PCPR Spring Symposium: “Finding Our Way: Navigating Higher Ed Challenges Together”
Thursday, June 20, 2024
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Arcadia University
450 S. Easton Road
Elkins Park PA 19038
(In-Person Event)
Join us for an enlightening and engaging event focused on the current landscape of higher education and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Sessions will cover issues such as freedom of expression, protests academic freedom, DEI, degree attainment, career placement, student debt, declining enrollments, FAFSA and more.
Participate in a town hall discussing the PA Blueprint for Higher Education, hear from experts on student retention and completion strategies, and understand the value of a liberal arts education.
The event concludes with a networking session featuring complimentary headshots, an Authors Corner, exhibitor tables, and social media engagement opportunities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and share with professionals dedicated to advancing higher education.
Event at Glance
(Click on Event Time to See More Session Details)
Check-In – 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Follow signs to the University Commons to locate the check-in table(s).
- WELCOME
- THOM BUTLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE PREP ROUNDTABLE (PCPR)
- DR. ANGELA MCNEIL, ASSISTANT VP OF ACCESS, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION, ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
- DR. DEBORA CARRERA, MAYOR’S CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER, CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
SESSION I
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
SETTING THE STAGE: ISSUES IMPACTING HIGHER EDUCATION
Our opening session will describe the current landscape in higher education and the range of issues that are impacting college access and success. This session will serve as the frame for the discussions that will happen throughout the day.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. WILL DEL PILAR, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, THE EDUCATION TRUST
SESSION II
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
TOWN HALL: GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S PLAN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
During this session, participants will hear an overview of the proposed Governor’s Plan for Higher Education. Following the presentation, representatives from the PA State Legislature and an Institution of Higher Education will share their insights and engage the audience in a question-and-answer session about the proposed plan.
OVERVIEW: GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S PLAN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
DR. KATE SHAW, DEPUTY SECRETARY AND COMMISSIONER FOR POSTSECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION, PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MODERATOR
CJ POWELL, DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELING (NACAC)
PANELISTS:
- PA STATE REP. NAPOLEON NELSON, 154TH DISTRICT, MONTGOMERY COUNTY
- DR. DAVID THOMAS, VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM – BREAK
SESSION III
11:10 AM – 12:10 PM
STAY, STRIVE, SUCCEED: UNRAVELING RETENTION & COMPLETION
In this session, college representatives will share the student-centered approaches they are utilizing to support their undergrads in retention and completion. This session will give college access professionals insight into what they can advise students to look for when selecting a college based on student support.
MODERATOR:
KEVIN HUDSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR INSTITUTIONAL DIVERSITY AND COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
PANELISTS:
- DR. MARINA BARNETT, ASSISTANT PROVOST FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK, WIDENER UNIVERSITY
- DR. JOHN CRAIG, ACTING DEAN, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
- DR. NAKIA MACK, ASSISTANT VICE PROVOST FOR ENROLLMENT AND RECRUITMENT, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM
LUNCH – PLEASE VISIT OUR EXHIBITOR TABLES
SESSION IV
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
RETURN ON INVESTMENT: THE VALUE OF A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION
Many aspects of higher education, including the value of the degree itself, are under attack. Local liberal arts universities will dispel much of the misinformation that has been shared and discuss the value and return on investment of a liberal arts education.
MODERATOR: BARON VANDERBURG, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND DIRECTOR OF ACCESS, INCLUSION & DIVERSITY INITIATIVES, MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
PANELISTS:
- SHALIYAH BRAXTON, SR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, ACCESS, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
- DR. KIMBERLY TAYLOR-BENNS, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT, LASALLE UNIVERSITY
- ERICA WOODS, SR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
2:00 PM – 2:10 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
THOMAS BUTLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PCPR
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
SPARKING PROFESSIONAL JOY: NETWORKING, CONNECTING AND SHARING
Following the sessions, enjoy networking time with colleagues as well as opportunities to visit the exhibitor tables. You can also spend time creating a social media moment, perusing and purchasing books at the Authors Corner, and sitting for complimentary professional headshots (please indicate that you would like a headshot when you register).