The NACAC conference had a lot to offer WACAC members who traveled all the way to Kentucky! The modern, newly renovated convention center and enthusiastic volunteers created a great atmosphere filled with southern hospitality. From the Local Arrangements Committee made up of Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC) members, to the hard working hospitality workers in and around the convention center, it was one of the friendliest experiences in an urban setting many had ever seen. The building crackled with new or renewed professional connections. Everywhere, attendees of similar or disparate backgrounds came together to share best practices and/or emerging trends in their part of the admission process.
More members from the WACAC region attended the conference than from any other national affiliate despite the distance from California and Nevada. This ensured robust attendance at WACAC’s bi-annual membership meeting on the first day of the conference. At the meeting, WACAC members enjoyed locally inspired appetizers and a signature Kentucky bourbon cocktail while learning of WACAC’s excellent fiscal health, soaring membership (including a huge increase in public high school counselors), and exciting plans for our 2020 Spring Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center. The development and planned implementation of a new WACAC strategic plan was announced, as was the opportunity for members to apply for NACAC’s Imagine Grant through the NACAC website.
Throughout the conference there were reminders that WACAC is well represented in the national organization on the Board of Directors, as well as on the National Admission Practices, CEO Search, College Fair, Communications, Government Relations, Imagine Grant, and Professional Development Committees. Longtime WACAC member David Kamimoto from UC Santa Cruz was honored with Margaret E. Addis Service to NACAC Award for his years of service to the admission profession. Much attention is also being paid to the changes to the ethical standards document called the CEPP (shared by NACAC and WACAC) that were approved in Louisville. An email from WACAC was recently sent to members with specific information on that topic. The NACAC website also has detailed information, as will the WACAC website soon.
Next year’s national conference will be in Minneapolis, and it is likely to be as welcoming, relevant, and informative as was the conference in Louisville. Hope to see you there!
Marc McGee
WACAC Immediate Past-President
CSU Maritime Academy Director of Admission