PDI Schedule


2027 HECA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

Virtual Schedule

January 26-27, 2027 | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm ET

REGISTER HERE

 Day 1 – Tuesday, January 26

  • GROUNDING YOUR PRACTICE: ETHICS, EQUITY, AND AFFORDABILITY
  • The Heart of Consulting: Anchoring A Practice in Student Growth
  • The importance of creating a practice grounded in vision and ethics, focused on guiding students to open doors to their futures. 
  • Session led by Dr. Steven Antonoff
  • Inside view: How Institutional Goals Drive Financial Aid & Merit Scholarship Awards
  • The curtain is drawn back on how institutional goals impact college financial aid and merit awards. Apply knowledge in breakout groups, analyzing financial aid awards.
  • Session led by Cyndy McDonald
  • BE IN THE ROOM: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DEANS OPEN THE DOOR
  • Exclusive PDI Experience: Interactive Mock Admissions Experience
  • By stepping into the committee room alongside admissions leaders, attendees gain direct insight into how subjective and objective metrics shape class composition.
  • Session led by Tony Cabasco, Vice President of Enrollment, Colorado College.
  • Ask the Deans
  • Talk with two admissions deans, ask about enrollment shifts, institutional priorities and more.
  • Led by Tony Cabasco, Vice President of Enrollment, Colorado College and Christine Bowman, Director of Strategic Programs at Texas State University Round Rock, Texas
  • STRATEGY: FINANCIAL AID APPEALS AND CAREER PATHWAYS
  • Exclusive PDI Experience: Navigating the Financial Appeals Process
  • Experience the impact of institutional priorities up close and personal in financial aid decisions and appeal opportunities. This simulation demonstrates the human side of financial aid adjustments when circumstances change.
  • Session led by Christine Bowman, Director of Strategic Programs at Texas State University Round Rock, Texas.
  • Majors and Careers in Context: A Framework for IEC Advising
  • Explore a practical, student-centered framework helping students connect interests, strengths, values, and aptitude to majors and careers, without treating assessments as prescriptions. Consider family expectations, culture, educational systems, and international “return home” value while applying practical advising strategies through case studies and breakout discussions.
  • Session led by Kazue McGregor

Day 2 – Wednesday, January 27

  • BLUEPRINTS FOR SUCCESS: Anchored in Student Fit, Inspired by Innovation
  • From Dream to Decision: Helping Students Build Balanced College Lists
  • Centering college lists on student needs requires discovery. Using a case study approach, learn how to combine discovery, expertise and evaluation to compose balanced and appropriate college lists for students.
  • Session led by Dr. Steven Antonoff
  • AI and the IEC: Building Workbooks for College Lists & More!
  • Turn AI into an effective consulting partner through effective usage of AI platforms. Through a hands-on breakout activity experience the creation of a multi-tab college list workbook tailored for each student.
  • Session led by Debra Landesberg
  • POWER YOUR PRACTICE: BUSINESS GROWTH, BRANDING, AND MANAGEMENT
  • Case Studies in Practice Management: Service Delivery, Boundaries, and Sustainability
  • Participate in interactive case studies exploring real-world practice management challenges such as managing client expectations, setting value-based fees, and evaluating when to specialize, refine, or expand your consulting team.
  • Session led by Dr. Steven Antonoff
  • Archetypes and Your Brand Identity: Connecting with Your Ideal Client
  • Identify your primary and supporting brand archetypes to differentiate your practice and connect deeply with families. Apply a "Flip the Narrative" framework in breakout session. Learn how to use AI to align your website and marketing voice with your ideal client profile.
  • Session led by Cyndy McDonald
  • TURNING KNOWLEDGE INTO IMPACT: Your Path Ahead
  • Ask Us Anything: Live Open Forum
  • Conclude your PDI experience in a collaborative Q&A session. Tap into the collective expertise of faculty and peers to clarify concepts, refine strategies, and ensure you leave equipped to elevate your consulting practice.
  • Panel Session with PDI committee members
  • From PDI to Professional Success: HECA Membership, Updates, Highlights
  • Celebrate key PDI highlights and learn more about essential HECA resources supporting your professional and business growth.
  • Session led by PDI faculty

NOTE:

  • Each day includes three, 15 minute breaks, approximately every two hours. Due to time zones, there is no designated lunch time. Participants should use breaks for personal or professional needs
  • The Professional Development Institute counts toward your requirement to attend an Orientation session as a new member.