ACCIS Programs

Each year, the ACCIS Program Team plans and coordinates professional development programs for the benefit of our members. Information about each of these programs is below.

Are you a college/university interested in hosting an ACCIS program? Email Linda Pierre, Director of Member Services and Operations or Emmi Harward, Executive Director, to discuss!

*Read about the Cancellation and Refund policy for all ACCIS Programs.

College Tours

ACCIS collaborates with colleges to host multi-campus tours specifically for ACCIS members. We seek out existing tour partnerships interested in providing a program for ACCIS members. 

For further information, contact Emmi Harward.

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Colloquium

Known for in-depth conversations and intimate size, the ACCIS Colloquium offers an opportunity for independent school college counselors to discuss issues impacting our professional lives with colleagues from around the nation. With just 35-40 attendees, the Colloquium encourages discussion, sharing of best practices, and the opportunity to visit colleges in different regions of the country.

For further information, contact Colloquium chair Charley Burkly.

Office Assistants Program

This unique opportunity for college counseling office/administrative assistants features the discussion of best practices in working with the counselors, families, processes, and information technology at the heart of our college counseling profession. During each program, 35-40 participants gather for two days of dialogue, idea exchange, and collaboration. Participants depart having gained knowledge and a network of colleagues for continued professional communication and support.

Meetings are hosted by an ACCIS member school, often with guest speakers from or a visit to a nearby college or university, in addition to other guests. A sample agenda and sample discussion/small group topics are linked for review. Each program will differ based upon participant input. 

For further information, contact Emmi Harward.

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New Directors Workshop

Offered in alternate summers; will return in 2023

In order to support new college counseling office directors within our member schools, ACCIS offers the New Directors Workshop, an intentional gathering to assist our organization’s directors of college counseling (or equivalent titles) who will start the next academic year with 0-3 years of experience in that role. This program is geared toward those with prior college counseling experience in schools; for directors brand new to college counseling in independent schools, the New Counselor Workshop may be the preferred choice but is not a prerequisite for this program.

For further information, contact Emmi Harward or New Directors co-chairs Lauren Lieberman and Tyler Sant.

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New Counselor Workshop

The New Counselor Workshop (formerly known as the Pre-Institute) is designed for college counselors who are new to the work, whether shifting from another role in independent schools, moving from college admission, or approaching the role with other experience. This small gathering of 35-40 participants, led by seasoned ACCIS-member faculty, focuses on essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for guiding students and families through the college search, learning about college options, and networking resources for continued professional growth. 

The New Counselor Workshop takes place on the weekend preceding the Summer Institute in June, beginning Friday afternoon and concluding by Sunday noon.  Attendees may choose to register separately for the Summer Institute. 

For further information contact New Counselors Workshop chair Leilani Arita-Takayama.

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Summer Institute

Since the first summer gathering of 75 ACCIS members at Kenyon College in the summer of 2008, the Summer Institute has become a “must-do” professional development event for independent school college counselors.  Approximately 300 ACCIS members gather for three days in June for informative and thought-provoking presentations led by fellow members, and roundtable discussions highlighting best practices, innovations, and fundamental challenges in our profession. Prominent national thinkers, writers, and educators set the tone through keynote presentations and open dialogue with attendees. Opportunities to tour nearby colleges as well as the host campus, plus informal networking and social opportunities, make the Summer Institute a comprehensive, reinvigorating, and influential experience. 

The Summer Institute is usually held in mid- to late June starting on a Sunday evening and concluding by Wednesday morning. 

For further information contact Summer Institute chair Lesley Klecan.