Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Join us for our second annual School Counselor Summit at Â鶹ÊÓƵ on Monday, May 12! Led by our experienced faculty and staff with insights from current college students, this free program will offer practical strategies, insightful discussions, and innovative approaches aimed at fostering student well-being in a dynamic learning environment. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the vital conversation surrounding student mental health. We will provide 4 continuing education units (CEUs), meals, and fun Â鶹ÊÓƵ swag for those in attendance. See you there!

Schedule at-a-Glance

8:30 - 9 a.m. | Check-In, Breakfast
9 - 9:50 a.m. | Welcome & Keynote
10 - 10:50 a.m. | Breakout Session I
11-11:50 a.m. | Breakout Session II
12 p.m. | Lunch, Connect & Collaborate
12:30 p.m. | Optional Mini Tours
1:00 p.m. | Featured Panel & Roundtable Discussions
2:30 p.m. | Social Hour

Registration

Keynote | 9 a.m.

Beyond Inclusion: The Impact of Mentors and Advocates in the College Journey

The college journey isn’t just about students’ aspirations—it’s shaped by the mentors and advocates who open doors, offer guidance, and create spaces of true belonging. In this keynote, current Gusties will share their personal experiences navigating the college search process, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal moments when mentorship made all the difference. They’ll be joined by key mentors who supported them along the way, offering insight into how educators and advocates can foster student success. Together, they’ll explore how authentic relationships and intentional support help students not just get to college—but truly thrive. School counselors play a crucial role in this journey, too! Expect meaningful takeaways on how you can serve as a mentor and advocate, helping students find not just a school, but a place where they belong.

Breakout Sessions | 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Supporting First-Generation Students
Faculty and student support staff share strategies to support first gen students for the transition to college

Neurodivergence and the Transition to College
Led by a mental health professional, this session will explore how neurodivergent students experience the shift from high school to college and how counselors can best support their success and well-being during this critical transition.

Inclusive Advising: Guiding Students Through Their Educational Journey
Academic Support, Career Counselor, and faculty members share best practices for supporting diverse learners.

Financial Wellness: Equipping Students & Families for College Success
Financial Aid staff share insights on making college affordable. Learn how to guide students and families through FAFSA, scholarships, budgeting, and emergency financial resources to reduce barriers to college access and success.

Lunch | 12 p.m.

Enjoy an informal complimentary lunch in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ dining hall as you connect and collaborate with colleagues. 

Optional Mini Tours | 12:30 p.m.

Want to check out our newly renovated Nobel Hall of Science? Our Lund Athletic Center expansion? Nature walk in the Arboretum? A little bit of everything? Our current Gusties are excited to meet you and show you around.

Featured Panel & Roundtable discussions | 1 p.m. 

Creating Inclusive Communities in Education

What does it really take to build inclusive communities in education—and what are the common barriers we face? In the first half of this session, a panel of students and professionals from across campus will share their experiences, challenges, and hopes around inclusion in educational spaces. 

Then, we’ll move into roundtable discussions where all voices are invited to join the conversation. These small-group dialogues will provide space to reflect, ask questions, and exchange ideas about how we can create more welcoming, equitable environments for everyone. Whether you're new to this conversation or have been doing this work for years, come ready to listen, share, and build community together.

Social Hour | 2:30 - 3 p.m.

Wrap up the conference with a fun Social Hour! Join us at the Courtyard Café (or, weather permitting, John's Family Courtyard) to relax, chat, and enjoy some mocktails and cocktails. All are welcome!