Monday, March 12 | 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Advocating for Attainment
In 2018, lawmakers in the state House, Senate, and Office of the Governor will be up for election. While we have made great strides in educating current lawmakers about the importance of postsecondary educational attainment, the shifting political dynamics provides a unique and critical opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the college access and success movement to a new class of lawmakers.
This session will provide a legislative update on current college access and success-related policies at the state and national level. Session attendees will also receive advocacy training materials and resources designed to empower individuals working to ensure students are not left behind during budget and policy discussions. Individuals attending the "2018 College Access Day at the Capitol" are strongly encouraged to attend.
Presenters: Brandy Johnson, Michigan College Access Network & John Austin, Michigan Economic Center / MI HEART
In 2016, the Michigan College Access Network unveiled its new initiative Michigan College Month, which combined the college application process with paying for college. The goal of College Month for participating high schools was to have every graduating senior apply to one college and file the FAFSA. Following feedback and data trends from this first year, 2017 saw the revitalization of the College Cash Campaign initiative, which sought to continue momentum and excitement around FAFSA completion through the winter months. This pre-conference session will review the changes to these initiatives and their impact, share best practices for host sites, and demonstrate how outside organizations can support this work in schools. The session will include discussion as counselors, college access professionals, and MCAN staff not only dig into what happened, but also prepare and plan for the 2018-19 initiatives.
Community College 101: Understanding the Path to a Degree through Michigan's Community Colleges
School counselors and other direct service providers spend considerable time focused on helping their students choose the right career, major, and college, yet they often feel unprepared for details conversations about colleges, majors, and careers. If you ever feel unprepared for these conversations, then pack your backpack and get ready for your first day of class! You can go back to colleges (for just one morning) and enroll in Community College 101 which will provide “students” with a comprehensive overview of community colleges in Michigan. The “syllabus” for this course includes how students can prepare to attend a community college, transfer from community colleges to universities, and enroll in occupational programs – including associate degrees and certificates. Presenters will respond to commonly asked questions about community colleges and provide students will resources to support access and success in college. There are no tests or grades, but students will be expected to engage in active class participation.
Presenter: Erica Orians, Michigan Community College Association
Serving Undocumented, DACAmented and Immigrant Students
Presentation First Half: Practical Resources for Serving Undocumented Students
Undocumented students face unique challenges when pursuing postsecondary education. As the nation continues to debate immigration reform, education and community leaders diligently work to support students through their journey after high school. This first half of this session will provide research as well as practical resources for assisting undocumented, DACA and immigrant students to and through college. The second part will highlight a panel of representatives from various colleges and universities in Michigan who are supporting their students through various on-campus programs.
Presenters: Alejandra Acosta, University of Michigan & Gabriela Santiago-Romero, University of Michigan
Presentation Second Half: Moderated PanelModerator: Rosario Torres, University of Michigan
Panelists: Diana Hernández, Western Michigan University & John Vasquez, National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good
AdviseMI, MSUCAC, and MCAC Advisers Pre-Conference
(ADVISERS ONLY)
Invitation Only.
