Membership Expectations

HECA’S Expectations for Our Members

HECA’s mission is advancing professionalism in college admissions consulting. While our members receive numerous membership benefits, we also have a number of expectations for our members to maintain a level of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise to support our mission.

As a HECA member, you’ll be expected to:

Abide by HECA’s member Standards and Ethics Statement in your work with students and other professionals. (Be sure to review these before you begin the membership application, as you will be asked to agree to these Standards on your application).
Attend HECA’s annual conference at least once every four years.
Network with members at conferences and through the HECA Member Listserv.
Mentor individuals who are new to the profession.
Serve on HECA committees, the Board of Directors, volunteer with or present at the annual conference.
Show respect for and work cooperatively with high school guidance counselors, college admissions staff, and other educational consultants.
Demonstrate professionalism at all times and positively promote the public’s awareness of educational consulting.
For professional development, join the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and/or your regional ACAC. Volunteer to serve on committees or the Boards of these organizations, present at their conferences, and/or help at their sponsored college fairs. (See more examples below.)

If you’ve reviewed these membership expectations and believe you’re eligible for HECA membership, the final step in joining HECA is to apply for HECA membership.

To maintain one’s membership, HECA educational consultants must earn a minimum number of professional development points each year. Examples of professional development activities that count toward this goal include the following (separated by category):

HECA Leadership

Served in a HECA Board position (8 points)
Led a HECA Standing Committee, Advisory Committee, or Program: Advocacy, Business Partners/Exhibitors, College Knowledge, College Fair, College Tours, Education Abroad, Learning Labs, Members Mentoring Members, New Member Orientation, PDI, Regional Coordinators, Standards & Ethics, Volunteers, or Webinars (5 points)
Led a HECA Community Group
Served as a HECA Committee member (3 points)
Served as a PDI faculty member (5 points)

Service

Worked with a Pro Bono student through an organization such as ScholarMatch, Uprooted Academy, Matchlighters, etc. (10 points)
Created and presented an IEC/peer focused workshop on a new topic (5 points each)
Wrote a journal/newspaper article promoting IECs (2 points)
Presented an IEC/peer-focused workshop that is created by others (2 points each)

Professional Development

Attended the 2024 HECA Conference (10 points)
Attended a 2024 NACAC or other ACAC conference (8 points each)
Attended other IEC related multi-day conference (8 points each)
Participated in HECA Members Mentoring Members (5 points)
Attended the 2024 or 2025 HECA Professional Development Institute (PDI) (4 points)
Attended a one-day Higher Education focused conference (4 points each)
Attended a one-day or longer event on Equity and Access or Government Relations (4 points each)
Attended a half-day Higher Education focused seminar (2 points each)
Completed the QPR suicide prevention course online. Register directly through the Info Hub “Suicide Prevention” tab. (2 points)
Toured a college campus in person – list the colleges (3 points each, max of 12)
Participated in a virtual college tour – list the colleges (1 point each, max of 12)
Attended a college rep’s info session off campus or virtually – list the colleges (1 point each, max of 12)
Attended a meeting with a HECA Regional or Community Group (1 point each)
Read a book on College Admissions, Higher Education, or Equity and Access – list the title(s) of the book (1 point each, max of 5)
Read a regular newsletter, like Jeff Selingo’s (1 point)
Read to a college admissions or counseling podcast (1 point)
Watched a college admission focused webinar (1 point each, max of 12)
Completed one course with success in approved Counselor Certificate Program (1 point per course)

HECA Members should consult the Info Hub for more details on Professional Development Points and the annual membership renewal requirements. An annual professional development tracker is available for members to download as well.