Welcome Wisconsin area college counselors! The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is excited to host the 2026 Wisconsin Area College Counseling Conference (WACCC) this year in La Crosse!
The Wisconsin Area College Counseling Conference (formerly known as the Wisconsin Association of Professional Counselors in Higher Education) started as an informal annual gathering of counselors from universities, colleges, and technical colleges throughout Wisconsin. The initial goal was to provide opportunities for counselors to discuss topics of mutual concern, network, and share experiences.
The conference has always had a wellness focus, although over the years has become more formal with funding for keynote speakers, chances for more structured presentations, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and numerous opportunities to connect with other campus mental health providers.
The conference typically occurs in late April and is coordinated by a different UW university each year. The funding for the keynote speakers comes from the Universities of Wisconsin and efforts are made to keep the registration costs economical.
Please register no later than April 2, 2026.
Schedule at a Glance
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Registration and Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Solution Focused Brief Therapy for College Counselors |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-4:00 PM | Solution Focused Brief Therapy for College Counselors (continued) |
| Dinner break (on your own) | |
| Evening event: Trivia and social with CTC at a historic local venue, with refreshments sponsored by Mantra Health |
| 8:00-8:50 AM | Breakfast in Coordination Areas |
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Breakout Session 1 |
| 10:10-11:10 AM | Breakout Session 2 |
| 11:20 AM-12:00 PM | John Achter, Sr. Director of Student Success and Wellbeing, Office of Enrollment and Student Success at the Universities of Wisconsin; State updates |
| 12:00 PM | Box lunches served and closing comments |
2026 Conference Information
When: April 16-17, 2026
Where: La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
Parking information for those commuting can be found on the La Crosse Center website.
Conference Hotel Registration
Courtyard by Marriott La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront
Conference Rate: $110 per night
Last Day to Book: March 17, 2026
*For those staying at this conference hotel, it is within walking distance of the venue.
Radisson Hotel La Crosse
Conference Rate: $101 per night
- Call reservations at 608-668-2448 and refer to block code EV91K1
- Call the hotel at 608-784-6680 and refer to block code 2604UWLEDU
- Use the booking link: Click Here to Book at the Radisson Hotel La Crosse!
Call for Proposals
The WACCC planning committee is looking for presenters to lead sessions and share their expertise at the 2026 Wisconsin Area College Counseling Conference! The Conference has a wellness focus, including keynote speakers, chances for structured presentations, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and numerous opportunities to connect with other campus mental health providers.
If you are interested in presenting, please complete the Call for Proposals Form by January 28, 2026, to submit a proposal. Presenters will be notified by February 16, 2026.
Questions?
For additional questions regarding the conference, please contact Crystal Champion, Director of Counseling Services at UW-La Crosse, cchampion@uwlax.edu.
Upcoming WACCC Locations
Spring 2027: River Falls
Spring 2028: Stout