Leaders in Online and Professional Continuing Education

Credentials Beyond Degrees – the Role of Professional, Continuing, Online Educators in Credential Innovation - August 2023

  • Registration Closed

Faculty Member

Stacy Chiaramonte 

Cost

UPCEA Members: $459

Non-Members: $599

Description

PCO 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 PCO 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 PCO 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 PCO 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 four 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 schedule for the weekly meetings will be shared soon.

Stacy Chiaramonte

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations in the UPCEA Research & Consulting group. 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 WPI’s 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.

Key:

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Getting Started (for first-time participants)
Quick Start Guide
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Read Overview of course navigation, technology, and support.
Course Overview
Course Description
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Learning Objectives and Competencies
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Instructor Contact & Course Support
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Welcome and Introduction: Video Conference Meeting - Tuesday 08/15/2023 1:00-2:00 ET
08/15/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 08/16/2023
08/15/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 08/16/2023 Join Zoom Meeting: https://upcea.zoom.us/j/85694453765?pwd=K2hWNnJHOVhhMEpqTXlMNyt1Ti9LZz09
Week 1: History, Trends, and the State of Credentials
Week 1 Overview
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Click here to read the weekly overview We will kick off this course with an exploration of alternative credentials - their history, the current state, the PCO unit's role in alt cred, and what is happening at your institution. Our focus will be on identifying your goals for this course and how it can support your work at your university.
Week 1 Discussion: Course Community
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Readings, Resources, and Video
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Week 1 Live Video Meeting: Tuesday 08/22/2023 at 1:00-2:00 PM (Eastern)
08/22/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 08/25/2023
08/22/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 08/25/2023 Join Zoom Meeting: https://upcea.zoom.us/j/85694453765?pwd=K2hWNnJHOVhhMEpqTXlMNyt1Ti9LZz09
Week 2: Programs and Infrastructure
Week 2 Overview
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Readings and Video
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Week 2 Activity: First Draft
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Week 2 Discussion: Top 3 Questions
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Week 2 Live Video Meeting: Tuesday 08/29/2023 at 1:00-2:00 PM (Eastern)
08/29/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/01/2023
08/29/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/01/2023 Join Zoom Meeting: https://upcea.zoom.us/j/85694453765?pwd=K2hWNnJHOVhhMEpqTXlMNyt1Ti9LZz09
Week 3: Feedback, Socialization, and Implementation
Week 3 Overview
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Readings, Resources, and Video
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Week 3 Activity: Second Draft
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Week 3 Discussion: Share Your Plan
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Week 3 Live Video Meeting: Tuesday 09/05/2023 at 1:00-2:00 PM (Eastern)
09/05/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/15/2023
09/05/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/15/2023 Join Zoom Meeting: https://upcea.zoom.us/j/85694453765?pwd=K2hWNnJHOVhhMEpqTXlMNyt1Ti9LZz09
Week 4: Finalizing Your Plan
Week 4 Overview
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Readings
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Week 4 Activity: Final Plan
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Week 4 Discussion: Discuss your institutional plan
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Week 4 Live Video Meeting: Tuesday 09/12/2023 at 1:00-2:00 PM (Eastern)
09/12/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/15/2023
09/12/2023 at 1:00 PM (EDT)  |  Recorded On: 09/15/2023 Join Zoom Meeting: https://upcea.zoom.us/j/85694453765?pwd=K2hWNnJHOVhhMEpqTXlMNyt1Ti9LZz09