Admission Counselor University (ACU)

ACU is an annual event organized by Iowa ACAC that brings together new admission counselor professionals to help train and equip them with the skills necessary to be a successful admissions counselor. The event serves as a platform for networking, professional development, and collaboration among individuals dedicated to guiding students through the college admission process.

Exciting News!

Would your college be interested in hosting the 2024 Admission Counselor University? Iowa ACAC is seeking proposals from colleges in Iowa to host the Admission Counselor University (ACU), scheduled on two different dates in Eastern Iowa and in Western Iowa. As an institution of higher education in Iowa, we invite you to submit a bid to host this significant event. 

All bids must be submitted by March 1, 2024, to the following https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hg-b15ooridqScg-PmY-sHLeFE6-QLoRW4-DtJY_b7E/edit.

For further details on bid requirements refer to the listserv message sent on January 16, 2024, by Conner Ellinghuysen, Co-Chair

Late submissions will not be considered.

Watch this page for exciting updates about Summer ACU 2024! 


Colleges to Counselors (C2C)

 C2C provides an opportunity for Iowa ACAC member colleges & organizations to share institutional updates with high school counselors.

 What you get:

  • Post-Secondary Institutions: You will have a few minutes to present any important information or changes at your institution that you would like to share with high schools. 

  •  High School Counselors & CCTCs: C2C is an opportunity for you to learn about multiple post-secondary options, plus there will be an ICAN presentation on FAFSA changes coming for the upcoming year! Registration is FREE! 

The cost for colleges to attend:  $75 
There is no charge for school counselors to attend.

The event will include a college fair for networking and to hand out promotional literature. (No swag!)  Lunch is included for school counselors and college admissions professionals.

Exciting News!

Would your college like to host one of the next Colleges 2 Counselors? Iowa ACAC is seeking proposals from colleges in Iowa to host Colleges 2 Counselors (C2C) events in Eastern Iowa or in Western Iowa. 

All bids must be submitted by February 15, 2024 at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18EggppHKGgrL_8HIWfbKKVIiiFFon3cnrgNgPmeu5W8/edit

For further details on bid requirements refer to the listserv message sent on January 16, 2024, by Conner Ellinghuysen, Co-Chair

Late submissions will not be considered.


The Ride

This free, three-day bus tour provides a door-to-door, first-hand look at college campuses and what each school offers students. Each year the RIDE's region of travel changes, taking counselors to a variety of colleges in a specific region for tours, hands-on learning, meals and even overnights in residence halls.


 Lend a Hand!

Would you like to be involved with one of our committees? We welcome members who want to be more involved and assist with the mission of Iowa ACAC. Simply email us at [email protected] and someone will contact you!

Questions about Iowa ACAC's Professional Development opportunities?  Contact Iowa ACAC Professional Development & Practices Chairperson Emily Hannon


Professional Development & Practices Committee

Conner Ellinghuysen, Buena Vista University, Co-Chair
Emily Hannon, St. Ambrose University, Co-Chair
Becca Vanderheiden, Kirkwood Community College
Dawn Barnes, Simpson College
Drew Shradel, Cornell College
Hannah Hostetter, Cornell College
Jennifer Johnson, Iowa State University
Jessica Klein, University of Iowa
Maria Gentile, Loras College
Ranae Molkenthin, Indian Hills Community College