Every year since 2012, YouVisit has attended the annual NACAC conference. Whereby we promote our virtual campus tour product, check out the latest innovations in the education and college admissions space, meet current clients, and eat good food (see below). This year was no different. More than 7,000 education professionals were in attendance to dive into new ideas and best practices for admissions and recruitment. Also, there was a whole lot of networking fun. Subsequently, this post features our top 4 favorite things we learned at NACAC this year and regarding the future of college admissions.
1. Be a Champion
Did you miss @david_burge first speech as the NACAC President? We’ve got you covered: https://t.co/AUnLOV9hpo #nacac17 pic.twitter.com/TiEx7I8oyn
— NACAC (@NACAC) September 17, 2017
The recently appointed NACAC President, David Burge, presented the organization’s new vision statement based on a central theme: Champion. Additionally, Burge asked, what does it mean to be a champion? More specifically, what does it mean to be a champion for our field and our students? In every part of the process, from figuring out financial aid to helping submit an application. Moreover, professionals were encouraged to move forward for and with their students as champions.
2. Diversity
People will be talking about this keynote long after #NACAC17. Thank you, @DrShaunHarper, for starting an important, difficult conversation. pic.twitter.com/Y6iLkRcbix
— Jordan Schank (@jschank) September 14, 2017
Diversity, in both the student and professional sides of the education industry, is crucial to its future success. Keynote speaker Shaun R. Harper spoke frankly about racism, reminding attendees that racism isn’t just “tiki torch-carrying white nationalists,” but that it also exists in high schools and in college admissions offices. Furthermore, recognizing issues within the profession is the first step in fixing the problem. Coupled with providing a better opportunity for all students to have a chance for a higher education.
3. Technology
@BatesCollege showcasing their @You_Visit #virtualtour at the #collegefair @NACACConference #NACAC17. Learn more at Booth 154 pic.twitter.com/zYdYO01VBq
— YouVisit (@You_Visit) September 15, 2017
Unsurprisngly, tech will continue to impact recruitment. Everything from Snapchat to Facebook, and social media and virtual reality were top of mind on how to reach an increasingly tech-savvy generation. Here YouVisit‘s own Bill Wilson—along with admissions leaders from Augusta University, Indiana University Bloomington, Gonzaga University, and Northern Arizona University shared their thoughts on the future of college admissions. In short, how virtual campus tours allow every student the opportunity to explore campuses while simultaneously expanding the institution’s outreach.
Still in this win-win setup, there were still some demands. For instance, Maps, better maps, Google integrated maps. You asked, and we delivered. Thus, our new and improved mapping system will make your virtual campus tour more engaging and more accurate. Additionally, since we integrated Google Maps directly, your campus map will be updated automatically as your campus grows.
At our booth, our team also had the opportunity to survey high school guidance counselors. We learned how high school students engage with virtual campus tours. As a thank you, survey applicants were entered into our raffle to win a “scholastic pack” of 30 cardboard headsets for the classroom. This prize provides students the chance to virtually tour any of our client campuses, for free and in VR. Congratulations to Tierionna Pinkston, academic dean of CICS ChicagoQuest, who is the winner of our raffle!
4. Food
No conference is complete without a thorough sampling of the local fare. For our part, the YouVisit team indulged in the freshest oysters, tastiest lobster rolls (big shout out to Neptune’s warm, buttered version), and post-conference Harpoon beer.
Not to mention the trade show tater tot bar on day two!
Above all, every year the YouVisit team is reminded of what a close-knit and passionate group the NACAC family is. For example, in her welcome speech, Nancy T. Beane (former NACAC president) implored attendees to continue embracing and sharing best practices, particularly after a divisive and challenging year. In summary, we loved connecting with current clients, exploring what’s new in the admissions landscape, and making new connections. See you next year in Salt Lake City!
Did you miss us at NACAC this year? Don’t fret, check us out and get in touch! We’d love to hear from you.