New Counselor Institute (NCI)

NCI is a great opportunity for professional development for both public and private college/university admission representatives.  We will introduce the nuts and bolts of the admissions world through sessions such as:

Our goal is to welcome new admission counselors (new to 1 year of experience) to the field and to provide opportunities for networking for individuals early on in their career.

NCI 2026

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

August 3-5, 2026

Register Today!

We have a great line up of sessions, socials, and networking opportunities prepared! Review the full itinerary, a Know Before You Go flyer, and a map of the Marquette University area.

Monday, August 3^rd:

• Before 4:00pm: Arrival and check-in to hotel (if applicable)

• 4:00pm - 4:45pm: Arrival to O’Brien Hall at Marquette University, check-in/material pickup, and pre-conference socializing

•  4:45pm - 6:00pm: Welcome and start of programming

• 6:30pm - 8:00pm- Walk as a group to dinner and social at Mo’s Irish Pub (Covered by WACAC)

Tuesday, August 4^th:

•  8:00am- 9:00am: Breakfast and networking in O’Brien Hall (Covered by WACAC)

• 9:00am- 11:45am: Sessions

• 12:00pm- 12:45pm: Lunch (Covered by WACAC)

• 1:00pm- 5:00pm: Sessions 

• 5:30pm- 8:00pm: Dinner as a group and socializing at 3^rd St. Market Hall (Covered on your own)

Wednesday, August 5^th:

• 8:00am-9:00am: Breakfast (Covered by WACAC)

• 9:00am-10:30am: Mock College Fair

• 10:45am- 11:30am: Closing Panel, wrap-up, and raffle

 

What to Wear 

• Business casual attire throughout the program 

• Casual clothing for evening meals and socials 

• Wednesday: Please wear something that represents your institution for the Mock College Fair and Group Photo! 

What to Bring 

• In addition to your basic travel necessities, please also bring a: 

• • Packed travel bag with tabling materials for the Mock College Fair 

  • Business Cards 

  • Notebook or laptop for taking notes 

Meals Provided 

• Two Breakfasts [Monday & Tuesday] 

• One Lunch [Tuesday] 

• One Dinner [Monday] 

Mock College Fair

This is a great opportunity to learn from peers and get some practice in before the Fall travel season kicks in. We will take time to visit each others’ tables and practice answering questions about our institutions to prepare for the types of questions students, parents, and counselors will ask you on the road. We will take time to learn as a group about the entire process from set up to take down!

 

Locations 

O’Brien Hall, Room 226 

Marquette University 

1530 W Wisconsin Ave  

Milwaukee, WI 53233 

 

Mo’s Irish Pub 

142 W Wisconsin Ave 

Milwaukee, WI 53203 

 

The Commons Dining Hall 

Marquette University 

721 N 17th St 

Milwaukee, WI 53233 

 

3^rd St. Market Hall 

275 W Wisconsin Ave, Ste 100 

Milwaukee, WI 53203 

 

Parking 

For O’Brien Hall 

 

16th Street Parking Structure 

Marquette University 

749 N 16th St 

Milwaukee, WI 53233 

Instructions: Entrance accessed on 16th street (one way road going North).Pull a ticket upon entry, bring it with you for parking validation. 

For 3rd St. Market Hall 

The Avenue Garage (if driving)

280 W Michigan St 

Milwaukee, WI 53203 

$3 for 3hrs - Bring your ticket in and validate with any vendor after food purchase

 

If you have any questions or concerns leading up to our time together, please do not hesitate to reach out to astout@prairieschool.com! See you all soon!