This September, Austin Jasienski, assistant director for Pre-College operations, and Katie Coryell, assistant director for Pre-College faculty and curriculum, attended the Association for Pre-College Directors (APCPD) Conference 2024 held at Georgetown University. In addition to gaining insights about collegiate programs for high school students, Austin and Katie connected and networked with staff members of pre-college programs from across the country.
Below, Katie and Austin recount their experiences and key takeaways from the conference.
Benchmarking for Success
A pivotal topic of discussion was the upcoming Benchmarking Survey Dashboard being created by members of APCPD. We saw how this tool will enable Columbia’s Pre-College Programs to compare data from various programs across the country, evaluate policies, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. Once the dashboard is active, we will be able to see both successes and pain points of other pre-college programs, encouraging us to analyze our programs on a deeper level. By learning from each other, APCPD members can positively impact the programs executed throughout the summer and beyond.
Reimagining Staff Training
One of the standout features from the conference was the emphasis on effective staff training. We learned key elements to incorporate in our Academic Support Staff and Program Facilitator training:
- Community Building: Fostering relationships among staff members.
- Interactive Sessions: Hosting in-person training to improve engagement and retention.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Conducting a staff feedback survey to continuously improve our training approach.
Additionally, including more frequent incentives like team dinners and ice cream socials can also help build camaraderie and morale among staff. These are all items we will take into consideration when planning our Summer 2025 staff training period.
Climate and Culture: The Heart of Our Programs
The keynote speech, “Staff Climate & Culture,” emphasized the impact of our interactions and the temporary nature of the overall workplace climate, which encompasses the attitudes and values of our team members, as well as the physical and social environment at work. By being aware of our body language and communication styles, we can cultivate a positive atmosphere. Monitoring both internal (things within the workplace that may be counterproductive to the overall mission) and external (things outside of our organization that we cannot control) threats is vital, as is recognizing our human tendency toward negativity bias. Actively acknowledging positive occurrences can foster a more supportive atmosphere.
Building a strong organizational culture requires clear communication, shared language, and traditions that create a sense of belonging. Establishing norms that promote psychological safety encourages staff to take risks and voice their opinions, ultimately leading to growth.
Moving Forward
As we reflect on the insights gained from the conference, it’s clear that collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on mental well-being are paramount in our approach to Pre-College programming. We look forward to implementing these strategies and fostering an environment where both staff, instructors and students can thrive.
We’re eager to see how these insights will shape our future initiatives and enhance the experiences we provide for our team as a whole. We are grateful to the members of the Association for Pre-College Directors for organizing this conference, and we are looking forward to reuniting again next year.
About the Program
Our Pre-College programs are thoughtfully designed to help students succeed beyond the college application process. With options online and on campus, during the summer or academic year, you can learn the way that works best for you. At Columbia, profound learning comes from both study and experience. Whether you join us on campus or online, you’ll enjoy fascinating courses taught by expert instructors as well as engaging co-curricular activities. You will discover insights, develop new skills, and grow a lifelong network that only the Columbia Experience can provide.
