Kevin Prentiss of SwiftKick will deliver the keynote presentation for the 2008 Dakota ACAC Conference on "The Secrets Behind Facebook & MySpace." The program will  explore the impact these emerging technologies are going to have on education and what we can do about it now and into the future.

In three years social networking websites like Facebook have become more popular than television. Presented by technologists with extensive backgrounds in web business and education theory, this seminar teaches students how to protect yourself from identity theft and predators, market yourself to potential employers, create useful connections between students and faculty, and get more value out of the college experience. Online is becoming more connected with reality all the time. Don't get left behind.

Kevin Prentiss learned how to be an entrepreneur by being a student leader in college. Through student leadership he learned how to get people together and moving in the same direction. This skill came in handy as he built and sold three separate software companies by the age of 27. Now he runs Swift Kick, his fourth company, which is focused on increasing engagement in education.

For more information on Swift Kick visit www.swiftkickonline.com.

They keynote is being sponsored by the Education Assistance Corp. of Aberdeen.

A registration form for the 2008 Conference, with preliminary agenda, is also available in pdf format.

For those interested in exhibiting services, products or publications at the conference, information is available for download.

SDSCA Plans Preconference on School Counseling Program Model

The South Dakota School Counselor Association has also scheduled a pre-conference on Monday, June 2, on the SD Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model. The What's, Why's and How's will be discussed.  The afternoon will consist of work time so counselors may begin working on their comprehensive school counseling program. Counselors will be given a CD of resources to help them build or modify their school counseling programs.

College Credit is being explored with details pending.  Persons seeking credit must attend the pre-conference and all conference sessions.  CEU's through the SD Department of Education will also be available for those not pursuing credit.

The 2008 Dakota ACAC Conference is scheduled for June 2-4 at the Aberdeen, SD, Best Western Ramkota Inn.  This year's conference will be held jointly with the South Dakota School Counselor Association, so a wide variety of breakout sessions is expected.  Program proposals can be submitted to either the DACAC office or the SD School Counselor Association officers.

Outstanding contributions to college counseling in the Dakotas will also be recognized during the conference.  Nominations for awards are invited and forms can be found on the awards page.

Further information will be posted to this site as details develop.  Mark your calendars!

Jackie Payne to Present Closing Session on Service

Jackie Payne, Senior Account Executive for Student Loans with Wells Fargo Bank, will present the closing conference session on providing better service to students and parents.

"The Simple Truths of Service" by Ken Blanchard and Barbara Glanz introduces us to the concept of how everyone can become a “Johnny” and succeed at making their clients' experiences the best ones they have.  Jackie  will lead the discussion on how you and your coworkers can take the 10 Simple Truths of Service and apply them to your workplace environment to exceed your client expectations on a daily basis and achieve the highest level of overall customer satisfaction in your office and beyond.

A variety of breakout sessions during conference are also being planned.