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
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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: [email protected]
 
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 [email protected]. 

 
Maria Lillrose
College Access Manager
Educational Talent Search
Montana University System
[email protected]
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: 
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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: [email protected]  
  • 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
  [email protected]
  
  

Following the votes at last month’s national conference to remove three provisions from NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP) and to institute a moratorium on enforcement of the entire document, members have asked for advice about what counselors can tell students and families moving forward. How will these changes affect students in the college admission process? What do students and their families need to know? And what can counselors tell them?

To help you respond, we asked NACAC colleagues on the Admission Practices Committee, Aaron Salasek and Stacey Cunitz, for their advice for counselors. Additionally, we are sharing an edited version of a letter prepared by NACAC member Rafael Figueroa, dean of college guidance at Albuquerque Academy (NM), for the parents of his students. Both documents, along with an updated version of the CEPP, are linked below.

We hope these resources can help guide your conversations this fall with the understanding that it will still be some time until NACAC has complete details to share with you, our members. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation has not yet been resolved. We don’t know when the DOJ will make its decision, what it will entail, if a consent decree will be imposed, or what the association will need to do in order to comply.

In the interim, we hope these resources can be of assistance. Please feel free to share these with colleagues as well as with the students and families you serve:

• Updated Code of Ethics and Professional Practices
• Message to Counselors from NACAC’s Admission Practices Committee
• Sample Letter from a School Counselor to Parents

 
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I am confident that despite the CEPP changes our association can and will remain a champion for the ethical practice of college admission. If you have further questions or for more information, please contact NACAC's governance team.
Sincerely yours,

Jayne Caflin Fonash
NACAC President

Miles Community College
Job Title: Admissions Counselor
Department: Student Services
Job Status: Full Time
Amount of Travel Required: 50% - 75%
Reports To: Director of Financial Aid and Admissions; Dean of Enrollment Management and Educational Support Services

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 Responsible for promotion of the College through high school visitations, college fairs, and career fairs.
 Visit all high schools assigned per recruitment plan and develop relationships with high school counselors and related personnel.
 Assist with the planning and implementation of a comprehensive 12-month recruitment strategy for prospective students which includes creating and working toward targeted enrollment goals.
 Knowledge of all academic programs offered through Miles Community College including all continuing education and workforce development initiatives and be able to relay the information to potential students, parents, counselors, community agencies, and other interested parties.
 Assist prospective students in navigating the college’s admissions and advising process. This includes assisting these prospective students in identifying resources on the College campus that would include student support services, academic advising, financial aid counseling, and Veteran’s benefits assistance.
 Assist Marketing Coordinator with maintenance of social media used for recruiting purposes.  Compile admissions packets and other promotional materials used for recruiting.
 Create and generate recruiting mailings and coordinate prospect management using Access, Excel, and Banner. This will include compiling and reporting prospect data to supervisors.
 Provide campus tours, facilitate student/parent question and answer sessions, and assist families with the admissions process to include first semester advisement.
 Plan and administrate all Campus Preview Days.
 In conjunction with the Director of Financial Aid and Admissions, organize and facilitate student recruitment events for special populations of students, including adult learners.
 Advise Student Ambassador Program.
 Assist with facilitation of Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) sessions and advise new students.
 Assist with the planning of Welcome Wagon and participate in Welcome Wagon weekend.
 Fulfill recruitment responsibilities per recruitment plan which includes managing and executing communication plans.
 Organize and supervise the College's fair booths per recruitment plan.
 Organize and supervise the College's annual Bucking Horse Parade entry.
 Serve on selected college committees as requested.
 Must be able to work evening hours and occasional weekends. Significant travel, including overnight travel, required.
 Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid and Admissions, Dean of Enrollment Management, and Miles Community College President.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Competency Statement(s)
 Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
 Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
 Business Acumen - Understands basic business practices.
 Change Management - Communicates changes effectively.
 Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
 Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
 Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
 Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments.
 Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.
 Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.
 Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action.
 Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
 Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Improves processes, products and services.
 Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values
 Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
 Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
 Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
 Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
 Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
 Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Uses equipment and materials properly.
 Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education: Associate’s Degree required, Bachelor's Degree preferred. Degree must be from an accredited institution.
Experience: Show experience and knowledge in regard to the organization and development of recruitment plans.

• Demonstrate proven skills in sales, database management, Microsoft Office software, and communications to include written and verbal presentations, phone exchanges, and electronic correspondence.
  
• Banner experience preferred. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software experience preferred.
  
• Other Requirements Good physical condition and able to project a positive image.
  
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
  
• Ability to travel long distances, drive at night and in inclement weather, lift 40 pounds, and present oneself in a professional manner.
  
• Ability to obtain a passport. 

New Student Specialist

ABOUT
Responsible for providing information to prospective students. Duties include working to build relationships with students, high school counselors, teachers and others on an information-sharing basis. Responsible for processing official documents as needed, data entry and assisting with on-campus programs including representing MSU-Northern at university and community events. Provide campus tours to prospective students and their families. Assist prospective students through application, admission, and first semester course enrollment.
​
Department
Admissions, Office of Student Success

Benefits Eligible
Yes
Compensation
Annual Salary $32,000

RESPONSIBILITIES
​Responsible for providing information to prospective students. Duties include working to build relationships with students, high school counselors, teachers and others on an information-sharing basis. Responsible for processing official documents as needed, data entry and assisting with on-campus programs including representing MSU-Northern at university and community events. Provide campus tours to prospective students and their families. Assist prospective students through application, admission, and first semester course enrollment.

1. Provide accurate information to prospective, admitted and current students including programs, admission requirements, scholarship information, and residence life.
2. Coordinate and conduct high school visits and other opportunities to meet prospective students.
3. Schedule travel arrangements.
4. Perform computer functions to extract data from Banner and Radius.
5. Conduct campus tours for individuals or groups and meet with campus visitors.
6. Assist new students through application and admission processes.
7. Register new freshman students for their first semester of classes.
8. Represent Northern at campus and community events.
9. Attend college fairs.
10. Initiate and maintain contact with all prospective students by phone and email.
11. Develop relationships with students, high school counselors, teachers and industry partners.
12. Travel extensively from August until May. Most travel is by car, some air travel may be required. 
13. Help with any other areas of MSU-Northern’s recruiting plan not specifically mentioned above.
Additional Duties
1. Use Banner for data processing.
2. Use Radius for Student Contact Management
3. Work with other departments on campus to keep current about information presented to prospective students.
4. Committee assignments.
5. Special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Knowledge or experience using Banner
2. Knowledge or experience using Hobsons Radius or similar CRM 
3. Experience working with students in admissions, recruiting, residence life, student senate, orientation, or other campus and student organizations 
4. Experience planning and coordinating projects
5. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Experience in making presentations to large groups
7. Sales experience

The Successful Candidate Will:
1. Have excellent organizational skills
2. Be ability to relate well with people
3. Have good communication skills
4. Be self-motivated
5. Be flexible
6. Be team oriented

Special Requirements:
1. Lift up to 50 lbs.
2. Office environment, extensive time spent in automobile, road and weather conditions while driving and staying in motels

For the full position listing, and to apply, visit: 
https://jobs.msun.edu/postings/1612

Coordinator of Student Life and College Housing

Department:   Student Engagement and Aux Svcs 
Job Status:   Full Time 
FLSA Status:   Exempt 
Reports To:    Dean of Student Engagement and Aux. Svcs 
Amount of Travel Required:   No travel required 
Positions Supervised:    Office hours and weekend duty as assigned.  Resident Assistants and Office Workers 
 
POSITION SUMMARY
The Coordinator of Student Life and College Housing is a live-in position and is an integral part of the Residence Halls and College Community.  There are significant time commitments required of the position. Due to the unique nature of this position, work cannot easily be translated into hours worked per day or week. The Coordinator of Student Life and Campus Housing position requires both regularly scheduled responsibilities and times at which the Coordinator is available and accessible to residents and staff with many of these hours being at unconventional times. On average, this position should expect to work 40 hours per week. The individual is responsible for the oversight of all Housing and Residence Life functions and Campus Disability Services. Responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day operations of disability services and coordination.  
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
Reasonable Accommodations Statement  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

STUDENT LIFE AND ENGAGEMENT
Supervise educational and social activities each academic year in accordance with the Residence Life programming model requirements.  Collaborate with the student life team to create and engage with an annual calendar of programming to ensure an active and vibrant student life.
 
SUPERVISION
Supervise the Resident Assistants and/or other assigned personnel.   Create agendas and facilitate Weekly RA Staff Meetings and 1:1 meetings with RA staff.  Maintain documentation and evaluation plans for all RA staff.  Attend a weekly meeting with Dean of Student Engagement.
  
See official position listing (linked below) for full ADMINISTRATIVE duties and POSITION COMPETENCIES.  
  
SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Meets productivity standards
  
• Completes work in timely manner
  
• Strives to increase productivity
  
• Works effectively
  
• Observes safety and security procedures
  
• Uses equipment and materials properly
  
• Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals
  
• Adapts strategy to changing conditions. 
  
• Proven multi-tasking and organizational skills which include communication, assertiveness, self-directedness, and initiative
  
• Proven experience and knowledge in regard to the development of student activities.
  
• Proven skills in event planning, database management, Microsoft Office software, and communications to include written and verbal presentations, phone exchanges, and electronic correspondence
  

EDUCATION
Associate's Degree (two-year college or technical school), Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
 
EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in student life preferred.
Experience working with Banner preferred.
Experience working with individuals with different abilities and understanding of disability laws and best practices.
 
For More Information & The Full Job Posting, Visit: 
https://content.milescc.edu/Employment/JobDescriptions/CoordinatorStudentLife-CollegeHousing-July2018.pdf