Events


The 2024 WLSA College Admissions Network (CAN) Tour in Africa and the UK!

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Since its founding in 2013, the WLSA College Admissions Network (CAN) has been dedicated to building a global bridge between top secondary schools and leading global universities. Co-chaired by Dr. Douglas Christiansen and Ms. Kelly Walters, and now led by Director Peter Wilson, WLSA CAN aims to equip students, families, and educators with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of higher education in a way that’s inspiring and insightful.

 

Dr. Douglas Christiansen

 

Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Vanderbilt University

 

Chair of WLSA Council Board; Chair of WLSA CAN; Former Chair of Board of Trustees for the College Board

 

Ms. Kelly Walter

 

Co-chair of WLSA CAN,

 

Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, Boston University;

 

Trustee of the College Board

 

Peter Wilson

 

Assistant Vice President and Dean of College Admissions, University of Chicago

 

Director of WLSA CAN

 

This year, the CAN Conference Tours will return to the UK for the first time since 2019, following a successful visit to Africa in 2023. The events, both in Africa and in the UK, will bring together university representatives, WLSA associates, and school leaders for a dynamic series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and university fairs. CAN offers a unique opportunity to explore educational philosophies, application processes, and campus life from prestigious universities, providing participants with invaluable insights into both US and international higher education. This initiative highlights WLSA's ongoing commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing educational opportunities for local students.

Who Can Attend?

 

The WLSA CAN Africa and UK Conference Tours are open to students, parents, university advisors, and teachers from WLSA host schools, as well as other interested community members. Attendance is free, and this fantastic event is designed to offer valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to all participants.

 

Why Attend?

 

By participating in the WLSA CAN panels and university fairs, students will gain:

  • A clear understanding of the US university admission process.
  • Detailed information on financial aid options for international students.
  • Direct interaction with senior admissions officers from leading US universities.
  • Insight into global programs and educational opportunities offered by WLSA.

Financial aid options

 

Many prestigious US universities stand out globally for their commitment to fostering diversity and providing exceptional financial aid opportunities to international students. Our featured universities at CAN ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to world-class education, despite their financial situations. For global applicants, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity.

UK CAN poster

The CAN Africa Tour Representatives

 

  • Dr. Douglas Christiansen – Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Vanderbilt University; Chair of WLSA Council Board; Chair of WLSA CAN; Former Chair of Board of Trustees for the College Board.
  • Emily Almas – Assistant Vice President and Director of Admissions, Bowdoin College.
  • Christopher Gruber – Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Davidson College.
  • Christoph Guttentag – Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University.
  • Stacey Kostell – Vice President and Dean of Enrollment, Northwestern University.
  • Dana Pavarini – Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Columbia University.
  • Dr. Michelle Trimpe – Deputy Dean and Director of International Admissions, University of Chicago.

Please reach out to event@wlsafoundation.com for more information about the WLSA College Admissions Network and previous events.

Join us at our CAN events to make meaningful connections and unlock your future educational opportunities!

 

Contact the host schools

 

African Leadership Academy
Roshni Seckle
1050 Printech Ave, Honeydew, Roodepoort, 2024
Email: rseckle@africanleadershipacademy.org
Web: www.africanleadershipacademy.org

 

Westville Boys’ High School
Marcellino Nyar
26 Wandsbeck Road, Westville, Kwa Zulu Natal, 3629
Email: nyarm01@wbhs.co.za
Web: www.wbhs.co.za

 

Wynberg Boys’ High School
Juanita Wilson
Lovers Walk, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800
Email: jwilson@wbhs.org.za
Web: www.wbhs.org.za

 

Maru-a-Pula
Gregory Dube
Plot 4725, Maruapula Way, Gaborone,
Email: gregory.dube@maruapula.org
Web: www.maruapula.org

 

 

Want to find out more about CAN?

Read all about CAN UK and Africa from the perspective of our fantastic host schools here:

The CAN UK Tour Representatives

 

  • Dr. Douglas Christiansen – Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Vanderbilt University; Chair of WLSA Council Board; Chair of WLSA CAN; Former Chair of Board of Trustees for the College Board.
  • Mr. Keith Gehres – Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Innovation and Student Experience, Carnegie Mellon University.
  • Dr. Carol Kim – Vice President of Global Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Aid, New York University.
  • Jessica Marinaccio – Dean of Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Aid, Columbia University.
  • Jim Nondorf – Vice President for Enrollment and Student Advancement, Dean of College Admission and Financial Aid, University of Chicago.
  • Kelly Walter – Co-Chair of WLSA CAN, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, Boston University.
  • Ms. Erica Sanders – Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Executive Director for Undergraduate Admissions, University of Michigan

Contact the host schools

 

Winchester College
Dr William Guast
Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, SO23 9NA
Email: weg@wincoll.ac.uk
Web: www.winchestercollege.org

 

Eton College
Paul Smith
School Office, Eton College, Windsor, United Kingdom SL4 6DW
Email: paul.smith@etoncollege.org.uk
Web: www.etoncollege.com

 

Harrow School
Rachel Edgell
Harrow School, 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, United Kingdom HA1 3HP
Email: edgellrm@harrowschool.org.uk
Web: www.harrowschool.org.uk

 

London Academy of Excellence
Sarah Macpherson
322 High St, London, United Kingdom E15 1AJ
Email: sarah.macpherson@lae.ac.uk
Web: www.lae.ac.uk

Gallery (2023 WLSA CAN African Conference Tour)

Gallery (2024 WLSA CAN UK Conference Tour)