DCAN UNIVERSITY
DCAN UNIVERSITY: College Access Training Certification Program
Empowering Detroit’s College Access Professionals for Student Success
DCAN University is a professional development series designed to equip college access professionals, educators, counselors, and community partners with the tools and strategies to guide Detroit students toward postsecondary success.
This series focuses on expanding access to credential-earning pathways through applied theories and best practices. Participants can attend general sessions or commit to the Certificate Track for deeper engagement, hands-on implementation, and formal recognition
Benefits of Participating in DCAN University:
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Earn up to 7 SCECH Credits
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Gain actionable strategies to support students’ postsecondary journeys
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Access resources, templates, and tools you can use immediately
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Build your resume with a Certificate of Completion (Certificate Track)
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Engage in interactive, real-world application sessions
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Earn recognition for your commitment to equity in education
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Join a learning community committed to closing opportunity gaps
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Receive 1-on-1 implementation support and coaching
2 Participation Options
Virtual Sessions (General Public): These sessions are open to all College Access Practitioners, educators, counselors, and community partners and focus on best practices, tools, and strategies for supporting students on their postsecondary journey.
In-Person Sessions (Certificate Track Only):For Certificate participants. These hands-on, discussion-based sessions explore implementation, collaboration, and problem-solving in greater depth.
Certificate Requirements
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Attend or watch all sessions
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Post a reflection in the discussion board after each session
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Complete a pre-assessment before the trimester begins
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Score 80% or higher on the post-assessment
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Complete and submit an implementation plan
Upcoming Sesions
Session I: College-Going Culture 101:Building
Foundations for Student Postsecondary Success
Date: October 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom
This session provides a strategic overview of how to design and sustain a strong college-going culture. Participants will explore key practices including surveying their current landscape, leveraging senior year momentum, collecting and tracking data early, building a supportive team, and creating a clear plan of action. This session is designed to help practitioners lay a strong foundation tailored to their school or organization’s unique needs.
Save the Date:
November 13 - Session II: From FAFSA to Funding: Strategies for College Affordability
November 20 - Certificate Track Only (In-person)
December 11 - Session III: Data-Driven Culture: Leveraging Data to Build College-Going Systems
January 15 - Session IV: Advising on Purpose: Applying Match & Fit in Postsecondary Planning
January 22 - Certificate Track Only (In-person)
February 12: Session V - Beyond the Award Offer: Making Sense of Financial Aid Packages and Affordability
February 19 - Certificate Track Only (In-person)
March 12: Session VI: Preventing Summer Melt: Strategies for Student Persistence
April 16: Beyond Senior Year: Expanding College and Career Exposure for Underclassmen