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:
- Attend the annual HECA Conference (12 points)
- Attend a NACAC or ACAC conference (10 points each)
- Attend other IEC related multi-day conference (10 points each)
- Create and present an IEC/peer focused workshop on a new topic (5 points each)
- Attend the HECA PDI (10 points)
- Attend the HECA DEI Institute (10 points)
- Present an IEC/peer-focused workshop that has already been created (2 points each)
- Attend a one-day Higher Education focused conference (4 points each)
- Attend a one-day or longer event on Equity and Access or Government Relations (4 points each)
- Tour a college campus in person (3 points each, up to 20 points)
- Participate in a virtual college tour (1 point each, max of 20)
- Watch a college admission focused webinar (2 points each)
- Attend a half-day Higher Education focused seminar (2 points each)
- Attend a college rep’s info session off campus or virtually (1 point each, max of 20)
- Attend a meeting with a HECA Community Group (1 point each)
- Read a book on college admissions, higher education, or equity and access (1 point each, max of 5)
- Write a journal/newspaper article promoting IECs (2 points)
- Attend a high school education-focused multi-day conference (5 points)
- One course completed with success in approved Counselor Certificate Program (1 point per course)
- Complete the QPR suicide prevention course online (1 point)
- Leadership
– HECA Board position (5 points)
– HECA Standing Committee Leader (Volunteers, College Fair, Business Partners, College Tours, Conference) (3 points)
– HECA Community Coordinator (3 points)
– HECA Committee Member (2 points)
– PDI Faculty (5 points) - Community Service Points
– Work with a pro bono student through an organization such as ScholarMatch, Matchlighters, etc. (10 points)
– Mentor a new IEC (5 points)
HECA Members should consult the Info Hub for more details on Professional Development Points and annual membership renewal requirements.
