NACT

Online Training for New Counselors

The New Admissions Counselor Training is a curated series of microcourses designed specifically for undergraduate admissions professionals with less than one year of experience in the field. This training supports new counselors as they build a strong professional foundation - developing self-awareness, confidence and professionalism while gaining practical skills essential to success in today’s evolving enrollment landscape.

Each microcourse addresses core competencies of admissions work, including understanding the changing enrollment funnel in higher education, foundational sales and relationship-building strategies, maximizing effectiveness during travel season, and managing time and priorities in a fast-paced, multitasking role.

The six microcourses are grounded in NACCAP’s long-standing and highly regarded professional development framework (formerly known as SNAC). Each course is led by seasoned leaders in enrollment management and college guidance who bring real-world experience and actionable insights to the learning experience.

The videos below offer a brief overview of each microcourse and what participants can expect to gain.

Foundations of Dynamic Enrollment

This course introduces new admissions counselors to the foundations of dynamic enrollment in Christian higher education. Learners will explore what it means to be “dynamic,” navigate the admissions cycle, apply the recruitment funnel, manage the day-to-day responsibilities of counseling and embody the key characteristics of a successful, faith-driven professional. This training equips counselors not only with practical tools, but also with a servant-hearted perspective that puts students and families first.

Travel & Territory Management

This course provides an overview of how to plan for travel and recruiting events, as well as best practices for territory management. Counselors will learn about the various types of recruiting events, how to prepare for them and how to use the data gathered to increase territory yield.

Sales Training

This course reframes the concept of "sales" in the context of Christian higher education, helping enrollment professionals understand the importance of trust, relationship-building and value communication throughout the admissions process. Through engaging lessons and practical applications, participants will learn how to walk students and families through each stage of the enrollment journey with integrity, clarity and confidence.

Communication & Time Management

This course provides practical tools and best practices for thriving in the fast-paced world of admissions. You'll explore how to communicate clearly and confidently — whether by phone, email, text or in person — as well as how to manage your time wisely in the face of constant interruptions. Learn how to handle hard questions with grace, use AI to draft better messages and walk away with specific tools to help you work smarter, not harder.

Building Strong High School Partnerships

This course explores the distinct roles of student support staff to build a shared understanding between high school counselors and admissions professionals. It examines how differences in school settings can affect counseling practices and communication. The course also addresses common misunderstandings that can create barriers to collaboration. Practical strategies are offered to strengthen relationships and promote more effective partnerships in supporting students.

Enrollment Diversity Topics

This course introduces new admissions counselors to the importance of building relationships with diverse student populations and how this supports institutional and educational goals. It provides an overview of shifting national and regional demographics to help counselors better understand the student populations they serve. The course also challenges common assumptions that can lead to bias or exclusion in recruitment practices. Practical guidance is offered to help identify and eliminate barriers to access, promoting a more equitable admissions process.

Each microcourse contains five lessons with videos, additional content, reflection questions and short assessments to promote transfer of learning. A guide that includes the six microcourses' reflection questions will be emailed to the counselor's supervisor so they can engage in conversation surrounding the topics covered in the training.

The New Admissions Counselor Training microcourses are available anytime throughout the year. Once you register, you will immediately receive a confirmation email from NACCAP. Our partner, CampusEDU, will send an email within 24 hours that will include your login information and further instructions. You will have 60 days to complete the full training before your login expires. Participants will receive a badge after they complete each individual course. Those who complete the entire training will receive a certificate from NACCAP acknowledging their achievement.

Questions should be directed to Denise Cunningham, Vice President of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives.

New Admissions Counselor Training