you for helping keep everyone working together!  #StrongerTogether

​

• Share Your Ideas & Help Keep Us All Stay Connected  |  How can MPSEOC help you through this time?  How can we help to keep everyone connected and sharing resources in this time?  

Thank you for all your team efforts & stay healthy from the MPSEOC Team