Symposium Philadelphia Professional Development

Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable
Fall Symposium 2025

Theme: New Rules, Real Impact: College Access and Success in Transition

📅 Thu, Sept 18, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Check-in & Breakfast 8:30 AM) 📍 La Salle University — Founders Hall & Breakout Rooms
 

Symposium Description

PCPR Fall Symposium
New Rules, Real Impact: College Access and Success in Transition
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM at La Salle University

Join us at the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable Fall Symposium, where we’ll dive into the new federal budget, changing policies, and implications for college access work. We will also examine educational attainment in Philadelphia and how college access programs can best connect with and serve students in this new landscape.

Finally, we’ll provide an opportunity to dig into hot-button issues in college access and success through concurrent afternoon breakout sessions. Don’t miss the timely insights, practical tools, and networking with like-minded colleagues. Breakfast and lunch provided — advance registration required.

Secure Your Seat Limited capacity.
 

Why Attend

  • Expert perspectives on national & state-level education policy
  • Practical tools to support students and families now
  • Peer networking and collaboration opportunities
  • Advocacy strategies you can activate immediately
  • Be part of a united voice for equitable higher education
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Policy & Advocacy Conversations

Hear directly from leaders shaping Pennsylvania’s education agenda. Engage in real-time conversations on how legislation affects college-bound students, affordability, and access.

 

Higher Education Leadership Panel

Student affairs and enrollment leaders share tested approaches for navigating institutional change and promoting student success.

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Lunch & Resource Fair

Meet local and national organizations committed to advocacy, financial aid access, DEI support, and student rights. Build partnerships that last beyond the day.
 

Spring Symposium Highlights

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Breakout Session Descriptions

Admissions

Admissions Process Updates: What’s Changing and How to Prepare Students

Between pandemic-era shifts, evolving perceptions of college value, and innovations in admissions, students and families face a changing landscape. Hear current updates and practical guidance from admissions leaders. Bring questions for an interactive discussion.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Realities: What Students and Families Should Know Now

From threatened aid cuts to FAFSA complications and uncertainty for undocumented students, advising is more complex than ever. Get the latest developments and actionable advising strategies in a shifting policy environment.

Campus Voices

Campus Voices: Supporting Student Expression in a Charged Climate

Explore policies, recent controversies, and implications for student rights, civility, and digital expression. Clarify key terms—free speech, protests, academic freedom, conduct—and leave with concrete guidance for students and families.

DEI

DEI Policy Rollbacks: What’s Lost, What’s Resilient

With efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives, institutions are adapting—and students feel the impact. Learn what supports remain, common terms (DEI, CRT, inclusive programming, campus climate), and how to prepare students for changing campuses.
 

Order of Events

Time Session Speaker(s)
8:30–9:10 AM Breakfast & Networking —
9:10–9:30 AM Opening Remarks, Land Acknowledgement, Welcomes La Salle & PCPR leadership
9:30–10:30 AM Plenary: Implications of the Reconciliation Bill for Higher Ed Invited policy leaders
10:35–10:40 AM Brief Break —
10:40–11:40 AM Data & Partnerships: Educational Attainment & District Solutions Featured presenters
11:40–12:00 PM Effective Advocacy Strategies Invited officials
12:00–1:00 PM Lunch & Networking —
1:00–1:10 PM Breakout Overview & Room Assignments MC
1:10–1:15 PM Transition to Breakouts —
1:15–2:15 PM Breakout Sessions I (Admissions • Financial Aid • Campus Voices • DEI) Facilitators TBA
2:20–3:20 PM Breakout Sessions II (repeat tracks) Facilitators TBA
3:20–3:30 PM Closing & Adjourn —
Times and speakers subject to change.
 

Who Should Attend

  • College access & success professionals
  • K–12 & higher ed administrators
  • Community-based organization leaders
  • Policy advocates & researchers
  • Legislators & education officials
  • Students & student leaders
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The Time for Action Is Now

Higher education is at a turning point. As policies, budgets, and practices shift, student success hangs in the balance. The PCPR Fall Symposium convenes educators, advocates, policymakers, and institutional leaders for a powerful one-day event focused on understanding and responding to these urgent changes.

New Rules, Real Impact is more than a theme—it's a collective call to act. Explore how national and state changes influence access, equity, and affordability. Leave with strategies to support students through disruption and transition.
 

Featured Speakers

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Blair Wriston

Government Affairs Sr. Manager, Ed Trust
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Catherine Brown

Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy, NCAN
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Katie Martin

Project Director, Philadelphia Research & Policy, The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Ayana Lewis, Esq.

Director, Office of Strategic Partnerships, School District of Philadelphia
 

Ready to join us?

Breakfast & lunch included. Registration required.
Register Now Event Details
 

 

🎉

SIGN UP TODAY!

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE PREP ROUNDTABLE PRESENTS


2025 SPRING SYMPOSIUM
Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times

HOSTED BY: ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
University Commons, Great Hall
450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038

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

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DAYS

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HOURS

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MINS

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SECS

LEADERS IN COLLEGE
ACCESS & SUCCESS

Discover the voices and visionaries shaping the future of higher education access and student success.

SPACE TO LEARN & SHARE


Join thoughtful conversations, exchange ideas, and explore solutions with peers and experts.

NETWORKING


Make meaningful connections with fellow educators, advocates, and policy influencers.

Register Now!
Symposium Agenda
Featured Speakers

2025 SPRING SYMPOSIUM
Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times

The Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable (PCPR) Spring Symposium brings together education advocates, policymakers, and higher education leaders to discuss strategies for student success amid shifting political landscapes. The day features a keynote address, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a special tribute to student advocate Michael Gaynor. Participants will conclude with a “Call to Action” to engage in local, state, and national advocacy.

The Time for Action is Now!

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.

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

What to Expect

  • 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.

  • 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.

     


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

Program Schedule

Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times
June 17, 2025 • Arcadia University – University Commons, Great Hall

Program Schedule

8:30 AM – 9:10 AM 

  • Breakfast & Networking 

9:10 AM – 9:30 AM

  • Opening Remarks: MC & Introducer: David LaNore, Program Manager, National College Attainment Network (NCAN)
  • Land Acknowledgement: Nancy Campbell, Founder & Chief Strategist, NWC Edunomics, LLC
  • PCPR Welcome: Thom Butler, Executive Director, Philadelphia College Prep  Roundtable 
  • Arcadia University Welcome: Dr. Ajay Nair, President, Arcadia University

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Keynote Address: Higher Education in a Changing Political Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities 

  • Keynote Speaker: Heidi Tseu, Esq., Assistant Vice President, National Engagement, American Council on Education  

10:15 AM – 10:25 AM

  • Break 

10:25 AM – 11:10 AM

  • Presentation: Update on Pennsylvania Higher Education Plan 
  • Presenter: Dr. Kate Shaw, Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education 

11:10 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Panel Discussion: Navigating Policy Landscapes: Insights from Elected Officials
  • Moderator:
    • William Lindsey, Senior Vice President, Federal Relations & Outreach, PHEAA 
  • Panelists:
    • The Honorable Regina Young, Pennsylvania House Representative for the 185th District 
    • The Honorable Morgan Cephas, Pennsylvania House Representative for the 192nd District

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

  • Honoring Michael Gaynor, a lifelong student advocate and champion of PCPR. 
  • Presider: Thom Butler 

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM

  • Lunch & Resource Fair 

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

  • Panel Discussion: Navigating Higher Education: Creative Strategies for Student Success in Turbulent Times
  • Moderator:
    • Dr. Nakia Mack, Assistant Vice Provost for Recruitment, Temple University 
  • Panelists: 
    • Dr. Donavan McCargo, Vice President for Campus Life & Dean of Students, Arcadia University 
    • Dr. Dorcas L. Colvin, Vice President for Student Success & Dean of the College, Lincoln University 
    • Nathan Elton, Executive Director, Post-Graduate & Student Success Integration, University of Delaware 

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

  • PCPR Call to Action: Advocate for Education
  • Introducer: David LaNore 
  • Presenter: Baron Vanderburg
  • Closing Remarks: Thom Butler  

Keynote Speakers

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.”

Learn More

State Higher 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.

Learn More

Additional Features Speakers

Dr. Ajay Nair

Arcadia University - Welcome Address

Learn More

The Honorable Regina Young

Pennsylvania House Representative for the 185th District 

Learn More

The Honorable Morgan Cephas

Pennsylvania House Representative for the 192nd District

Learn More

Nathan Elton
University of Delaware

Executive Director, Post-Graduate and Student Success Integration

Learn More

Dr. Donavan McCargo
Arcadia University


Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students, Arcadia University

Learn More

Dr. Dorcas L. Colvin
Lincoln University


Vice President for Student Success and 
Dean of the College

Learn More

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE PREP ROUNDTABLE 
SPRING SYMPOSIUM

Bracing for Change: The Road to Student Success in Uncertain Times

HOSTED BY: ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
University Commons, Great Hall
450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038

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

 

Register Now!