June 17, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm (in-person)

Presented by the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable (PCPR)
Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times

📍 Location:
Arcadia University – University Commons, Great Hall
450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038

🗓️ Date & Time:
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Check-in and breakfast begin at 8:30 AM

Event Overview

Higher education stands at a critical crossroads. As political shifts, evolving policies, and budgetary changes redefine the educational landscape, student success hangs in the balance. The PCPR Spring Symposium 2025 brings together educators, advocates, policymakers, and institutional leaders for a powerful one-day event focused on understanding and responding to these urgent changes.

“Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times” is more than just a symposium—it’s a collective call to action. Attendees will explore the implications of national and state-level policy changes on college access, equity, and affordability, and strategize ways to support students through times of disruption and transformation.

What to Expect

• Powerful Keynote Address
  Heidi Tseu, Esq., Assistant Vice President for National Engagement at the American Council on Education, will kick off the day with insights on “Higher Education in a Changing Political Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities.”

• Policy & Advocacy Conversations
  Hear directly from elected officials shaping Pennsylvania’s education agenda—including members of the U.S. House and Pennsylvania state education committees. Engage in real-time conversations on how legislation is affecting college-bound students.

• State Education Plan Update
  Gain the latest insights into Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Plan, presented by Dr. Kate Shaw, Executive Director of the PA State Board of Higher Education.

• Higher Education Leadership Panel
  Learn from student affairs and enrollment leaders across colleges and universities as they share tested approaches for navigating institutional change and promoting student success.

• Lunch & Resource Fair
  Network with local and national organizations committed to student advocacy, financial aid access, DEI support, and legal education rights.

• Tribute to Michael Gaynor
  Celebrate the legacy of Michael Gaynor, a beloved Villanova student advocate and longtime supporter of PCPR, with special remarks from family, colleagues, and partners.

Who Should Attend?

• College access and success professionals

• K–12 and higher education administrators

• Community-based organization leaders

• Policy advocates and researchers

• Legislators and education officials

• Students and student leaders

Why Attend?

Whether you’re navigating FAFSA changes, addressing DEI challenges, guiding undocumented students, or advocating for affordable education, this symposium will provide:

✅ Expert perspectives on national and state-level education policy
✅ Practical tools to support your work with students
✅ Peer networking and collaboration opportunities
✅ Advocacy strategies you can activate immediately
✅ A space to be part of a united voice for equitable higher education

Registration

Spots are limited. Reserve your seat to be part of the dialogue—and the solution. 

Tuesdays With Thom  Monthly Info Session 

Join us for Tuesdays with Thom — a 30-minute, podcast-style info session from the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable (PCPR). It’s your monthly touchpoint to stay informed, connected, and inspired.

🗣️ Hosted by: Thom Butler, Executive Director
📅 Starts: Every Second Tuesday
🕧 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM ET
📍 When: Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month

Perfect for college access professionals, educators, advocates, and community leaders.