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MACAC President, Aaron Salasek, is the Direct Admissions Coordinator at Minnesota Office of Higher Education
A Message from MACAC President, Aaron Salasek
A Message from MACAC President, Aaron Salasek
MACAC Members,
I’ve had many moments of pause this winter in light of policies and rhetoric that challenge a core belief many of us hold: the right to and value of postsecondary education, and particularly how the goals of education tie to one’s lifelong longevity and flourishing. In the fall I reflected on the freshness of a new school year and the joy that brings. There have been times since that writing where I questioned the current state of things. In these moments, I find it helpful to recall two things.
The first are specific students’ collegebound stories from over the years to help re-center me in the work and to restore my directional bearings. I started as a professional advancing college access nearly 20 years ago. In that time, I have student artwork that’s been given to me by folks who renewed their deferred dreams of becoming a visual artist.
(click to read more)
I have a picture of my Admission Possible students in front of a university building before the program’s graduation. I have a “jar of joys” where folks – colleagues and students alike – have written anonymous notes of kindness and gratitude that, regardless of my mood, always make me smile. The second realization I hold close is one I’m reminded of often: it’s possible to hold two very real, complicated, and sometimes contradictory feelings at the same time. The joys above seemingly pale considering the challenges that professionals, students, and families are facing. This is particularly in light of policy proposals that have direct impact on the profession and the students and families we counsel around college access and affordability. I do not minimize this reality and its seriousness. And I choose to lean into the joy and the work. It’s been 20 years. I hope to keep up the work for at least that long into the future, and quite honestly, for however long it takes for students to feel affirmed as college-worthy (which they are); for college to be affordable for all (which we’re always work toward); and for dreams to be actualized (for however they are defined and given meaning by the dream-holder). Those very notes from past students; kind words of encouragement from practitioners like you; and our collective efforts are the fuel to keep this momentum going. This community of college access folks, this family of professionals, has been essential in fostering that energy and sense of purpose.
Perhaps the greatest lift of recent weeks has been collaborating with our Member Relations’ chairs to review nominees for the Rising Star awards. It was such a joy to see the many contributions and testimonials of professionals who are making a difference in the work and striving to move us forward. As nominations come in for elected officials, I feel great courage and hope as well. If you yourself have ever wondered “would I be a compelling leader?” and “can I do the work of association leadership?”, please let me answer the doubts that nag too often: yes, you can. We all strive to make a difference in the ways that we can, and you can make a difference to the organization if you choose to raise your hand and step onto the path to do so. And so, I return to gratitude and hope. Thank you for all you do for students, families, one another, and the profession: we are vibrant because of you. Thank you for providing college access and affordability counsel to students and families: their life trajectories are forever altered because of you. If you are involved already in whatever capacity you can be with the organization, thank you for your service. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, please consider joining a committee or reaching out to learn about the various levels and ways of engaging. I am thankful to you for the work, the energy you bring, the hope you foster.
Our collective efforts bring me joy. Thank you.
In gratitude,
-Aaron
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
MACAC Strategic Plan
MACAC Strategic Plan
As MACAC embarks on creating a new strategic plan to guide the association, the communications committee had an opportunity to connect with the Strategic Planning Committee, led by Tri-Chairs Candice Bartelle, Bryan Gates, and Jamie Menne, on how the process has been going.
As MACAC embarks on creating a new strategic plan to guide the association, the communications committee had an opportunity to connect with the Strategic Planning Committee, led by Tri-Chairs Candice Bartelle, Bryan Gates, and Jamie Menne, on how the process has been going.
The strategic planning process has been broken into four key phases; assess, design, build, and manage. Currently the committee is in the first phase of the process.
The strategic planning process has been broken into four key phases; assess, design, build, and manage. Currently the committee is in the first phase of the process.
A key component of the assess stage of the planning process has been gathering input from MACAC’s membership, as that was not part of the last strategic plan written in 2020. A recent survey received 100 responses, representing over 10% of MACAC’s total membership, a great level of engagement. Even more impressive, 78 of those respondents provided written feedback, emphasizing the membership’s enthusiasm for shaping the organization’s future.
(Click to read more)
A key component of the assess stage of the planning process has been gathering input from MACAC’s membership, as that was not part of the last strategic plan written in 2020. A recent survey received 100 responses, representing over 10% of MACAC’s total membership, a great level of engagement. Even more impressive, 78 of those respondents provided written feedback, emphasizing the membership’s enthusiasm for shaping the organization’s future.
(Click to read more)
The survey results provided confirmation of MACAC’s direction, with 96% of respondents indicating that the organization remains aligned with its current mission, vision, and values, along with valuable responses to help shape a new strategic plan.
The survey results provided confirmation of MACAC’s direction, with 96% of respondents indicating that the organization remains aligned with its current mission, vision, and values, along with valuable responses to help shape a new strategic plan.
In addition to surveying our membership, the committee also gathered feedback from other stakeholders including board members, business sponsors, non-member survey, and high school administrators. They also reviewed other regional ACACs and NACAC’s strategic plans, along with analyzing industry trends and research.
In addition to surveying our membership, the committee also gathered feedback from other stakeholders including board members, business sponsors, non-member survey, and high school administrators. They also reviewed other regional ACACs and NACAC’s strategic plans, along with analyzing industry trends and research.
Reviewing MACAC’s past strategic plan has also been helpful in forming the direction of the new plan. The last plan was designed for 2020-2023, included priorities like financial health, commitments to inclusive/representative membership, visual identity on web and public perception along with collective ability to adapt. An addendum to the plan was created in 2022 to add a commitment to Anti-Racism work in the organization. Those priorities led to goals and initiatives in the final plan that allowed committees to make decisions that aligned consistently with the plan.
Reviewing MACAC’s past strategic plan has also been helpful in forming the direction of the new plan. The last plan was designed for 2020-2023, included priorities like financial health, commitments to inclusive/representative membership, visual identity on web and public perception along with collective ability to adapt. An addendum to the plan was created in 2022 to add a commitment to Anti-Racism work in the organization. Those priorities led to goals and initiatives in the final plan that allowed committees to make decisions that aligned consistently with the plan.
Excited about the feedback and information received so far and with the assess phase wrapping up, the strategic planning committee is now moving on to the second phase of the process; design. By the April board meeting, they aim to identify four to five strategic priorities and present an overview to the MACAC board for feedback.
Excited about the feedback and information received so far and with the assess phase wrapping up, the strategic planning committee is now moving on to the second phase of the process; design. By the April board meeting, they aim to identify four to five strategic priorities and present an overview to the MACAC board for feedback.
Over the summer, the strategic plan will step into the third phase of build. The committee will refine and develop a comprehensive plan, culminating in a presentation at the August board meeting. The final plan will then be made publicly available to all members of MACAC.
Over the summer, the strategic plan will step into the third phase of build. The committee will refine and develop a comprehensive plan, culminating in a presentation at the August board meeting. The final plan will then be made publicly available to all members of MACAC.
The final phase of the strategic plan is manage. This phase focuses on implementation, evaluation, and accountability, ensuring the strategic plan remains an active and guiding document.
The final phase of the strategic plan is manage. This phase focuses on implementation, evaluation, and accountability, ensuring the strategic plan remains an active and guiding document.
Stay tuned for more updates from the strategic planning committee after the next phase, design, in April, and as MACAC continues to proceed through the planning process on its way to create a new strategic plan.
Stay tuned for more updates from the strategic planning committee after the next phase, design, in April, and as MACAC continues to proceed through the planning process on its way to create a new strategic plan.
ARC Committee:
ARC Committee:
Land Acknowledgement Update
Land Acknowledgement Update
ARC recently put the finishing touches on a Land Acknowledgement statement that has literally been years in the making. It's been vetted by more than 15 American Indian leaders from over a dozen different nations, and we're extremely proud of it. We'll be bringing it to a vote for approval at the MACAC April board meeting. Beyond this, ARC has been working on building educational workshops to support MACAC's professional development work. These workshops center offering tools to admission professionals to navigate complex situations that result from the systemic inequality that defines our society. Our current workshop-in-progress is a case study exploration on how to empower underrepresented students attending PWIs (primarily white institutions). And we're also working to update the Anti-Racism Toolkit, as a LOT has changed since this was first launched! Thanks as always for your support!
-Anti-Racism Committee
ACT Enhancements Are Here!
ACT Enhancements Are Here!
Starting in April, students taking the digital ACT on national test dates will take a redesigned version of the test. Then, in September, both the digital and paper versions of the ACT will also be this “new” ACT. District testing will be the “new” version in spring of 2026. Some of the enhancements in this new ACT include a shorter test with 44 fewer questions that allows more time per question. The science section will also now be optional.
So how do school counselors advise the Class of 2026, as the ACT will change in the middle of their testing cycle? Given the uncertainty of getting a digital “seat” this spring, juniors may not be able to find a spring “new” test and need to take the “old” version. And waiting until September may be too late to start testing. Could a junior test a few times this spring/summer in hopes of being done before the changes? Yes, and that might be a good strategy.
However, the reality is that many students that graduate in 2026 will have both an “old” and “new” ACT score. What will this mean for super scoring? We are waiting for colleges to advise on if they’ll super score old and new together, if they have a policy of super scoring. Do they want to see a science score for the new ACT, even though it is optional? Does that depend on desired major? Again, the high school counselors are waiting for more guidance from the college admissions offices so we can provide the best advice to our students.
My resource during this time will be Compass Test Prep, who has been tracking these ACT enhancements closely. They also have a running list of 400+ colleges and if they’ve made statements about the science section and super scoring.
-Admissions Practices Committee, Sarah Patterson and Andrew Wolf, ap@mn-acac.org
Congratulations to Grace Jackson!
Congratulations to Grace Jackson!
This year's recipient of the Counselor that Changes Lives award from CTCL is also a proud MACAC member!
Grace Jackson, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Grace Jackson, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
What is your favorite time of year in the college search process?
What is your favorite time of year in the college search process?
I love when students start to receive their first acceptances and financial aid award letters. For so many students, there is a lot of fear around being accepted to and being able to afford college. It is very rewarding to see their fears dissipate, and for the student’s hard work to be validated. Often, once a student receives their first acceptance and award letter, attending college and graduating finally feels real to them and their families.
I love when students start to receive their first acceptances and financial aid award letters. For so many students, there is a lot of fear around being accepted to and being able to afford college. It is very rewarding to see their fears dissipate, and for the student’s hard work to be validated. Often, once a student receives their first acceptance and award letter, attending college and graduating finally feels real to them and their families.
What gives you energy in your work?
What gives you energy in your work?
A few things that give me energy are building relationships with students, learning about their passions, and hearing about their hopes and dreams for the future. It's easy for students to downplay their experiences and accomplishments, and I love being in a position of reminding students of their unique perspectives and contributions.
A few things that give me energy are building relationships with students, learning about their passions, and hearing about their hopes and dreams for the future. It's easy for students to downplay their experiences and accomplishments, and I love being in a position of reminding students of their unique perspectives and contributions.
Reflections on being recognized as a Counselor that Changes Lives
Reflections on being recognized as a Counselor that Changes Lives
I am truly honored and grateful to be recognized by Colleges that Change Lives. It feels like a full circle moment because when I was applying to colleges, I was constantly on the CTCL website researching schools. I ended up attending St. Olaf College which is a CTCL member school. The highlight of my experience attending St. Olaf College was the support I received from professors who took the time to get to know me and build me up as a student. It is invaluable in my work as a college counselor to tailor my support to each student’s individual needs and goals.
I am truly honored and grateful to be recognized by Colleges that Change Lives. It feels like a full circle moment because when I was applying to colleges, I was constantly on the CTCL website researching schools. I ended up attending St. Olaf College which is a CTCL member school. The highlight of my experience attending St. Olaf College was the support I received from professors who took the time to get to know me and build me up as a student. It is invaluable in my work as a college counselor to tailor my support to each student’s individual needs and goals.
Upcoming: Day on the Hill
Upcoming: Day on the Hill
We're looking forward to Thursday, March 6, our upcoming Day on the Hill, and it's not too late to join us! Take a look at this presentation, recently shared at a MACAC chat, and register now.
Things to know:
Travel and meals for MACAC members will be reimbursed, including happy hour!
We're still looking high school counselors to submit an advocacy video sharing the nature of your job and the need for government support.
Questions? For more information about the Day on the Hill, contact the Government Relations Committee (govrel@mn-acac.org).
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Day on the Hill: March 6, 2025
Spring Conference: May 8-9, 2025
Camp College: June 15-17, 2025
Admission Counselor Institute: July 22-23, 2025
Follow MACAC on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop about upcoming events and member highlights. Information can also be found on MACAC's Programs and Events page.
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Are there events, committees, and/or individual members that you would like to see featured in future newsletters? Contact the Communication Committee to share your ideas! Email: comms@mn-acac.org.
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