DuPage Countywide Counselor Institute Day Session Descriptions
Transcription
DuPage Countywide Counselor Institute Day Session Descriptions
DuPage Countywide Counselor Institute Day Session Descriptions February 27, 2015 Program Key * – Denotes the presentation is offered in the following session as well HS – Denotes topic is geared toward High School Professionals MS - Denotes topic is geared toward Middle School Professionals Both – Denotes topic is geared toward both levels Int – Denotes resource for Interns B – Denotes resource for Beginner (1-5 years) I – Denotes resource for Intermediate (6-14 years) A – Denotes resource for Advanced (15+ years) All – Denotes resource for all levels Breakout Session A Session: A1 *Practical Use of Mindfulness in the School Setting Both, All This presentation will provide information, practical tips and exercises to incorporate mindfulness while working with students with anxiety and stress in the school setting. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, Ph.D is an expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and will share her knowledge of particular use in the school setting. Presenter: Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, PHD, Insight Behavioral Health Centers Session: A2 Impact of Mental Illness on Academic Performance Both, A This presentation will focus on current diagnosis of ADHD, Bipolar d/o among school-aged children and Conduct d/o and how diagnosis, or lack thereof, effects academics. Red Flags will also be presented. Presenter: Naveeda Athar, LCPC, College of DuPage Session: A3 Mind Mapping in Career Exploration and School Counseling HS, All This is an interactive and visual way to help students tap into their right brain to generate ideas for career exploration and general problem solving. There are numerous ways to use mind mapping to loosen creative juices and enhance expression of interests. Among its benefits is letting go of pre-conceived judgments and making new and intriguing connections. Presenter: Sarah Breithaupt, Lyons Township Family Services Session: A4 Career Trends of the 2010s and Beyond…Is There Hope Yet? Both, All This workshop will arm educational leaders with current critical data and strategies to tackle today’s ever changing labor market. As the economy continues to be challenged - what actions should we be focusing on to best prepare our students for their post-secondary aspirations? This workshop will examine current and future breakthrough fields and critical resources that every district should know about to best prepare their students for life after high school. Presenter: Lynn Burks, PhD, DeVry University Session: A5 National Board Certification: Your Personal Learning Journey Both, I A There are so many reasons to become National Board Certified…really! It can lead to better appraisals, recognition, credit hours or financial compensation, CPD's, and professional growth. The new process is simpler and more flexible (time and money). An expert NBCT mentor and two National Board Certified school counselors will walk you through the process and answer your questions. Presenters: Jenny Franz, LCPC, Downers Grove South High School & Nicole Gibson, LCPC, Downers Grove North High School & Virginia Highstone, Retired: York High School Session: A6 *Youth Mental Health First Aid Both, All Mental Health First Aid is an international program that started in the US in 2008. MHFA has been adopted in several different specialized curricula including Youth Mental Health First Aid. YMHFA is a class specifically established for people who work with youth. This presentation will give an overlay of what MHFA is and how it helps you personally and professionally. Presenter: Denise Elsbree, Mental Health First Aid Community Liaison Session: A7 Anger Management Both, I Learn how to manage your anger, recognize the triggers, improve your effective communication skills, and develop coping skills to improve your everyday life. Anger is a natural emotion and can be a positive force if managed effectively. Mismanagement of anger and failure to recognize anger triggers can be extremely uncomfortable and emotionally draining. Learn about what you can do to control anger. Presenter: Kimberly Groll, LCPC, CADC, CAMT, Achieving Solutions Counseling, Inc. Session: A8 Helping the Anxious Student Get Back to Class Both, All This presentation will focus on effective processes and strategies to use in working with anxious students in the school setting. The role of the school counselor and other resources to utilize will be discussed. Participants will be given information and samples of tools to take back to their schools to. Presenters: Renae Groom, LCPC, Naperville Central High School & Rochelle Northrup, LCPC, Kennedy Junior High School Session: A9 Managing Emotional Crises for Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome and Anxiety Disorders Both, All This presentation will explore skills to decrease anxiety when an individual with Asperger's Syndrome is experiencing an emotional crisis, and is demonstrating unhealthy coping strategies. Presenters: Lauren Harris, Psy. D, Linden Oaks at Edward & Laura Koehler, Psy.D., LCP, Linden Oaks at Edward Session: A10 Summer Resources at COD Both, All Learn about the opportunities COD provides middle and high school students during the summer months. Continuing Education (CE) offers a variety of programs, including gifted programs, high school classes, enrichment workshops, test preparation, healthcare certificate programs and more. Additionally, CE offers programs for students with disabilities and Summer College, college credit and enrichment courses exclusively for high school students. Presenters: Danielle Kuglin Seago, Program Coordinator, College of DuPage, Continuing Education & Katie Leonardo, Program Coordinator, College of DuPage, Continuing Education Session: A11 Underachievement and Undiagnosed Learning Problems in and Highly Talented Gifted Children Both, All The developmental complexity of talented and gifted children is challenging for counselors. Often, these children’s issues are viewed normatively (i.e., boredom, motivation) rather than being understood in the context of their exceptionality. These children often have undiagnosed gaps between ability and capability, known as the Achievement Gap. We will increase foundational knowledge of developmental difficulties related to this exceptional population. Presenters: Andrew Mahoney, LCPC, The Center for Identity Potential & Mark Talaga, LPC, Clinical Director, The Center for Identity Potential & Garrett Hartman, LPC, Director of Training and Development, The Center for Identity Potential Session: A12 *Students Struggling with Motivation and Executive Functioning Both, B I A Parents, Teachers, and Counselors share a concern about the lack of academic motivation and effort of today’s students. Students lacking motivation and self-regulation are not prepared for the autonomy of studying for tests, homework assignments, and research papers. During this session, we will review current motivational theory and provide solutions for executive functioning. Presenters: Steve Murray, LPC, Director of Counseling, Notre Dame College Prep & Lisa Marsicano, M.A.T., Solutions for Student Success Session: A13 How Grief Expresses Itself and How to Respond Both, All Learn what might be expected of a child or teen dealing with a loss event. Hear from a Grief Recovery Specialist about current information regarding grief and loss to assist counselors in their support of students, parents, teachers, and social workers. Participants will receive helpful handouts that can be copied and shared in the school setting. Presenter: Lynne Staley, Grief Recovery Specialist, RUAH Center, Naperville Session: A14 Spicing Things Up: Newer Tech Applications Both, All Are you always looking for ways to make your presentations and handouts more snazzy and professional? Are you trying to work smarter instead of harder? During this presentation, we will show you how we use Google Docs and other free programs to improve the quality of your programs and informational handouts. This session will take place in a computer lab so that you can follow along if you have accounts with Google/gmail, Prezi, Smore, and/or Sign Up Genius! Presenters: Amy Thompson, College & Career Counselor, York Community High School & Mark Talbot, School Counseling Graduate Student, York Community High School Session: A15 Who Am I? Helping Adolescents Find Their Place in Adulthood MS, B I Who am I? Middle and High School students are asking themselves this question every day, and many of their dayto-day struggles can be tied to it. We explore a variety of theories categorizing personality and other aspects of the self. Through self-examination, we discuss simple activities and methods of teaching students about themselves while fulfilling the state SEL requirements. Presenter: Robert Watson, MAT, PEL, Linden Oaks at Edward Hospital Breakout Session B Session: B1 Practical Use of Mindfulness in the School Setting Both, All This presentation will provide information, practical tips, and exercises to incorporate mindfulness while working with students with anxiety and stress in the school setting. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, Ph.D is an expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and will share her knowledge of particular use in the school setting. Presenter: Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, PHD, Insight Behavioral Health Centers Session: B2 *Supporting our First Generation College-Bound Students HS, B First generation college-bound students need to know they are not alone. School counselors are in a position to help first generation students chart a course of success throughout high school, culminating in the successful completion of the college application process. We present our first generation pilot year program at Glenbard South High School. Presenters: Gloria Chapa-Resendez, School Counselor, Glenbard South High School & Barbara Rieger, School Counseling Graduate Student, Glenbard South High School Session: B3 Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: How to identify, assess, and intervene Both, B This workshop addresses nonsuicidal self-injury, a condition that challenges counselors, educators, and other clinicians. This workshop will provide an update on how to identify, assess, and treat self-injury based on the latest research and our clinical experience. By understanding self-injury and knowing how to assess and treat it, this workshop will provide tools for counselors to deal with this condition. Presenters: Dr. Jason Washburn, Clinical Psychologist, Director, Alexian Brothers & Northwestern University & Dr. Denise Styer, Clinical Director, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Session: B4 *Teens, Technology and the Trends (of Today) Both, All Today’s youth have integrated the use of digital devices into their daily lives, utilizing social media and apps to communicate with the world around them. These new technologies, games, sites, and apps, are shaping their lives and their interactions. Technology integration, which encourages socializing and self-expression, presents new opportunities for youth and new challenges for parents and teachers. Presenter: Melissa Hemzacek, LSW, Internet Safety Specialist, Office of the Illinois Attorney General (OAG) Session: B5 *Engaging Middle School Boys in the Learning Process MS, Int B Lack of engagement in the learning process leads to harmful internalizing and externalizing behaviors among middle school boys. Strategies for school counselors and teachers to encourage academic achievement through maintenance of a positive emotional climate and connectedness will be addressed. Presenters: Cathleen Paterno, EdD, NCC, Associate Professor, Saint Xavier University & Amber Randolph, PhD, LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Saint Xavier University Session: B6 Youth Mental Health First Aid Both, All Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an international program that started in the US in 2008. MHFA has been adopted in several different specialized curricula including Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). YMHFA is a class specifically established for people who work with youth. This presentation will give an overview of what MHFA is and how it helps you personally and professionally. Presenter: Denise Elsbree, Mental Health First Aid Community Liaison Session: B7 Why This Child Both, Int The decisions a child makes as they grow older can depend on their self-esteem, how they are feeling about oneself, or how they view their potential outcome. This presentation will focus on cognitive distortions, coping mechanisms, and low self-esteem. You will leave with a better understanding how a child may be dealing with their outside realities and where parent’s can place their focus. Presenter: Kimberly Groll, LCPC, CADC, CAMT, Achieving Solutions Counseling, Inc. Session: B8 *Intervention Strategies to Engage the Student and Parent with the Both, All School Environment: Education and Applicable Tools to use in School and Home This presentation reviews the criteria for school avoidance and school anxiety (SASR), and identifies strategies to assist students and families on how to cope. SASR is defined as emotional and/or behavioral issues that lead a child or adolescent to attend school inconsistently or not at all. SASR also includes those who attend school but refuse to engage in school requirements. Presenter: Jackie Rhew, Assistant Director School Anxiety School Refusal Program, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Session: B9 Neurobiology of Trauma, Understanding Symptoms Both, All In the Neurobiology of Trauma, Dr. Kowal will present information from trauma and sleep researchers that explains why and how trauma effects the brain. This information will help explain the many symptoms and behaviors in persons suffering from simple and complex traumas. The Presentation will also outline effective treatment methods and techniques that help patients suffering from the effects of experiencing traumatic events. Presenter: James Kowal, Ph.D., LCPC, Life Worth Living, P.C. Session: B10 Admissions and the Arts HS, All Navigating portfolios, art songs, monologues, concertos, sprung marley floors and showtunes? Learn the ins and outs of the college admissions process for performing and visual artists including: special events to look for, unique aspects to the college visit, how to prepare for the audition/portfolio review, how to determine if your student is “college prepared” or "American Idol" prepared as well as great colleges to look for in each discipline. Presenters: Heather McCowen, Post Secondary Counselor, The Chicago High School for the Arts Session: B11 Services and Programs Available for Students with Disabilities at College of DuPage HS, B This interactive workshop will discuss some of the differences in secondary versus post-secondary education and give tips on what can be done to ensure a successful transition for future students. It will also present resources at College of DuPage to assist students with disabilities INCLUDING those available for current secondary students. Join us for this entertaining and informative event! Presenter: Dr. Michael Duggan, Counselor & Professor for Students with Disabilities, College of DuPage Session: B12 Students Struggling with Motivation and Executive Functioning Both, B I A Parents, Teachers, and Counselors share a concern about the lack of academic motivation and effort of today’s students. Students lacking motivation and self-regulation are not prepared for the autonomy of studying for tests, homework assignments, and research papers. During this session, we will review current motivational theory and provide solutions for executive functioning. Presenters: Steve Murray, LPC, Director of Counseling, Notre Dame College Prep & Lisa Marsicano, M.A.T., Solutions for Student Success Session: B13 *Stress Reduction at Your Fingertips Both, All Are you feeling overwhelmed, worried, exhausted? If you had a tool at your fingertips that could drastically reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue in yourself and your students, would you use it? Emotional Freedom Technique, AKA EFT or Tapping, is such a tool. Clinical psychologist Margaret Byrnes, PhD presents an experiential workshop teaching this powerful technique. Presenter: Margaret Byrnes, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Wellspring Clinical Associates Breakout Session C Session: C1 *Placement Testing at College of DuPage HS, B I Learn valuable information to pass along to your students regarding COMPASS placement testing at College of DuPage. Placement policies, test specifics, and preparation resources will be discussed. Presenters: Sherry Machacek, Coordinator of Academic Testing Services, College of DuPage & Lori Lach, Academic Testing Supervisor, College of DuPage Session: C2 Supporting our First Generation College-Bound Students HS, B First generation college-bound students need to know they are not alone. School counselors are in a position to help first generation students chart a course of success throughout high school, culminating in the successful completion of the college application process. We present our first generation pilot year program at Glenbard South High School. Presenters: Gloria Chapa-Resendez, School Counselor, Glenbard South High School & Barbara Rieger, School Counselor Intern, Glenbard South High School Session: C3 *From Failure to Success: Building Resilience Both, All Paul Toughs, book, How Children Succeed explains that one of the secrets of success in life is the ability to overcome failure. We will discuss the research and character education programs that demonstrate that traits such as curiosity, zest, grit, and gratitude are as important as academic achievement. Presenters: Stephanie Magdic, Teacher/School Counseling Graduate Student, Lewis University & Lee Harsy, Assistant Professor, Lewis University Session: C4 Teens, Technology and the Trends (of Today) Both, All Today’s youth have integrated the use of digital devices into their daily lives, utilizing social media and apps to communicate with the world around them. These new technologies, games, sites and apps, are shaping their lives and their interactions. Technology integration, which encourages socializing and self-expression, presents new opportunities for youth, and challenges for parents and teachers. Presenter: Melissa Hemzacek, LSW, Internet Safety Specialist, Office of the Illinois Attorney General (OAG) Session: C5 Engaging Middle School Boys in the Learning Process MS, Int B Lack of engagement in the learning process leads to harmful internalizing and externalizing behaviors among middle school boys. Strategies for school counselors and teachers to encourage academic achievement through maintenance of a positive emotional climate and connectedness will be addressed. Presenters: Cathleen Paterno, EdD, NCC, Associate Professor, Saint Xavier University & Amber Randolph, PhD, LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Saint Xavier University Session: C6 *Collecting Effective Data in Counseling Both, All With more high schools and colleges looking to data to inform decisions, it is important to obtain data that is useful, valid, and reliable. How can we as counselors quantify the work we do on a daily basis? Attend this session to learn how to craft accurate self-report surveys, analyze quantitative data, and implement evidence-based practice in your school. Presenters: Lauren O'Connor, School Counselor, Westmont High School & Brian Trainor, PhD Candidate, Educational Research Methodology, Loyola University-Chicago Session: C7 *High Tech - Low Math? Can it be? Both, All Do your high school students not love math? Learn how students that may not be strong or perhaps do not share a passion for math and science can still be successful in growing technical fields. Attendees will learn about which degrees require less math and what types of degrees support this type of career. Finally learn about what skills and talents these students need to be successful. Presenter: Lyn Wunschl, Faculty Chair, DeVry University Session: C8 Intervention Strategies to Engage the Student and Parent with the Both, All School Environment: Education and Applicable Tools to use in School and Home This presentation reviews the criteria for school avoidance and school anxiety (SASR) and identifies strategies to assist students and families on how to cope. SASR is defined as emotional and/or behavioral issues that lead a child or adolescent to attend school inconsistently or not at all. SASR also includes those who attend school but refuse to engage in school requirements. Presenter: Jackie Rhew, Assistant Director School Anxiety School Refusal Program, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Session: C9 Evolution of Neurotherapy in Treating Psychiatric Disorders Both, All There have been advances in quantitative EEGs used to differentiate and clarify diagnoses, and support treating ADHD, addictions, anxiety, autism, depression, FASD, learning disabilities, migraines, mood disorders, OCD, oppositional defiant behavior, PTSD, TBIs, seizures, and strokes. Neurofeedback has evolved from treating single sites to training interior areas of the brain and regulating two specific locations to most recently training entire networks to elevate dysfunctions. Presenter: James Kowal, Ph.D., LCPC, Life Worth Living, P.C. Session: C10 *Self-Injurious Behaviors in Adolescents Both, All The presentation will define self-injury, profile the self-injurer, and discuss underlying issues related to self-injury. In addition, stereotypes and myths surrounding self-injurious behaviors, traditional treatment programs available, how these individuals access the health care systems, implications for receiving inadequate treatment, and the importance of having a self-injury protocol in the school setting will be discussed. Lastly, we will cover a description of the Adolescent Discoveries program at Linden Oaks Hospital. Presenter: Sean Youngstedt, LCPC, LMFT- Clinical Therapist, Linden Oaks Hospital Session: C11 Increasing Minority Student College Graduation Rates HS, All The college graduation rate for African American and Hispanic students is significantly less than that of the general population. This alarming statistic has important economic and societal implications. This presentation will discuss the colleges that are reversing this trend and what programs are leading to success. Presenters: Thea Gattone, School Counseling Graduate Student, Lewis University & Lee Harsy, School Counselor, Professor, Lewis University Session: C12 Mindfulness 101 Both, All Mindfulness has made its way into the mainstream over the past few decades and its benefits have been the subject of numerous research studies. This presentation will be an introduction to what mindfulness is and is not, and will look at some current research and applications. The possibilities and benefits of using mindfulness in education will be addressed, and resources for further information will be shared. Presenters: Jean Osborne, MSW, School Counselor, Wredling Middle School & Sandra Borgstrom, LCSW, Student Support Specialist, St. Charles East High School Session: C13 Stress Reduction at Your Fingertips Both, All Are you feeling overwhelmed, worried, exhausted? If you had a tool at your fingertips that could drastically reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue in yourself and your students, would you use it? Emotional Freedom Technique, AKA EFT or Tapping, is such a tool. Clinical psychologist Margaret Byrnes, PhD presents an experiential workshop teaching this powerful technique. Presenter: Margaret Byrnes, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Wellspring Clinical Associates Session: C14 Marijuana: It's just Weed Both, All The legalization and declining perceived risk associated with marijuana has led to increased use among adolescents. Myths continue to influence the perception of marijuana being safe. This presentation will discuss the physiological, psychological, and emotional impact of marijuana on the developing brain and long lasting effects from smoking cannabis. Presenter: Justin Wolfe, LCPC, CADC, CRC, Linden Oaks Hospital Breakout Session D Session: D1 Placement Testing at College of DuPage HS, B I Learn valuable information to pass along to your students regarding COMPASS placement testing at College of DuPage. Placement policies, test specifics and preparation resources will be discussed. Presenters: Sherry Machacek, Coordinator of Academic Testing Services, College of DuPage & Lori Lach, Academic Testing Supervisor, College of DuPage Session: D2 Welcoming Middle Eastern Transfer Students to Your School Both, All Schools in the United States continue to welcome transfer students from around the world. The Chicago area is a common destination for immigrating students from the Middle East. The purpose of this session is to help counselors understand the variety of backgrounds and expectations of these students and their families as they enter American schools. Presenters: Dr. Judy Zito, Lewis University & Neveen Shalabi, School Counseling Graduate Student, Lewis University Session: D3 From Failure to Success: Building Resilience Both, All Paul Toughs, book, How Children Succeed explains that one of the secrets of success in life is the ability to overcome failure. We will discuss the research and character education programs that demonstrate that traits such as curiosity, zest, grit, and gratitude are as important as academic achievement. Presenters: Stephanie Magdic, Teacher/School Counseling Graduate Student, Lewis University & Lee Harsy, Assistant Professor, Lewis University Session: D4 Using Naviance to develop a Workshop for Rising Seniors HS, All Come learn how to create and implement your own summer workshop, to help your rising seniors prepare for the fall application season. Presenters from Naperville North will discuss their newly created College & Career Readiness Seminar, the pros & cons from the past year, and things to think about before implementing your own program. Presenters: Brian LaPorte, School Counselor, Naperville North High School & Angelo Georgacopoulos, School Counselor, Naperville North High School Session: D5 New Student Opportunities at College of DuPage HS, All Obtain the information your students need to know when it comes to attending College of DuPage. Program updates on the status of Illinois community colleges offering applied baccalaureate degrees, 3+1 baccalaureate degree opportunities, Engineering Pathways (a guaranteed admissions program to University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign), and many more will be provided. Scholarship opportunities will also be discussed, including how your students can pursue a degree tuition-free. Handouts will be provided. Presenter: Julie Marlatt, Manager, Admissions & Outreach, College of DuPage Session: D6 Collecting Effective Data in Counseling Both, All With more high schools and colleges looking to data to inform decisions, it is important to obtain data that is useful, valid, and reliable. How can we as counselors quantify the work we do on a daily basis? Attend this session to learn how to craft accurate self-report surveys, analyze quantitative data, and implement evidence-based practice in your school. Presenters: Lauren O'Connor, School Counselor, Westmont High School & Brian Trainor, PhD Candidate, Educational Research Methodology, Loyola University-Chicago Session: D7 High Tech - Low Math? Can it be? Both, All Do your high school students not love math? Learn how students that may not be strong or perhaps do not share a passion for math and science can still be successful in growing technical fields. Attendees will learn about which degrees require less math and what types of degrees support this type of career. Finally, learn about what skills and talents these students need to be successful. Presenter: Lyn Wunschl, Faculty Chair, DeVry University Session: D8 Mindfulness Counseling Techniques to Encourage Fully Present Students Both, A This workshop focuses on the benefits of using mindfulness in counseling. School counselors will walk away with practical techniques to use with students in order to improve focus and achievement while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, experiential portion of the workshop offers participants the opportunity to feel the calming effects that mindfulness practices often produce. Presenters: Gina Hines, LCPC, NCC, Alder Grove Counseling & Laura Cottrell, LCPC, ATR-BC, Alder Grove Counseling & Jami Kolonski, LPC, CADC, RYT, Alder Grove Counseling Session: D9 Compassion Fatigue: Risk and Resilience Both, All Even the most dedicated, committed, professionals can experience discouragement, fatigue, and disengagement. Compassion Fatigue is a unique, preventable, and treatable phenomenon that requires increased awareness and development of effective preventive strategies that support self-care and foster hope and resilience. Objectives include defining Compassion Fatigue and its etiology, differentiating Compassion Fatigue and Burnout, and development of personalized self-care strategies. Presenter: Corey Worden, LCPC, Community Liaison, Linden Oaks Session: D10 Self-Injurious Behaviors in Adolescents Both, All The presentation will define self-injury, profile the self-injurer, and discuss underlying issues related to self-injury. In addition, stereotypes and myths surrounding self-injurious behaviors, traditional treatment programs available, how these individuals access the health care systems, implications for receiving inadequate treatment, and the importance of having a self-injury protocol in the school setting will be discussed. Lastly, we will cover a description of the Adolescent Discoveries program at Linden Oaks Hospital. Presenter: Sean Youngstedt, LCPC, LMFT- Clinical Therapist, Linden Oaks Hospital Session: D11 NCAA, NAIA Eligibility and Recruiting Practices for College Athletics HS, All The NCAA, NAIA, and a representative from an athletic recruiting firm in Chicago will discuss college athletic academic eligibility and recruiting practices for high school students planning to play sports at the collegiate level. Presenters: Cara Currier, NAIA compliance officer, University of St. Francis & Brett Russell, Compliance Coordinator, Northern Illinois University & Nelson Gord, NCSA Session: D12 Student Engagement through Real World Experience Both, All The reluctant student, the undecided major, and the kinesthetic learner are as diverse as the world in which we live. Experiential education can be the link that engages students, sets them on a path to academic success, and distinguishes them in the employment process. Explore how experiential education benefits students through the diverse opportunities of Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad and Career Services. Presenters: Maren McKellin, Manager, Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad, College of DuPage & Steve Gustis, Manager, Career Services, College of DuPage & Sue Kerby, Study Abroad Specialist, College of DuPage Session: D13 Tour of local manufacturer Arrow Gear, Downers Grove Both, All Arrow Gear is located in Downers Grove, IL and has been in business for over 60 years and their gear manufacturing facility contains the latest state-of-the-art technologies for design, manufacturing, heat treatment and inspection. They are a manufacturer of gears for diverse uses including auto racing, power tools, oil rigs, mining equipment, robotics, printing presses, military vehicles, machine tools and many other applications. Arrow Gear is offering the opportunity for area counselors to tour the facility to see and hear from staff about the opportunities that your students have for careers in manufacturing. Bus transportation from COD, and lunch, will be provided. We will leave at 11:40am and you will be back by 1:00pm. Presenter: Jim Thorne, Ph.D., Director, DuPage Area Occupational Education System/Technology Center of DuPage