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. (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 HECA members at conferences and through the HECA Listserv.
- Mentor individuals who are new to the profession.
- Serve on HECA committees, the Board of Directors, or assist with or present at the annual conference.
- Contribute to the HECA website and member news blog.
- 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 (10 points)
- Led a HECA Standing Committee – Business Partners, College Fair, College Tours, Membership, Regional Coordinators, DEI, Standards & Ethics, or Volunteers) (5 points)
- Served as a PDI faculty member (5 points)
- Served as a HECA Committee member (3 points)
Service
- Worked with a Pro Bono student through an organization such as ScholarMatch, 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 2023 HECA Conference (10 points)
- Attended a 2023 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 2023 HECA DEI Institute or Virtual 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)
- 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 annual membership renewal requirements.
