PCSANJ Annual Conference

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Speaker: Katrina Starr, MS, Assistant Professor - Science, American Career College/West Coast University

This session brings the focus back to the fundamentals of effective teaching and their direct impact on student success. Instructors will explore practical strategies for classroom and online instruction, student communication, engagement, and building stronger connections with learners. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches they can apply immediately to support student learning, persistence, and success.

Moderator: Rachel Gordon, Vice President of Student Financial Aid Services, American University of Antigua College of Medicine

Panelists:

• Jay Rasmussen, SVP of Admissions,  Lincoln Tech
• Shibu Thomas, VP of New Markets & Strategic Growth, Triumph Education - Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Today’s prospective students are changing, and enrollment strategies need to change with them. Part I will explore what’s influencing student decisions, from shifting expectations and communication preferences to questions around affordability and the growing role of AI in the search and admissions process. Panelists will discuss strategies for outreach, messaging, lead engagement, and creating a prospective student experience that builds trust from the first interaction.

Speaker: Ash Carter, Vice Provost of Instruction and Student Affairs, Carrington College

"Get in. Get out. Get ahead." This tagline captures a common sentiment in career and vocational colleges, as our industry caters to non-traditional students who are often already in the workplace. For these students, the classroom is where they find belonging; it's the one place they get to feel like students. But belonging isn't built by instructors alone. Every person a student encounters, from the admissions rep who enrolled them to the advisor who reaches out when they go quiet, either strengthens that sense of belonging or lets it slip. Belonging is a key retention component for students pursuing higher education. This session turns the research on belonging into a practical blueprint for a student's first weeks: reframing struggle as normal, making clear that every student matters, and building intentional connections with learners who might not seek them out on their own. You'll leave with concrete next steps you can put to work in your role, whatever department you're in.

Moderator: Rachel Gordon, Vice President of Student Financial Aid Services, American University of Antigua College of Medicine

Panelists:

• Jay Rasmussen, SVP of Admissions,  Lincoln Tech
• Shibu Thomas, VP of New Markets & Strategic Growth, Triumph Education - Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Part II turns the conversation toward moving prospective students from interest to enrollment. Explore practical approaches to follow-up, nurturing, conversion, and reducing friction throughout the enrollment journey, including the critical intersection between admissions and financial aid. Panelists will discuss communicating cost and aid options effectively, strengthening coordination between teams, using technology and AI, and addressing common barriers that can prevent an interested student from ultimately enrolling and starting.