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Contains 43 Component(s), Includes Credits
Course begins 04/01/2024 I Capacity: 25 participants
Faculty Member
Carmin Chan, Vice Provost, Northern Arizona University Online
Cost
Members: $459.00
Non-Members: $599.00
Description
What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action. Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of professional, continuing, and online education -- more so perhaps than in any other area of higher education.
Topics Covered
- Approaches to planning and innovation
- The impact of shared governance on decision-making
- Moving strategically toward the future
- The impact of data on decision-making
- Evaluating Success
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the impact of strategy, leadership, and implementation on an institution.
- Develop strategies that reflect effective approaches to internal and external constituents in the approach of a problem or innovation.
- Develop strategies for maintaining the role of being a learner in strategy for the future.
- Evaluate strategies for change and innovation.
Who should take this course?
This four week course is designed for both those who are new to online and professional education as well as those who have significant experience (3-5 years and beyond) who want to learn more about strategic planning, innovation, and decision-making. Over this four week course, participants will outline a problem they are facing and develop a change template that they can immediately apply to the challenges they are facing day to day.
Format and Schedule
This is a four week course consisting of about five hours of weekly course work made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. Attendance in the live class is strongly encouraged. Schedule for live meetings will be shared soon.
See what past participants have said about this course
"This course is an exceptional resource for developing the skills you need to plan and implement a project or initiative within your organization. The step-by-step process and feedback are motivating and will help you develop a template and process to use at any point in your PCOE journey."
-Allison Shaw, Research Analyst Sacramento State University
"The class delivers completely on its objectives."
"Vickie's feedback was insightful, engaging, and challenging. She has an incredible personality and I loved learning from her and hearing how she engaged everyone in live sessions and in course feedback. An exception leader in PCO and a wonderful instructor for this course."
"I truly enjoyed this course as well as the assistance and confidence it provided me in creating the policy and procedure manual for my department."
"I would highly recommend this course to ALL campus leaders, even if not necessarily engaged with PCO education."
"The readings and activities were excellent and extremely relevant to the work I am doing."
"Dr. Cook was great. She made sure every voice was heard and kept the discussion lively."
"Vickie was great and I learned a lot from her. I would love to take a leadership course from her. I appreciated how she was able to engage us during our live session."
"Vickie was super - very knowledgeable, very responsive to questions, provided clear and useful feedback on assignments, and did a good job facilitating the live sessions."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 42 Component(s), Includes Credits
Course begins 01/09/2023 I Capacity: 25 participants
Faculty Member
Dr. Vickie Cook
Cost
Members: $459.00
Non-Members: $599.00
Description
What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action. Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of professional, continuing, and online education -- more so perhaps than in any other area of higher education.
Topics Covered
- Approaches to planning and innovation
- The impact of shared governance on decision-making
- Moving strategically toward the future
- The impact of data on decision-making
- Evaluating Success
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the impact of strategy, leadership, and implementation on an institution.
- Develop strategies that reflect effective approaches to internal and external constituents in the approach of a problem or innovation.
- Develop strategies for maintaining the role of being a learner in strategy for the future.
- Evaluate strategies for change and innovation.
Who should take this course?
This four week course is designed for both the new PCO professional as well as those who have significant experience (3-5 years and beyond) who want to learn more about strategic planning, innovation, and decision-making. Over this four week course, participants will outline a problem they are facing and develop a change template that they can immediately apply to the challenges they are facing day to day.
Format and Schedule
This is a four week course consisting of about five hours of weekly course work made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. Attendance in the live class is strongly encouraged. The class will met on the following schedule:
- January 11 4:00 p.m. CT
- January 18 4:00 p.m. CT
- January 25 4:00 p.m. CT
- February 1 4:00 p.m. CT
Vickie Cook
Senior Fellow
UPCEA
See what past participants have said about this course
"This course is an exceptional resource for developing the skills you need to plan and implement a project or initiative within your organization. The step-by-step process and feedback are motivating and will help you develop a template and process to use at any point in your PCOE journey."
-Allison Shaw, Research Analyst Sacramento State University
"The class delivers completely on its objectives."
"Vickie's feedback was insightful, engaging, and challenging. She has an incredible personality and I loved learning from her and hearing how she engaged everyone in live sessions and in course feedback. An exception leader in PCO and a wonderful instructor for this course."
"I truly enjoyed this course as well as the assistance and confidence it provided me in creating the policy and procedure manual for my department."
"I would highly recommend this course to ALL campus leaders, even if not necessarily engaged with PCO education."
"The readings and activities were excellent and extremely relevant to the work I am doing."
"Dr. Cook was great. She made sure every voice was heard and kept the discussion lively."
"Vickie was great and I learned a lot from her. I would love to take a leadership course from her. I appreciated how she was able to engage us during our live session."
"Vickie was super - very knowledgeable, very responsive to questions, provided clear and useful feedback on assignments, and did a good job facilitating the live sessions."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 39 Component(s), Includes Credits
Course begins 10/20/2025 I Capacity: 25 participants
Faculty Member
Heather McCullough, Ph.D., Director, Learning and Technology at the University of North Carolina System Office
Cost
Members: $459.00
Non-Members: $599.00
Description
Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of professional, continuing, and online education, more so perhaps than in any other area of higher education. What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action.
Topics Covered
- Approaches to planning and innovation
- The impact of shared governance on decision-making
- Moving strategically toward the future
- The impact of data on decision-making
- Evaluating Success
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the impact of strategy, leadership, and implementation on an institution.
- Develop strategies that reflect effective approaches to internal and external constituents in the approach of a problem or innovation.
- Develop strategies for maintaining the role of being a learner in strategy for the future.
- Evaluate strategies for change and innovation.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for both those who are new to online and professional education as well as those who have significant experience (3-5 years and beyond) who want to learn more about strategic planning, innovation, and decision-making. Participants will outline a problem they are facing and develop a change template that they can immediately apply to the challenges they are facing day to day.
Format and Schedule
This is a five-week course consisting of about five hours of weekly course work made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one-hour live class meeting via Zoom. Attendance in the live class is strongly encouraged. Schedule for live meetings will be shared soon.
Heather McCullough
Senior Director of Academic Programs at the University of North Carolina System Office
University of North Carolina System
Heather McCullough, Ph.D., is Senior Director of Academic Programs for the University of North Carolina System, where she leads systemwide initiatives that advance undergraduate education, digital learning, and academic innovation across 17 institutions. With over two decades of experience across academic affairs, faculty development, libraries, and instructional technology, she has led large-scale efforts in online learning, open education, and digital transformation. Her work focuses on designing responsive academic programs and advancing teaching and learning in a rapidly evolving landscape, including the integration of generative AI. She has led systemwide faculty learning communities, developed shared academic programs, and guided strategic approaches to instructional continuity and teaching effectiveness. McCullough has served on the UPCEA Board of Directors, Open Education Network Steering Committee, and DOERS Collaborative Steering Committee, and as faculty for UPCEA and EDUCAUSE programs. She actively contributes to national conversations on the future of digital learning and higher education strategy.
See what past participants have to say about this course:
"This course is an exceptional resource for developing the skills you need to plan and implement a project or initiative within your organization. The step-by-step process and feedback are motivating and will help you develop a template and process to use at any point in your PCOE journey."
"The class delivers completely on its objectives."
"I truly enjoyed this course as well as the assistance and confidence it provided me in creating the policy and procedure manual for my department."
"I would highly recommend this course to ALL campus leaders, even if not necessarily engaged with PCO education."
"The readings and activities were excellent and extremely relevant to the work I am doing."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 43 Component(s), Includes Credits
Course begins 09/25/2023 I Capacity: 25 participants
Faculty Member
Dr. Vickie Cook
Cost
Members: $459.00
Non-Members: $599.00
Description
What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action. Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of professional, continuing, and online education -- more so perhaps than in any other area of higher education.
Topics Covered
- Approaches to planning and innovation
- The impact of shared governance on decision-making
- Moving strategically toward the future
- The impact of data on decision-making
- Evaluating Success
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the impact of strategy, leadership, and implementation on an institution.
- Develop strategies that reflect effective approaches to internal and external constituents in the approach of a problem or innovation.
- Develop strategies for maintaining the role of being a learner in strategy for the future.
- Evaluate strategies for change and innovation.
Who should take this course?
This four week course is designed for both the new PCO professional as well as those who have significant experience (3-5 years and beyond) who want to learn more about strategic planning, innovation, and decision-making. Over this four week course, participants will outline a problem they are facing and develop a change template that they can immediately apply to the challenges they are facing day to day.
Format and Schedule
This is a four week course consisting of about five hours of weekly course work made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. Attendance in the live class is strongly encouraged. Schedule for live meetings will be:
- Wednesday 9/27 at 4:30 PM ET
- Wednesday 10/4 at 4:30 PM ET
- Wednesday 10/11 at 4:30 PM ET
- Wednesday 10/18 at 4:30 PM ET
- Wednesday 10/25 at 4:30 PM ET
Vickie Cook
Senior Fellow
UPCEA
See what past participants have said about this course
"This course is an exceptional resource for developing the skills you need to plan and implement a project or initiative within your organization. The step-by-step process and feedback are motivating and will help you develop a template and process to use at any point in your PCOE journey."
-Allison Shaw, Research Analyst Sacramento State University
"The class delivers completely on its objectives."
"Vickie's feedback was insightful, engaging, and challenging. She has an incredible personality and I loved learning from her and hearing how she engaged everyone in live sessions and in course feedback. An exception leader in PCO and a wonderful instructor for this course."
"I truly enjoyed this course as well as the assistance and confidence it provided me in creating the policy and procedure manual for my department."
"I would highly recommend this course to ALL campus leaders, even if not necessarily engaged with PCO education."
"The readings and activities were excellent and extremely relevant to the work I am doing."
"Dr. Cook was great. She made sure every voice was heard and kept the discussion lively."
"Vickie was great and I learned a lot from her. I would love to take a leadership course from her. I appreciated how she was able to engage us during our live session."
"Vickie was super - very knowledgeable, very responsive to questions, provided clear and useful feedback on assignments, and did a good job facilitating the live sessions."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 43 Component(s), Includes Credits
Course begins 09/16/2024 I Capacity: 25 participants
Faculty Member
Carmin Chan, Vice Provost, Northern Arizona University Online
Cost
Members: $459.00
Non-Members: $599.00
Description
Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of professional, continuing, and online education, more so perhaps than in any other area of higher education. What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action.
Topics Covered
- Approaches to planning and innovation
- The impact of shared governance on decision-making
- Moving strategically toward the future
- The impact of data on decision-making
- Evaluating Success
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the impact of strategy, leadership, and implementation on an institution.
- Develop strategies that reflect effective approaches to internal and external constituents in the approach of a problem or innovation.
- Develop strategies for maintaining the role of being a learner in strategy for the future.
- Evaluate strategies for change and innovation.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for both those who are new to online and professional education as well as those who have significant experience (3-5 years and beyond) who want to learn more about strategic planning, innovation, and decision-making. Participants will outline a problem they are facing and develop a change template that they can immediately apply to the challenges they are facing day to day.
Format and Schedule
This is a five-week course consisting of about five hours of weekly course work made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one-hour live class meeting via Zoom. Attendance in the live class is strongly encouraged. Schedule for live meetings is below
- Friday September 20 at 2:00 ET
- Friday September 27 at 2:00 ET
- Friday October 4 at 2:00 ET
- Friday October 11 at 2:00 ET
- Friday October 18 at 2:00 ET
See what past participants have said about this course
"This course is an exceptional resource for developing the skills you need to plan and implement a project or initiative within your organization. The step-by-step process and feedback are motivating and will help you develop a template and process to use at any point in your PCOE journey."
-Allison Shaw, Research Analyst Sacramento State University
"The class delivers completely on its objectives."
"Vickie's feedback was insightful, engaging, and challenging. She has an incredible personality and I loved learning from her and hearing how she engaged everyone in live sessions and in course feedback. An exception leader in PCO and a wonderful instructor for this course."
"I truly enjoyed this course as well as the assistance and confidence it provided me in creating the policy and procedure manual for my department."
"I would highly recommend this course to ALL campus leaders, even if not necessarily engaged with PCO education."
"The readings and activities were excellent and extremely relevant to the work I am doing."
"Dr. Cook was great. She made sure every voice was heard and kept the discussion lively."
"Vickie was great and I learned a lot from her. I would love to take a leadership course from her. I appreciated how she was able to engage us during our live session."
"Vickie was super - very knowledgeable, very responsive to questions, provided clear and useful feedback on assignments, and did a good job facilitating the live sessions."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 26 Component(s)
Course Start: February 22, 2027 I Course Capacity: 25
Course Description
As demand grows for workforce-aligned learning, employer engagement is critical to designing relevant, scalable, and sustainable credentials. This four-week course offers a just-in-time learning experience grounded in UPCEA’s University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement Tenets and supported by Human-Centered Design principles.
Participants will explore the U2B Design Framework, which blends UPCEA’s five tenets—Research, Validate, Co-Design, Prototype, and Iterate—with adaptable strategies and tools that support empathy, collaboration, and responsiveness. Through hands-on activities and peer exchange, participants will discover practical approaches to align microcredentials, training, and other educational offerings with workforce needs and institutional priorities.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the course supports reflection, benchmarking, and real-world application to help learners build trust-based partnerships with employers and design for strategic, sustainable impact. Designed for both new and experienced professionals across roles, the course builds institutional capacity for employer-responsive credential innovation—wherever your journey begins.
Designed for employer-engaged professionals: This course is appropriate for professionals working in credential innovation, workforce development, employer engagement, program development, partnerships, continuing education, and institutional strategy.Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply the U2B Design Framework—grounded in UPCEA’s five U2B Stakeholder Engagement Tenets and supported by Human-Centered Design strategies—to guide collaborative and adaptable employer engagements.
- Benchmark current institutional and individual engagement in U2B work, and explore how the U2B Tenets and Human-Centered Design principles can inform a future-state vision and guide the development of a roadmap for more strategic employer engagement.
- Leverage data, market research, and empathy-driven tools to identify employer needs, validate assumptions, and guide strategic investment in education partnerships.
- Collaborate with anchor employers to transform validated insights into strategic, fundable concepts by using structured ideation tools to explore shared value, partnership models, and credential or training formats.
- Design and refine adaptable, stackable, or stand-alone offerings in collaboration with employers using low-risk, high-impact strategies that address workforce needs and position the institution as a preferred education partner.
- Explore and evaluate strategies for sustaining employer engagement by examining feedback loops, recognition practices, and institutional processes that respond to shifting partner needs and support continuous improvement.
Course Structure and Expectations
This instructor-supported course is delivered over four weeks. Each week combines asynchronous coursework with a one-hour live Zoom session that provides opportunities for discussion, faculty guidance, peer exchange, and application of the U2B Design Framework.
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete readings, framework activities, benchmarking exercises, reflection, and applied assignments within each weekly module.
Weekly Live Session
Participate in a one-hour Zoom session each week for faculty guidance, collaborative discussion, peer feedback, and shared problem-solving.
Applied U2B Planning
Use course tools to assess current employer engagement practices, identify opportunities, and develop practical next steps for strengthening institutional partnerships.
Plan Ahead: Participants should reserve consistent time each week to complete coursework, attend the live session, engage with peers, and apply the U2B framework to an institutional or professional context.Annette Roberts Webb
Dean, University Extension, University of California Merced
University of California Merced
Summary:Annette Roberts Webb has been at the forefront of credential innovation at UC Merced, leading the development of workforce-aligned microcredentials that meet the needs of California’s rural industries. Her work has significantly contributed to increased enrollment and revenue, and she has built strong partnerships with local businesses in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. Annette’s ability to co-design credentials with employers ensures that programs are both relevant and scalable, making a significant impact on regional workforce development.
Training Design and Mentorship:
Annette has extensive experience in designing professional development programs for faculty and industry partners. She has mentored faculty in developing credential programs that are aligned with employer needs and is dedicated to guiding them through the process of designing, piloting, and scaling successful credential programs that meet workforce demands.-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $499
- More Information
-
Contains 25 Component(s)
Course Start Date: 05/17/2027 I Course Capacity: 25
Course Description
Credential innovation has become an essential strategy for colleges and universities seeking to meet evolving learner needs, respond to workforce demand, and expand educational opportunity. This course explores the strategic planning, design, and implementation of innovative credentials, including certificates, microcredentials, digital badges, and other non-degree offerings within the context of online and professional education.
Participants will examine how institutions identify market opportunities, develop high-quality credential offerings, establish supporting policies and infrastructure, and engage stakeholders across the institution. Through practical examples and applied planning activities, learners will explore how credential innovation can advance institutional priorities while maintaining academic quality, market relevance, and learner value.
Designed for professionals responsible for program development, academic innovation, and lifelong learning initiatives, this course provides practical strategies for building credential portfolios that support learners, employers, and institutional success.
Two Ways to Participate
This course is part of the Professional and Continuing Education concentration for the Enterprise Leadership Certificate and may also be taken independently as a Professional Practice course. Participants who enroll individually may be able to apply the course toward future certificate requirements.
What You Will Explore
Market and Institutional Opportunity
Evaluate learner demand, workforce needs, institutional priorities, and market conditions to identify promising opportunities for new credential offerings.
Credential Strategy and Design
Explore approaches for designing certificates, microcredentials, digital badges, and other offerings that deliver meaningful learner value and maintain academic quality.
Implementation and Growth
Examine the policies, processes, partnerships, marketing strategies, and infrastructure needed to launch, evaluate, and grow a sustainable credential portfolio.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate opportunities for credential innovation based on institutional priorities, learner demand, and workforce needs.
- Design innovative credential offerings that align with institutional mission, academic quality standards, and market expectations.
- Develop policies, processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies that support successful credential implementation.
- Apply best practices for marketing, delivering, and evaluating innovative credential programs.
- Assess emerging trends in credential innovation and identify opportunities for future institutional growth.
Course Structure and Expectations
This instructor-supported course is delivered over four weeks. Each week combines asynchronous coursework with a one-hour live session that provides opportunities for faculty guidance, collaborative discussion, peer exchange, and application of course concepts.
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete readings, case examples, discussions, planning activities, and applied assignments within each weekly module.
Weekly Live Session
Participate in a one-hour synchronous session each week to discuss emerging practices, examine institutional examples, and receive faculty guidance.
Applied Credential Planning
Develop a focused strategy for a new or existing credential, including its intended audience, value proposition, institutional alignment, and implementation needs.
Designed for practical application: Participants will apply course concepts to a real or potential credential initiative and leave with a framework that can support continued planning and development within their institution.Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for professionals involved in credential development, academic innovation, program strategy, and lifelong learning across online, professional, and continuing education.
Program Developers and Portfolio Leaders
Strengthen your ability to identify opportunities, design relevant offerings, and build credential portfolios aligned with institutional and market needs.
Academic Innovation Professionals
Explore practical approaches to credential design, quality assurance, institutional policy, and cross-functional implementation.
Current and Aspiring PCE Leaders
Build the strategic knowledge needed to guide credential innovation, lifelong learning initiatives, and market-responsive program growth.
No prior credential development experience is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a current credential idea, existing offering, portfolio challenge, or institutional opportunity they would like to explore during the course.Stacy Chiaramonte
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
UPCEA
Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting. Stacy has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, coaching and leadership, and operations in both mission-driven companies and higher education. Prior to joining UPCEA, Stacy was the Associate Vice President for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Graduate & Professional Studies, where she was responsible for strategy development and implementation of student-centric education programs, including programs for post-traditional students online and onsite at corporate locations. '
In addition to her responsibility for graduate education and workforce development training, Stacy led WPI’s exploration of alternative credentials as a part of the university’s 5-year strategic plan. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a MBA from Babson College.
See what past participants have said about this course:
"This online course provided an excellent start and foundation in leading my university to develop a proposal plan to develop a microcredential program." Ervin Howard, University of North Georgia
"The content and format of the course was excellent and the resources provided were invaluable!" Peggi Kriegbaum Fresno Pacific University
"I loved that true adult education principles were applied in this course. The flexibility, the personalization, and the collegiality were exceptional!" Glenda Ballard, St. Edward's University
"Julie was great. She has such a positive, energetic demeaner and it was fun learning from her. She engaged the group well."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $499
- More Information
-
Contains 25 Component(s)
Course Start Date: 02/17/2025 I Course Capacity: 25
Faculty Member
Stacy Chiaramonte, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
Cost
UPCEA Members: $459
Non-Members: $599
Description
Online and professional education units have long been the leaders championing the development and implementation of innovative educational programs designed to meet the needs of a non-traditional learner. In recent years, new forms of credentialing – micro-credentials, certificates, digital badges, among other designations – have emerged as new measures of educational attainment. These credentials have become far more common in universities and in other sectors of American society. This course delves into the role online and professional education units play in alternative credentials, from evaluating program opportunities to the design, implementation, quality assurance, and administration of these credentials. How should non-degree credentials be created and run with integrity, clarity in the market, and compatibility within the traditional aspects of the university? This pragmatic course will explore opportunities and obstacles in developing and delivering alternative credentials.
Topics Covered
- Current trends in the market for alternative credentials. What is driving demand for these credentials?
- Creating the right programs for your institution, including partnerships with external stakeholders.
- Building the infrastructure at your institution to support these credentials, including institutional standards, student services, and faculty buy-in.
- Marketing and delivering credential programs.
- What does the future hold for alternative credentials? How can online and professional education units better contribute to lifelong learning, personal and professional growth, workforce development, and social equity?
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of the alternative credentials landscape and online and professional education units’ role in developing this programming.
- Evaluate the opportunities for your institution. Identify the target audience and types of programming that align best – the who, what and why for your university. Determine which programs should be credit-bearing, and investigate stackability for these credentials.
- Build support for these programs with your leadership and faculty - what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of programming and how can it be integrated into the portfolio.
- Develop your university’s standards, policies and processes to ensure rigor and quality of credentials.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to successfully develop and launch alternative credential programs, including student record-keeping, access, funding, and support.
- Develop marketing and communication plans to drive enrollment.
- Plan for the future of this evolving landscape including accreditation, quality monitoring, program assessment, evaluation of future opportunities.
Who should take this course?
New professionals will have an opportunity to explore the multifaceted process and hone in one the skills and knowledge they need immediately to be more effective in their roles. More seasoned professionals will be challenged to review their program planning approach and determine if they can refine or be more inclusive of different components covered in the course.
Format and Schedule
This is a five week course consisting of about five hours of weekly coursework made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. The class will meet on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM ET starting 02/19/2025.
Stacy Chiaramonte
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
UPCEA
Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting. Stacy has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, coaching and leadership, and operations in both mission-driven companies and higher education. Prior to joining UPCEA, Stacy was the Associate Vice President for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Graduate & Professional Studies, where she was responsible for strategy development and implementation of student-centric education programs, including programs for post-traditional students online and onsite at corporate locations. '
In addition to her responsibility for graduate education and workforce development training, Stacy led WPI’s exploration of alternative credentials as a part of the university’s 5-year strategic plan. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a MBA from Babson College.
See what past participants have said about this course:
"This online course provided an excellent start and foundation in leading my university to develop a proposal plan to develop a microcredential program." Ervin Howard, University of North Georgia
"The content and format of the course was excellent and the resources provided were invaluable!" Peggi Kriegbaum Fresno Pacific University
"I loved that true adult education principles were applied in this course. The flexibility, the personalization, and the collegiality were exceptional!" Glenda Ballard, St. Edward's University
"Julie was great. She has such a positive, energetic demeaner and it was fun learning from her. She engaged the group well."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
-
Contains 24 Component(s)
Course Start Date: 05/18/2026 I Course Capacity: 25
Faculty Member
Stacy Chiaramonte, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
Cost
UPCEA Members: $459
Non-Members: $599
Description
Online and professional education units have long been the leaders championing the development and implementation of innovative educational programs designed to meet the needs of a non-traditional learner. In recent years, new forms of credentialing – micro-credentials, certificates, digital badges, among other designations – have emerged as new measures of educational attainment. These credentials have become far more common in universities and in other sectors of American society. This course delves into the role online and professional education units play in alternative credentials, from evaluating program opportunities to the design, implementation, quality assurance, and administration of these credentials. How should non-degree credentials be created and run with integrity, clarity in the market, and compatibility within the traditional aspects of the university? This pragmatic course will explore opportunities and obstacles in developing and delivering alternative credentials.
Topics Covered
- Current trends in the market for alternative credentials. What is driving demand for these credentials?
- Creating the right programs for your institution, including partnerships with external stakeholders.
- Building the infrastructure at your institution to support these credentials, including institutional standards, student services, and faculty buy-in.
- Marketing and delivering credential programs.
- What does the future hold for alternative credentials? How can online and professional education units better contribute to lifelong learning, personal and professional growth, workforce development, and social equity?
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of the alternative credentials landscape and online and professional education units’ role in developing this programming.
- Evaluate the opportunities for your institution. Identify the target audience and types of programming that align best – the who, what and why for your university. Determine which programs should be credit-bearing, and investigate stackability for these credentials.
- Build support for these programs with your leadership and faculty - what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of programming and how can it be integrated into the portfolio.
- Develop your university’s standards, policies and processes to ensure rigor and quality of credentials.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to successfully develop and launch alternative credential programs, including student record-keeping, access, funding, and support.
- Develop marketing and communication plans to drive enrollment.
- Plan for the future of this evolving landscape including accreditation, quality monitoring, program assessment, evaluation of future opportunities.
Who should take this course?
New professionals will have an opportunity to explore the multifaceted process and hone in one the skills and knowledge they need immediately to be more effective in their roles. More seasoned professionals will be challenged to review their program planning approach and determine if they can refine or be more inclusive of different components covered in the course.
Format and Schedule
This is a five week course consisting of about five hours of weekly coursework made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. The class will meet on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM ET starting May 19th.
Stacy Chiaramonte
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
UPCEA
Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting. Stacy has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, coaching and leadership, and operations in both mission-driven companies and higher education. Prior to joining UPCEA, Stacy was the Associate Vice President for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Graduate & Professional Studies, where she was responsible for strategy development and implementation of student-centric education programs, including programs for post-traditional students online and onsite at corporate locations. '
In addition to her responsibility for graduate education and workforce development training, Stacy led WPI’s exploration of alternative credentials as a part of the university’s 5-year strategic plan. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a MBA from Babson College.
See what past participants have said about this course:
"This online course provided an excellent start and foundation in leading my university to develop a proposal plan to develop a microcredential program." Ervin Howard, University of North Georgia
"The content and format of the course was excellent and the resources provided were invaluable!" Peggi Kriegbaum Fresno Pacific University
"I loved that true adult education principles were applied in this course. The flexibility, the personalization, and the collegiality were exceptional!" Glenda Ballard, St. Edward's University
"Julie was great. She has such a positive, energetic demeaner and it was fun learning from her. She engaged the group well."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
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Contains 25 Component(s)
Course Start Date: 11/09/2026 I Course Capacity: 25
Faculty Member
Stacy Chiaramonte, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
Cost
UPCEA Members: $459
Non-Members: $599
Description
Online and professional education units have long been the leaders championing the development and implementation of innovative educational programs designed to meet the needs of a non-traditional learner. In recent years, new forms of credentialing – micro-credentials, certificates, digital badges, among other designations – have emerged as new measures of educational attainment. These credentials have become far more common in universities and in other sectors of American society. This course delves into the role online and professional education units play in alternative credentials, from evaluating program opportunities to the design, implementation, quality assurance, and administration of these credentials. How should non-degree credentials be created and run with integrity, clarity in the market, and compatibility within the traditional aspects of the university? This pragmatic course will explore opportunities and obstacles in developing and delivering alternative credentials.
Topics Covered
- Current trends in the market for alternative credentials. What is driving demand for these credentials?
- Creating the right programs for your institution, including partnerships with external stakeholders.
- Building the infrastructure at your institution to support these credentials, including institutional standards, student services, and faculty buy-in.
- Marketing and delivering credential programs.
- What does the future hold for alternative credentials? How can online and professional education units better contribute to lifelong learning, personal and professional growth, workforce development, and social equity?
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of the alternative credentials landscape and online and professional education units’ role in developing this programming.
- Evaluate the opportunities for your institution. Identify the target audience and types of programming that align best – the who, what and why for your university. Determine which programs should be credit-bearing, and investigate stackability for these credentials.
- Build support for these programs with your leadership and faculty - what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of programming and how can it be integrated into the portfolio.
- Develop your university’s standards, policies and processes to ensure rigor and quality of credentials.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to successfully develop and launch alternative credential programs, including student record-keeping, access, funding, and support.
- Develop marketing and communication plans to drive enrollment.
- Plan for the future of this evolving landscape including accreditation, quality monitoring, program assessment, evaluation of future opportunities.
Who should take this course?
New professionals will have an opportunity to explore the multifaceted process and hone in one the skills and knowledge they need immediately to be more effective in their roles. More seasoned professionals will be challenged to review their program planning approach and determine if they can refine or be more inclusive of different components covered in the course.
Format and Schedule
This is a five week course consisting of about five hours of weekly coursework made up of readings, asynchronous activities, and a weekly one hour live class meeting via Zoom. The class will meet on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM ET starting November 10th.
Stacy Chiaramonte
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
UPCEA
Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting. Stacy has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, coaching and leadership, and operations in both mission-driven companies and higher education. Prior to joining UPCEA, Stacy was the Associate Vice President for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Graduate & Professional Studies, where she was responsible for strategy development and implementation of student-centric education programs, including programs for post-traditional students online and onsite at corporate locations. '
In addition to her responsibility for graduate education and workforce development training, Stacy led WPI’s exploration of alternative credentials as a part of the university’s 5-year strategic plan. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a MBA from Babson College.
See what past participants have said about this course:
"This online course provided an excellent start and foundation in leading my university to develop a proposal plan to develop a microcredential program." Ervin Howard, University of North Georgia
"The content and format of the course was excellent and the resources provided were invaluable!" Peggi Kriegbaum Fresno Pacific University
"I loved that true adult education principles were applied in this course. The flexibility, the personalization, and the collegiality were exceptional!" Glenda Ballard, St. Edward's University
"Julie was great. She has such a positive, energetic demeaner and it was fun learning from her. She engaged the group well."
-
Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $459
- More Information
