
Shape the Summer Institute Experience — Apply to Join as Faculty or Intern!
Want to make an impact on the next generation of admission and counseling professionals? The PACAC Summer Institute is where future leaders begin — and you could be part of shaping that journey.
Continue reading to learn more about the program, positions, and selection process. Applications are due on Nov. 30 and candidates will be notified by mid-December.
✨ About the Summer Institute
The PACAC Summer Institute, sponsored by the PACAC Professional Development Committee, offers an immersive, hands-on introduction to the world of college counseling and admissions.
Designed for both new and experienced professionals, the Institute delivers exceptional professional growth through collaboration, conversation, and community.
Over two and a half days, participants explore the full college admissions process in an interactive, fast-paced learning environment. Sessions cover topics such as counseling strategy, admission trends, and financial aid, all while building lasting friendships and a strong professional network.
The Summer Institute is held annually during the third week of July.
- Faculty and Interns arrive on Sunday.
- Participant programming runs from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.
- In Summer 2026 and 2027, the Institute will be hosted at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.
Faculty Member Position Description
Faculty Mentor Position: Faculty Mentors are the heart of the Summer Institute experience. They design and lead engaging sessions, guide small-group discussions, and offer ongoing mentorship to participants throughout the program.
Key responsibilities include:
- Creating and facilitating 3–4 interactive sessions as part of the core curriculum.
- Co-leading small-group discussions to deepen learning and build community.
- Providing meaningful mentorship and professional guidance to attendees.
- Serving a three-year term as part of the Summer Institute faculty team
Ideal candidates bring:
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills
- Proven leadership and a passion for mentoring
- A collaborative spirit and strong organizational abilities
Intern Position Description
Intern Position: Interns play a vital role in bringing the Summer Institute to life. They support both the program’s logistics and its learning environment, ensuring everything runs smoothly and participants feel supported from start to finish.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing programmatic and operational support, including data collection and management, communications, and inventory coordination.
- Designing, leading, and facilitating 1–2 engaging sessions as part of the curriculum.
- Assisting with small-group discussions and collaborative activities as needed.
- Serving a two-year term as part of the Summer Institute team.
- Management and proficiency in or willingness to learn google workspace (docs, forms, sheets, etc.).
Ideal candidates are:
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and strong communicators.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Experienced with or eager to learn Google Workspace tools (Docs, Forms, Sheets, etc.).
✨ Expectations for Faculty Mentors & Interns
Both Faculty Mentors and Interns are essential to the success of the Summer Institute and are expected to:
Attend the full in-person program (Sunday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon) each year during their term of service.
- Participate in virtual planning meetings throughout the year (approximately twice per semester).
- Demonstrate a strong record of professional involvement within PACAC, NACAC, or another affiliate organization.
- Maintain active PACAC membership for the duration of their term.
✨ Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee that includes collecting feedback from the Summer Institute Dean, Director, current Faculty Mentors and Interns, and the PACAC Professional Development Committee Co-Chairs.
The committee carefully considers each applicant’s materials, focusing on:
- Alignment with the Summer Institute’s goals and values
-
Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and collaboration
-
Contributions to building a team that reflects the diversity of PACAC’s membership and the students and families we serve across the Commonwealth
Our goal is to create a balanced, dynamic team that represents a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Applications are due on Nov. 30 and candidates will be notified by mid-December.
For questions about the Summer Institute, please contact
SI Dean Jade Johnson SI Director Becca Haupt-Aldredge [email protected]
|