Time Event
8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Canadian Law Schools Meeting
1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Registration
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Presentation Drop-Off and Technology Support for Presenters
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. LGBTQ+ Gathering
5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. First-Time Conference Attendee Orientation
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Welcome Dinner
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Join us to officially kick off the 2019 LSAC Annual Meeting and Educational Conference. The winners of the LSAC Diversity Matters Awards will be announced, and we will introduce this year’s conference charity, 826 Boston, an organization that supports the writing and literacy needs of students in Roxbury’s Egleston Square and beyond. Then, enjoy great food and reunions with your colleagues.

8:30 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Viewing of the Film “RBG”
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We will celebrate the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society with a showing of “RBG.” The film covers the exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. The film will be introduced by Chris Whitman, chair of the LSAC Board of Trustees.

Time Event
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. LSAC Misconduct in the Admission Process Subcommittee Breakfast
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. MINK Breakfast
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Registration
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. LSAC Tech Hub
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Members of LSAC’s School Services team will be available to meet with you at your convenience to answer questions about ACES², the next generation of ACES, and your training needs. LSAC U, our online education platform, will deliver training and professional development to law school admission professionals. Stop by to learn more and to register your admission team.

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Plenary Session 1 — A Pivotal Moment in Legal Education History — Turning Well-Being into a Professional Core Competency Starting with the Admission Process
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Speakers: Jarrett Green and Rebecca Simon

The legal industry has some of the worst statistics of any profession for depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse. We know law school, unfortunately, is often the beginning of a descent into these terrible states. Many of the top firms across the country are now addressing these critical issues head-on and providing in-depth training and programming to improve the mental health and emotional well-being of their attorneys. Many law schools too have begun exploring specialized programming to combat the industry’s well-being crisis. The unprecedented 2018 ABA Well-Being Pledge signals a possible turning point for the legal industry in treating lawyer emotional and mental health as critical to the profession and to career success. In order to transform our industry, we must build strong, healthy, happy, and thriving law students from the beginning — instead of simply trying to repair broken lawyers mid-career. This keynote will address how law school admission professionals are at the front lines of this critical movement and will explore their opportunity to turn wellbeing into a professional core competency for the benefit of the entire profession.

11:00 a.m.–noon LSAC Assessment—Khan Academy Update and Digital LSAT
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Change is here for the LSAT! For starters, no more bubble-in answer sheets—the official transition to the Digital LSAT begins on July 15. Prior to this landmark administration, LSAT Writing will debut in June. The 2019–2020 testing year will also bring—for the first time—nine opportunities for law school candidates to sit for the test. And last, but certainly not least, June 1 marks the first anniversary of the Official LSAT Prep on Khan Academy. What do all these changes mean for the candidate’s journey to law school? The LSAT has built a solid reputation for consistency, reliability, validity, and fairness. These hallmark values provide the foundation that supports the utility of test scores as a measure of critical reading and reasoning ability. In this session, you will learn how these innovations were designed and implemented to enhance the applicant’s experience—by reducing test anxiety and removing obstacles on their path to law school—while guaranteeing the consistency and quality of the LSAT.

The Future of the Bar Exam
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The legal profession is rapidly evolving. The ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar continues to work towards revising bar passage requirements for accredited law schools. The National Conference of Bar Examiners plays a leadership role in charting the future course of bar exam content and delivery models. Join us for an update from the ABA and the NCBE on bar passage requirements for accredited law schools, the latest developments of the Uniform Bar Examination, new initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and the study that is underway to ensure that the bar examination continues to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent entry-level legal practice in the 21st century.

How to Share Your Data the Right Way: Best Practices for Data Governance
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In our admission work, we are often called on by other offices—both within the law school and the larger university—to share information about our prospective or admitted students. How do we determine what information is appropriate to share? This session will provide an overview of FERPA and other legal mandates that govern information sharing. Panelists will explore scenarios that may occur between the admission office and other university departments, and offer tips on how to handle them diplomatically, but legally.

LSAT Accommodations and Law School Admissions Today
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Requests for LSAT accommodations have increased in recent years. Reports from LSAC no longer inform law schools that a test accommodation was granted to an individual. How has this change impacted law school admission and enrollment? This session will review why these changes were made, and explore the data and trends behind accommodations to better prepare your law school for new students.

noon–1:00 p.m. Lunch
noon–1:00 p.m. LLM and Other Law Programs Lunch LLM session
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Join us for a networking opportunity for LLM and other law program professionals.

1:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m. Getting to Know the Applicants: A Comprehensive Overview of Results from 2018 Applicant/Matriculant Surveys, Post-LSAT Questionnaires, and Studies on Test Anxiety
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Do you feel FOMO (fear of missing out) coming on when it comes to keeping up with the research and studies about applicants? Fear no more! In this session, LSAC research experts will share findings from recently collected applicant surveys and questionnaire results that will help you with your recruitment and enrollment strategies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain a better understanding of your applicant pool and the factors that influence their decision-making, LSAT prep, and interest in law.

ACES², LLM Edition LLM session
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ACES² can work for you to streamline your LLM office and the routine operations you face with both U.S. and international populations. Do you ever feel that, instead of optimizing work flow, ACES² has become your own personal gatekeeper from a life of efficiency? If so, then this session is for you! Come learn ACES² basics regarding prospects and recruit events, as well as applicants and file review, and see what the latest rage in reports is all about. Learn tips, tricks, and takeaways from our panelists and your peers in this ACES² primer (access device not necessary to enjoy).

Paying for Law School—Helping Students Make Informed Borrowing Decisions
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Debt is often the “elephant in the room” for students interested in applying to law school. The cost of a legal education may impact their decision to apply to schools and heavily influence where they ultimately enroll. Do candidates understand the meaning of borrowing money in order to attend law school? Will fear of borrowing prevent them from applying to law school and pursuing their chosen career? What choices are available for them to make the best investment in their future? A clear and accurate understanding of the benefits and costs of borrowing money for legal education will help prospective applicants overcome the fear and anxiety associated with debt so they can make the right choices. This session provides an economist’s perspective on what factors students should consider as they decide whether law school is right for them, which school to attend, and how to pay for their legal education. Participants will also gain insight toward helping candidates understand the unique nature of federal student loans and “opportunity cost” when making career decisions.

Behind the Rankings
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Whatever we think of rankings, they’re here to stay, so it’s probably a good idea we understand them. Rankings can often seem like an impenetrable black box, but the box can be opened. Learn from someone who has studied and deconstructed the US News rankings over the course of many years. This session will cover what goes into the rankings, how changes in various factors can affect a school’s rank, and what the “unknowns” are.

1:15 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
Don’t Be That Person, Educate Yourself: Transgender and Gender Diversity
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Our role as gatekeepers in higher education is increasingly complex. But in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in and what’s out. Buzz feeds have replaced traditional news reporting, and etiquette—what’s that? To effectively reach and support our professional academic communities, we must demonstrate a greater level of cultural competency by embracing new terminology, the assessment of our operations, and the promotion of equitable policies. In this session, you will identify ways to educate yourself on important transgender issues and will be introduced to a few helpful tips that will ensure your interactions with transgender individuals are respectful and insightful.

Make Travel Season More Rewarding: Maximizing the Benefits of Loyalty Programs
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Recruitment travel has its drawbacks—canceled flights, oversold hotels, and days when the only rental cars left are minivans. But there is one benefit: frequent flyer and loyalty program points! This session will show you how to maximize your point collection with airlines, hotels, and rental car companies; provide information on the value of a point for major loyalty programs; and give you tips on how to best achieve elite status.

1:50 p.m.–2:20 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
Don’t Be That Person, Educate Yourself: Indigenous and Native American
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Our role as gatekeepers in higher education is increasingly complex. But in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in and what’s out. Buzz feeds have replaced traditional news reporting, and etiquette—what’s that? To effectively reach and support our professional academic communities, we must demonstrate a greater level of cultural competency by embracing new terminology, the assessment of our operations, and the promotion of equitable policies. In this session, you will learn how to answer questions about campus life, cultural differences, and available resources for indigenous candidates. This session will also offer insight into some of the challenges faced by indigenous and Native American students when they pursue postsecondary studies.

Diversity in Practice: Making Culturally Conscious Decisions in Programming and Outreach
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Being a gatekeeper to justice—one who is truly committed to diversity and equity—requires action beyond the mere filling of “seats” in the class. The role of a gatekeeper necessitates the practice of culturally conscious decision-making in programming and outreach. Furthermore, as we endeavor to advance diversity and equity in legal education, it is imperative that we create spaces that are bravely conducive to the success and experiences of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. In this session, attendees will learn best practices for diversity programming and outreach in addition to concrete programming strategies, tools, and examples that can assist law school administrators in providing support to diverse students and applicants.

2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Best Practices for Recruiting Veterans and Members of the Military
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Applicants with military experience bring a valuable perspective to the classroom, but are we doing enough to recruit them to our programs? How do we reach out to military bases or veteran organizations to connect with this population? In this session, you will hear from military education experts about initiatives aimed at helping military members and veterans pursue graduate education and the resources available to help you create an effective recruitment plan.

Leadership Track #1: Mentoring the Next Generation
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Do you consider yourself a seasoned pro in your recruitment and admission office? Have you thought of yourself as an effective mentor for up-and-coming talent? This session will empower you to support and nurture the development of junior members of your team, and to encourage them to be active contributors in their department operations, participants in the governance of LSAC, and ready to step up for leadership opportunities.

Social Media: How to Use Storytelling and Visuals in Recruitment
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Social media is increasingly evolving as a strategic tool for the recruitment and purposeful engagement of Millennial and Generation Z applicants. Visual storytelling and compelling content connect to prospective students on a deeper level—beyond viewbooks and websites. Learn how to leverage and highlight your law school's unique characteristics through social media storytelling. This session will cover how to use the key features of Twitter and Instagram for recruitment purposes, as well as how to use existing material to create compelling content. You will also explore time-saving tools to use during travel season, and learn how to both regulate post content when using student ambassadors and create a marketing strategy that will drive leads to your website.

The Professional Woman and Work/Life Balance: The Struggle Is Real
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Can a woman have it all? What does that even mean in this day and age? In the fast-paced admission world of pressing deadlines, tight budgets, competitive recruiting markets, and demanding schedules, goals like a healthy lifestyle, personal balance, and dreams of upward mobility can seem unattainable. As women, we work hard to keep it all together—balancing family, relationships, and work—but does pursuing professional goals require us to compromise personal well-being and healthy boundaries? Is it even possible to move up the ladder and still have a healthy work/life balance? In this session, seasoned admission veterans in various stages of their career paths will share tips and personal stories of empowerment. Come ready to share your stories, ask questions, or offer up your own advice on topics such as dating during an admission cycle, raising kids from the road, managing elder parent care, and more.

2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
Country Focus: Open the Gate to China LLM session
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China offers, by far, the largest pool of international or foreign-trained LLM applicants. Considering its convenient location (a mere 12-hour flight, one way), similar linguistics (not at all), and modest cities (the average population for the largest 10 cities is 15,084,119), are you up to the task of recruiting in China? It can be done! This session will provide an overview of legal education in China as well as information on the benefits and pitfalls of recruiting there.

The Case for the LSAT: LSAT’s Validity, Reliability, and Fairness
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Admission professionals are often considered the in-house experts on the Law School Admission Test. Do you find that you could use a refresher on the LSAT? This session will provide attendees with a better understanding of the key skills tested on the LSAT, the LSAT’s correlation with first-year law school success, and an overview of the latest research studies.

3:05 p.m.–3:35 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
International Recruiting: Spotlight on Brazil LLM session
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Brazil continues to be a rapidly growing source of LLM applicants to U.S. law schools—in 2018–2019, it was consistently in the top five, behind only China, India, the U.S., and the U.K. Brazil is also a top source of applicants from Latin America. While some of the other top pools have fallen in numbers or remained flat, Brazil has continued to balloon. During this session, we will hear from a colleague who has recruited frequently in Brazil, and has extensive fluency in the country’s legal education system and legal culture. Participants will explore ideas for recruiting from this talented pool of applicants, and discuss possible sources of funding available to Brazilian students and when applicants should begin seeking those sources.

Don’t Be That Person, Educate Yourself: Cultural Sensitivity—International
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Our role as gatekeepers in higher education is increasingly complex. But in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in and what’s out. Buzz feeds have replaced traditional news reporting, and etiquette—what’s that? To effectively reach and support our professional academic communities, we must demonstrate a greater level of cultural competency by embracing new terminology, the assessment of our operations, and the promotion of equitable policies. In this session, you are invited to engage in a lighthearted exchange with serious undertones. Whether you interact with international populations on your campus or recruiting abroad, come and inform yourself on how to be the gateway to social understanding in an international context.

3:30 p.m. Annual Business & Town Hall Meeting, Election Results, and Community Q&A
4:30 p.m. Minority Network Meeting
EVENING ON YOUR OWN
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Enjoy your free evening with one of the many Things to Do in Boston!

Time Event
7:00 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
7:00 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Prayer Breakfast
7:00 a.m.–8:15 a.m. National Consortium of Public Interest Law Schools
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast Meetings
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Time has been set aside during breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons to give auxiliary groups an opportunity to meet. Groups who would like meeting space should contact LSAC at  events@LSAC.org. Requests for meeting space must be received by Monday, April 8.

7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Registration
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. LSAC Tech Hub
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Members of LSAC’s School Services team will be available to meet with you at your convenience to answer questions about ACES², the next generation of ACES, and your training needs. LSAC U, our online education platform, will deliver training and professional development to law school admission professionals. Stop by to learn more and to register your admission team.

8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Plenary Session 2 — The Sunset of a “Compelling State Interest”
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Speaker: Frank H. Wu, William L Prosser Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California Hastings College of the Law

Professor Wu will present ideas that can be implemented to ensure diversity in an environment of competition among institutes and challenges to affirmative action. An expert witness in the University of Michigan litigation a generation ago, he has continued in leadership roles to advocate for the importance of inclusion within the legal profession. He will offer insights especially into changing demographics that make a new paradigm beyond black and white necessary, while also inspiring bridge building among different communities. His presentations, known for their blend of stories and social science, also emphasize the multiple types of problems such as implicit bias and the many means of addressing issues appropriately and effectively.

10:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Building a Diverse Class—Breakout Sessions
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Admission professionals are often recognized as the gatekeepers of the profession. As individuals, we are tasked with utilizing various tools and techniques to build a diverse class. The results of our efforts have lasting implications for all levels of the legal profession and our democratic society. Over the decades, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the practice of race-conscious admission as a permissible tool to enroll a racially and ethnically diverse class, yet any consideration of the racial identity of applicants in the admission process continues to be scrutinized and challenged. Just as our view of diversity must be expansive, so must we take the long view to navigate and overcome existing restrictions and potential future constraints as we work to achieve meaningful participation from the widest range of diverse individuals. Join our facilitators to discuss what we learned from this morning’s plenary session and how it could impact future admission practices.

  • Breakout 1—Building a Diverse JD Class: Public Schools
  • Breakout 2—Building a Diverse JD Class: Private Schools
  • Breakout 3—Building a Diverse Class: LLM Programs LLM session
  • Breakout 4—Building a Diverse Class: Other Law School Programs
  • Breakout 5—Building a Diverse Class: Canadian Schools
10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. LSAC Standing & Board Committee Overview
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Are you curious about the various committees and work groups that are a part of the LSAC governance structure? Would you like to know more about what they do and how you might get involved? And what exactly is a work group, anyway? Find out the answers to these questions and more during a brief overview of the LSAC governance structure followed by two sessions, each highlighting different LSAC committees.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
  • Emerging Markets and Innovation Committee
11:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m. LSAC Standing & Board Committee Overview
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  • School and Candidate Services Committee
  • Assessments Committee
noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch and the Next Generation of ACES
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The next generation of ACES will be available in summer 2019. This new system will build upon existing capabilities such as recruitment planning, prospecting, application design and processing, and online file review and add new features such as:

  • availability wherever and whenever you need it, even on a mobile device
  • a Customer Relationship Management platform that will manage prospect and applicant interactions from the point of first inquiry to beyond graduation
  • targeted communications with the ability for your admission and marketing communication teams to work in a synchronized environment from a single data source
  • streamlined reporting and data insights to fuel your admission strategies

In this session we will demonstrate various capabilities of the new system as well as share information on the plan to transition schools from ACES² to the Next Generation of ACES.   

1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m. Leadership Track #2: Leading an Office Through Transition
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Approximately one-third of law school deans today are first-time deans. The nature of our work environment seems to be ever-changing and, as seasoned admission professionals, we are often asked to take on more than our fair share of the workload. Working with a first-time dean can be an exciting opportunity for a fresh outlook, new ideas, and rejuvenation for your office. However, onboarding a first-time dean can also be stressful and leave you feeling as if you are reinventing the wheel. This session will offer tips and tricks from experts in change management on best practices for transferring institutional knowledge, responding to ideas that leave you with a “been there, done that” feeling, and more.

Reports Jump-Start
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You know there’s a lot of data out there…if only you had the time—time to remember where it is and how to access it, to think about what you want to know, and to explore what’s available in the first place. This session is designed to show you how to quickly access and run the national data available on LSAC’s website and through links in ACES.

More Than Numbers: Appealing to the Soft Factors Students Consider When Selecting a Law School
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Applicants are often curious about the “soft factors” that are considered in the admission process, but what are the soft factors that students consider when selecting a law school? How can we highlight these factors in our recruiting and show students that they are just as valuable as employment statistics and scholarship dollars? This session will explore the nonquantifiable factors that influence an applicant’s decision, and offer suggestions on how to effectively appeal to these considerations in your outreach to admitted students.

Navigating Misconduct and Irregularities
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Misconduct and irregularities may not be as obvious as they seem. They may, however, be career-limiting experiences. What should you report? What happens when you do? What if you are wrong? Can you notify other schools of an applicant’s misconduct, and if so, will that applicant ever have a chance to attend law school? The muddy waters of misconduct and irregularities will be explored in this session by admission officers that have navigated those trenches. Attendees will review case studies to understand what law schools and applicants have experienced and to explore their options when confronted with these unwelcome situations. Attendees will also receive guidance on what should be reported to the LSAC Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process Subcommittee and what happens during the process that follows.

1:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
Don’t Be That Person, Educate Yourself: Faith-Based
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Our role as gatekeepers in higher education is increasingly complex. But in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in and what’s out. Buzz feeds have replaced traditional news reporting, and etiquette—what’s that? To effectively reach and support our professional academic communities, we must demonstrate a greater level of cultural competency by embracing new terminology, the assessment of our operations, and the promotion of equitable policies. In this session, we will identify how admission professionals can collaborate with student services to provide a welcoming environment for students of faith on law school campuses.

More Gate, Less Wall—Electronic Marketing LLM session
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You’ve developed a strategic LLM recruitment plan, and you’re ready to spread your message. Can you deploy your plan in a responsible, cost-effective manner that conveys more gate and less wall? Electronic media to the rescue! In this session, learn how to mine your CRS audience, and receive tips on how to craft the perfect message, the ideal delivery platform (email, text, social media, etc.), and how to gauge your audiences’ reaction with email analytics (plus what to do next!).

2:20 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
Don’t Be That Person, Educate Yourself: How to Create a Welcoming Environment for Differently Abled Students
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Our role as gatekeepers in higher education is increasingly complex. But in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s hard to keep track of what’s in and what’s out. Buzz feeds have replaced traditional news reporting, and etiquette—what’s that? To effectively reach and support our professional academic communities, we must demonstrate a greater level of cultural competency by embracing new terminology, the assessment of our operations, and the promotion of equitable policies. In this session, you will learn how to make prospective students feel welcome on campus as well as how to prevent awkward interactions when asked questions about accessibility, accommodations, and other campus services. Participants will leave with an increased understanding of how to better serve differently abled law school candidates.

International Transcript Evaluation: How Best to Interpret the Data for LLM Admissions LLM session
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LLM admission officers (and an increasing number of JD admission officers) read transcripts from across the globe—and these transcripts are anything but one-size-fits-all! Many programs, therefore, require their international applicants to use the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers when applying. How does AACRAO interpret foreign transcripts and put them into a more “universal,” U.S.-style format for law school admission purposes? What do the various levels of evaluation, such as “superior” and “above average,” mean? How does AACRAO check against fraud in transcript evaluation? Hear answers to these questions and more directly from a member of AACRAO’s evaluation team, and share your own strategies for using the data with colleagues from other law schools.

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. On the Road Again, LLM Style: Tips for Navigating the World of International Recruiting LLM session
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LLM admission professionals are increasingly being called upon to include international travel in their portfolio of responsibilities. While exciting, this can also present new challenges. How do you best maximize your travel abroad? Should you travel alone and work with your school’s alumni network, travel with a group of peer schools, or use the services of an organization on the ground such as EducationUSA—or perhaps a hybrid of all three? How do we as admission professionals adjust to local cultural norms while traveling, and manage our own time versus the expectations of our hosts? What about safety concerns? How do we best represent not only ourselves, but U.S. legal education in general when recruiting? And what about finding time for self-care and some fun while we’re on the road? In this session, you will hear from colleagues who have traveled the world and are ready to share their ideas for best practices in international travel and recruiting. The session will conclude with an open forum for discussion on these topics.

A Timely Conversation: Discussing Our Roles as Law School Administrators in the Wake of the #MeToo Movement
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The #MeToo hashtag went viral on social media as part of a movement to bring attention to the widespread prevalence of workplace sexual assault and harassment. However, the broad scope of the #MeToo movement, evidenced in the stories of survivors, extends perilously beyond the workplace and too often into educational spaces. As law school administrators and gatekeepers to justice, we must consider the impact of the #MeToo movement in the context of our own profession. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of the scope of the #MeToo movement as it applies to higher education, and of the law school administrator’s role in advancing justice and support for survivors through activism, advocacy, and active bystander intervention.

The Scoop on Alternative Entry Terms
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As law school applications continue to trend upward, law school admission offices continue to seek creative ways to capitalize on the uptick amidst a competitive market. Have you ever thought about introducing a spring or summer start program into your curriculum? If so, how do multiple entry terms impact the recruiting cycle, orientation planning, ABA reporting, and recruiting budgets? In this session, panelists from schools with spring and summer start options will discuss all these issues and more. Attendees will walk away from this session with information that will help them weigh the pros and cons of alternative entry terms.

Translating Digital Marketing Approaches Used by Consumer Brands into Practical Application
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In this informative session, you will learn about current digital marketing approaches used by innovative consumer brands. This session’s presenter has led digital marketing efforts and consulted for brands including Clorox, Boxed, the Museum of Modern Art, NASCAR, Nestle, P&G, and Chipotle Mexican Grill, among many others. He will help translate approaches used by consumer brand experts into practical application as you connect with and engage customers, enhance brand reputation, and drive revenue.

4:00 p.m. Training and Feedback Session—Forums 2019: Call for Workshop Volunteers and Decorum Discussion
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All admission professionals who wish to volunteer as a workshop presenter for any of the 2019 LSAC Law School Forums must attend this session. We will discuss how to prepare for workshops, and a train-the-trainer discussion will assist admission leaders in effectively training recruiters and alumni to best represent your school at LSAC forums.

Training and Feedback Session—Digital LSAT Training for Test Supervisors and Proctors
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The Digital LSAT is almost here! We, at LSAC, are very excited about the official transition which begins with the July 2019 test, but we realize you likely have many questions as we gear up for this landmark administration. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the Digital LSAT and take you through this state-of-the-art test delivery system—from the test supervisor’s perspective.

Training and Feedback Session—Key Elements of an Effective PLUS Program
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First approved by the LSAC Board of Trustees in 2002, the Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars Program (PLUS) has been hosted by 21 law schools for 2,080 participants. The program has received a five-year reauthorization, beginning in 2020, and the request for proposals for three-year grants will be published this summer. Presenters in this session will discuss key elements for a successful proposal, including curriculum, introduction to the legal profession, costs, and other components.

6:15 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Buses Board Continuously for Fenway Park
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Don’t forget your LSAC-issued badge — you will need it to board the bus. Guests must have a Friday dinner LSAC-issued badge.

6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. An Evening at Fenway Park
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Visit the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark in the country! You’ll be able to enjoy a casual reception and dinner with a view of the historic ballpark while looking at the Boston skyline. Tours of the park will be offered, and there will be many photo opportunities throughout the evening. The gift shop will be open during our time at the ballpark. Buses will return to the hotel continuously.

Time Event
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. MALSA Breakfast Meeting
7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. West Coast Consortium Breakfast Meeting
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Registration
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. LSAC Tech Hub
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Members of LSAC’s School Services team will be available to meet with you at your convenience to answer questions about ACES², the next generation of ACES, and your training needs. LSAC U, our online education platform, will deliver training and professional development to law school admission professionals. Stop by to learn more and to register your admission team.

9:00 a.m.–10:30a.m. Plenary Session 3 — Jessica Kriegel, Author of “Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit from Ditching Generational Stereotypes”
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It’s never a good idea to label people, but especially so in professional settings — and few know this better than Jessica Kriegel. As the Organizational Development Consultant for Oracle Corporation, Jessica’s made a career out of strategizing organizational development from the inside out. And through this, she noticed something: the way older folks think of younger folks, and vice versa, often holds collaboration back. Drawing from her experiences, she’s written “Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit from Ditching Generational Stereotypes.” Jessica will provide real tips and tricks for anyone working with a multigenerational staff force, leaving you with tools to bust stereotypes and work more effectively with an intergenerational team.

10:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Leadership Track #3: Stepping into Your Role as a Leader—What Your Dean Expects and Needs from You
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As legal education continues to evolve amid a changing marketplace, more is demanded overall from the school’s leadership team to steward the institution and accomplish its distinct mission. At the same time, new pressures on enrollment—not only JD, but also LLM and Masters’—have re-centered the critical role of admission staff’s contributions to the dean’s leadership team. This session will explore what makes an effective dean’s leadership team generally and the specific roles that admission leaders can and must play to make that team as effective as possible. Furthermore, it will offer specific take-aways that you can use to advance your school and, at the same time, further develop your portfolio of leadership and management skills for both short- and long-term success.

Integrated or Independent: Admissions and Student Affairs for LLMs—and By the Way, Where Do the “Other Law” Programs Reside? LLM session
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While law schools are rapidly growing their “traditional,” full-year LLM programs (either in size, scope, or both), administrators are increasingly being asked to develop other programs, including legal master’s programs for nonlawyers and shorter-term or hybrid on-campus/online LLM programs. Some program administrators focus solely on the work of recruitment and admission, while others handle both admission and the student services component—possibly including orientation, academic advising, career advising, graduation, and even alumni affairs. In this session, we will hear from senior administrators in both types of roles about the models they’ve chosen for their departments and how they’ve established operations to align with their school’s goals. For those who work solely in admission, how do they effectively communicate with the student affairs offices, particularly relating to student recruitment and advising? For those with a dual role, how do they balance their competing demands? And for both types of administrators, when new programs are proposed by their institutions, who creates and services them? Attend this session to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Technology Update
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Come join us for an update on technology-based services provided by LSAC. As we continue our digital transformation in close collaboration with Microsoft we will be demoing some of our latest reporting tools, our test prep, data and AI visions. Particular emphasis will be on getting the most from these new tools while maintaining strict privacy and security for test takers, applicants and schools. We will also be discussing LSAC’s Enrollment Services and our Enrollment Optimizer product.

These Worlds Don’t Collide! Admissions & Career Services as Partners in Law Student Recruitment
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Law students invest in legal education seeking return on their investment through a rewarding career and lifestyle. The expected benefits weigh heavily as prospective students make their enrollment decision and consider individual law schools in the context of their career aspirations. Admission professionals benefit from having a working knowledge of the contemporary legal job market, so they can paint an accurate picture for prospects and admitted candidates. A representative from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) will report on current trends in the legal employment market and suggest implications for the jobs and careers that today’s law school applicant might expect. Topics will include the status of bar passage required and JD advantage jobs, structural changes that could alter the nature and availability of entry level jobs in law firms and in other settings, and insights on “in demand” skills and backgrounds that candidates possess that could appeal to legal employers in the near future. Attendees will leave with some facts and figures, but also with usable insights to help them understand their own law school’s graduate employment outcomes in the context of national trends.

10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m. LSAC Standing & Board Committee Overview
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Are you curious about the various committees and work groups that are a part of the LSAC governance structure? Would you like to know more about what they do and how you might get involved? And what exactly is a work group, anyway? Find out the answers to these questions and more during a brief overview of the LSAC governance structure followed by two sessions, each highlighting different LSAC committees.

  • Finance and Budget Committee
  • Investment Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Governance and Trusteeship Committee
11:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m. LSAC Standing & Board Committee Overview
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  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
  • Assessments Committee
11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Newcomers Reunion and Non-JD/LLM Lunch
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Each year, LSAC hosts the New Admission Personnel and Faculty Members Workshop, fondly referred to as the Newcomers Workshop. The workshop is an opportunity for admission professionals and faculty to learn the fundamentals of their admission role, meet new colleagues, and build lifetime friendships. At today’s luncheon, you will have the opportunity to join your Newcomers classmates and catch up. Look for the table sign with your class year.

If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend a Newcomers Workshop, feel free to sit in the open seating.

Non-JD/LLM professionals will have a designated room — look for the sign.

1:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m. The Boston Way: Innovative Enrollment Practices from Our Graduate School Neighbors
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Graduate programs across the country have been facing flat enrollment growth in recent years. What can we learn from other graduate programs facing declining enrollment, high tuition rates, and ballooning student debt? Is graduate education facing its biggest challenge yet? Panelists in this session will share success stories on how they harnessed data and used effective digital marketing strategies to improve their overall recruitment efforts. Attendees will leave this session with ideas on how to bolster their recruitment plan.

LGBTQIA Resources for Schools Developing and Expanding Diversity and Inclusion
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As gatekeepers to justice, it is critically important that we maintain up-to-date knowledge of institutional policies and practices that have the potential to obstruct legal education access for applicants as well as matriculants. We must also maintain a toolkit of resources to ensure and support equity in students’ academic and cocurricular experiences. This session is designed to help law school administrators understand and assess the resources that are available to assist LGBTQIA students and improve diversity and inclusion at their respective institutions. Participants will review the resources available through LSAC and receive tips for leveraging these resources in programming and outreach to prospective and current students. Additional resources to advance and support LGBTQIA diversity and inclusion will also be discussed.

Media Relations: Telling Your Story and Protecting Your Brand
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As the media cycle accelerates and the number of media channels multiplies, it’s more important than ever to control the narrative around your institution, to know your story and tell it effectively, to know which communications levers to pull (and when), and to build and protect your brand. Learn how to distill your brand down to just a handful of highly effective messages, how to identify and reach your key audiences through compelling storytelling across multiple channels, and how to protect your brand when things go sideways. This highly interactive session will cover the fundamentals of audience identification, messaging, and media relations; how your storytelling can cut through the noise and clutter of today’s highly accelerated media cycles; how to combine earned media and owned media channels for maximum impact; and how to be prepared for any crisis situation (and what to do to mitigate and overcome issues when they do arise).

LSAT Budget Session
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Without financial budgeting, an organization is like a black box—it may be packed with information, but there is no knowledge of what’s happening inside it; no one on the outside is able to understand the relationships or interdependencies. To institute an effective control system and a coordinated plan of activities, a process must be established. Proper planning is essential to providing the best management of resources and to ensuring success. In this session, participants will be presented with key points on how LSAC’s budget converts revenue-generating activities into a common denominator of cohesive, integrated data. Information is power—armed with clear data, staff are able to make informed decisions that will drive growth and increase outreach to enhance the well-being of candidates and law schools. Panelists will explain LSAC’s budgeting approach and how it supports the mission and values of the organization. Participants should leave this session with a clear understanding of how LSAC allocates its revenue to be most beneficial to those using the services we provide.

1:15 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Standing & Board Committee Overview
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Are you curious about the various committees and work groups that are a part of the LSAC governance structure? Would you like to know more about what they do and how you might get involved? And what exactly is a work group, anyway? Find out the answers to these questions and more during a brief overview of the LSAC governance structure followed by two sessions, each highlighting different LSAC committees.

  • Emerging Markets and Innovation Committee
  • School and Candidate Services Committee
2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
MINI SESSIONS
The Other Gatekeeper—Bar Exams for Foreign Attorneys LLM session
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Many international attorneys see the Master of Laws as a shortened pathway to the license to practice law. Are you aware of the trends, jurisdictions, paperwork, and curriculum for each bar exam, or are you overly focused on the New York changes? Come learn about the latest fads in internationally educated attorney circles, gain practical knowledge on how to advise students seeking a law license, and explore best practices on how to guide your students as they navigate the bar exam hurdle.

Be Kind & Unwind: The Importance of Self Care in a Workaholic World
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Do the demands of work and outside commitments stress you out? If so, you are definitely not alone. As admission professionals, we wear a lot of hats—counselor, mediator, marketer, recruiter, event planner, and more. We do it all! Coping mechanisms are key when it comes to dealing with stress. This session will provide tools to help you rejuvenate, restore personal balance, and retain peace of mind and composure in your daily interactions.

The LSAT: Content Validity and Skills Analysis
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What makes the LSAT an appropriate instrument for law school admission? Part of the answer is the content validity of the LSAT—that is, the relevance of the skills assessed by the LSAT to the work required of law students. It is the responsibility of the makers of the LSAT to ensure that the skills assessed by the test continue to be relevant to the law school curriculum as that curriculum evolves over time. This session will present results of a survey of law school faculty about skills necessary for success in required courses and discuss the implications for how we assess preparation for admission to law school.

Career Tracks for Non-JD Admission Professionals
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“So, where did you attend law school?” If you are a law school admission professional, and you did not attend law school, you are probably faced with the task of mitigating this question as a regular part of your professional routine. However, as a student personnel administrator situated in a law school environment, you probably find that you are often able to make unique and substantive contributions, which further underscore the importance of non-JD-professional representation in law school administration. Moreover, as you navigate professional advancement in law school administration, and more broadly in higher education, there are some important things to keep in mind. In this session, an expert non-JD admission professional will discuss how to strategically determine and set your career trajectory as well as leverage cross-departmental collaboration opportunities. You will also learn how to utilize institutional resources, employee benefits, and transferable skills to bolster your professional portfolio and expand your reach.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Bring in LLMs? LLM session
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Since September 2015, Andrew Horsfall, assistant dean of international programs at Syracuse University College of Law, has conducted a study he created to measure the cost of tuition for Syracuse’s LLM program against its value in 23 different foreign currencies. The findings reveal interesting trends in how the strengthening U.S. dollar, coupled with fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies, impacts what he calls the “real cost” of LLM tuition. In some countries, changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar have been drastic from year to year, affecting the financial burden on students, families, sponsoring organizations, and governments. During this session, Horsfall will share what he has learned from conducting this study. He will also discuss what trends schools are seeing in terms of how the fluctuations impact enrollment and how schools have adapted to this impact over time, as well as innovative ways schools can reapproach their scholarship strategy to mitigate this burden. Beyond simply focusing on numbers and charts, he will share nine recommendations for how schools can respond to fluctuating currency values. The session will also include a discussion on strategies schools have employed to manage their scholarships, work toward a discount rate, and sustain a revenue-positive LLM program.

Harnessing the Power of Your Students, Alumni Network, and the Village
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It takes a village to engage prospects, recruit the applicant pool, convert admits to matriculants, and enroll the class. Your career services staff can provide information about alumni networking with recruits. Your clinic staff attorneys can provide examples of client services. Your student and alumni networks plus faculty are powerful tools to assist in the recruitment of applicants and conversion of admits to matriculants. All of these resources can help ease your workload and engage future students. This session will impart innovative strategies for sharing outreach to prospects, recruitment of applicants, and the enrollment yield of new students. Participants will hear ideas on how to harness the expertise and enthusiasm of students, colleagues, and alumni—aka, “the village”—to achieve common goals.

6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Party at Boston Harbor: Reception and Dinner at the Hotel
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With the “City of Notions” as our inspiration, get ready to have some fun on our last night together! Don’t forget to dress in your nautical wear.

All contents © 2019 Law School Admission Council, Inc. • All rights reserved.