International Network Track 

International Track UPCEA members are well positioned to lead the strategies of their institutions to extend education across borders and create pathways for a broad range of international learners to enroll, engage, and enrich university campuses. These strategies may include Innovative models of delivery, cultivating collaborative global partnerships, bilateral and capacity building collaborations, and linking economic and learning opportunities in ways that position institutions for 21st century success. Many UPCEA institutions are actively engaged in the development and implementation of overseas instructional sites, cross-border partnerships, global mobility pathways, hosting international delegations and discerning the link between international partnerships and professional education delivery. This dynamic environment sets an ideal and inspirational background for strategic and unique proposals and presentation formats that collectively pave the pathway for the future of international higher education and represent the possibilities that become available when education extends beyond borders. 

Learn more about the International Network.  


Monday, March 24

2:45 PM Concurrent Session I
 

Advancing SDG Goals through Career-Integrated Global Learning
Plaza Court 2-3 | International | Foundational
The global job market increasingly demands graduates equipped with intercultural skills and the ability to navigate diverse, transnational work environments. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the need for higher education to foster these competencies, ensuring graduates are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century and can contribute to sustainable development. This session will showcase the University of California, Riverside Extension's (UCR) innovative approach to career-integrated global learning. It will provide attendees with concrete takeaways, including insights into the frameworks used to design experiential education programs that enhance intercultural competencies and employability skills. The session will highlight UCR's successful programs, demonstrating how these initiatives provide students with real-world experience and prepare them for the global workforce. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion, fostering the exchange of best practices so that attendees may enhance their own curricula and programs to meet the evolving needs of students and the global community.

  • Lisa Miller, University of California, Riverside
  • Buket Gonzalez, University of California, Riverside
  • Moderator: Beth Hufford, Green Flower

 

Roundtable Presentations #1 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF)

In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with up to two different topics during small-group, 30-minute, table-based guided discussion around a specific and timely topic, question, or issue. Roundtables are designed to provide space and time to important but particularly nuanced topics which deserve attention, and presenters will promote the sharing of thoughts, solutions, and questions among their respective table’s attendees.

  • Moderator: Christa Payne, Tulane University
  • Navigating Barriers: Developing Equitable English Language Proficiency Policies for Adult Learners
    International | Foundational | Tag: Learner Access, Policy
    This roundtable will discuss English language proficiency policies for adult learners in higher education. Participants will explore the barriers these policies can create for adult English language learners and brainstorm recommendations for making policies more equitable and inclusive. The conversation will center adult EAL student experiences and identify best practices for policy formulation.
    • Thomas Maldonado-Reis, Harvard University
    4:00 PM Concurrent Session II
     

    Transforming Online Higher Education Access and Attainment Around the World
    Plaza Court 4-5 | International | Applied | Tag: Graduate Education
    From the award-winning, University of the People, learn how UoPeople experienced unprecedented growth using scalable and sustainable global enrollment management strategies. Learn how to harness technology-based tools, marketing automation, AI, and more to develop a sustainable global enrollment management and marketing approach to expand educational access to a diverse, online learning community. From working with the U.N. to deliver higher education opportunities to refugees, helping Afghan women earn a degree, and forming transfer partnerships with community colleges and universities around the world, UoPeople has been innovating access to higher education for decades and is one of the fastest growing universities.

    • Asaf Wolff, University of the People
    • Lisa Romano-Arnold, University of the People
    • Moderator: Melissa Rekos, Carnegie

     


    Stop & Share Presentations #1 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF)

    Attendees are invited to stop in, mill about, and engage in these dynamic, demonstration-type conversations hosted by presenters ready to share ideas on a hot topic, best practice, or technological innovation.

  • Moderator: Moderator: April Wolf, Purdue University
  • Designing a Global Learning Community for Environmental Advocates Worldwide
    International | Applied | Tag: Learner Access
    This presentation explores how to design self-paced online courses for highly diverse, multinational learning communities, sharing a case study of a training program in environmental negotiation which enrolled young professionals from 90+ countries. We will discuss strategies for effective multicultural instructional design for self-paced learning across disciplines, models of transnational online community engagement for professionals, and approaches to partnering with international organizations to create executive education programming.
    • Yevgenya Strakovsky, Tufts University
    5:15 PM UPCEA Hosts University Networks and International Associations Meeting
      UPCEA will host a meeting of representatives from international peer organizations in the online and professional continuing education space who are in attendance at the UPCEA Annual Conference, for purposes of camaraderie and networking.

  • Moderator: Lisa Miller, University of California, Riverside

  • Tuesday, March 25

    8:15 AM Concurrent Sessions III
     

    Co-creating the European Model for University Continuing Education
    Plaza Court 4-5 | International | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
    This presentation's objective is to show how the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) and its partners aim to form a common framework of academic continuing education for the EU and beyond, and to act as a model for the future of higher education. One strategic project in this context is the EU.ACE (European University for Academic Continuing Education) partnership. The EU.ACE partners want to fully integrate university continuing education as a structural element of the European Higher Education Area.

    • Friedrich Faulhammer, University for Continuing Education Krems
    • Moderator: Lena Patterson, Toronto Metropolitan University

     

    Industry Insights (Governor's Square 14)

    Get ready for a rapid-fire session of game-changing ideas, fresh insights, and cutting-edge solutions. Industry Insights brings together UPCEA’s top corporate partners for a fast-paced series of short, dynamic presentations designed to spark innovation and drive action. Each speaker will deliver a high-impact introduction to a key idea, challenge, solution, or must-know product shaping online and professional continuing education. No matter your role or institution, this session will fuel your knowledge and move your institution forward.

  • Moderator: Amrit Ahluwalia, Western University

  • Empowering Lifelong Learning: Student Mobility, Career Progression, and Global Insights in Continuing Education
    International | Tag: Graduate Education
    This presentation will explore the transformative role of continuing education in career development through upskilling and reskilling and student mobility.Drawing from case studies with Online Workforce College (OWC), the University of St Andrews, and TIAS School for Business and Society, we’ll examine how US and European institutions are innovating with stackable credentials to support lifelong learning and flexible career pathways.

  • Mieke Ridderhof, Eduframe by Drieam
  • 9:30 AM Concurrent Sessions IV
     

    Mastering Niche Excellence: Creating Irresistible Learning Experiences at the University of St Andrews
    Plaza Court 2-3 | International | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
    The University of St Andrews, with over 600 years of history in Scotland, is renowned for its exceptional niche course offerings. This session reveals how the university maintains its elite status by crafting specialized Continuing Education (CE) courses that stand out in a crowded market. We utilize cutting-edge EdTech solutions, such as Canvas and Eduframe, to streamline enrollment and enhance the learning journey. Our seamless administrative processes ensure a smooth student experience. Learn how we deliver top-tier educational content, provide exceptional support, and foster long-term student satisfaction and loyalty. Join us to explore innovative ways to elevate your institution’s offerings.

    • Sarah Franke, University of St Andrews
    • Mieke Ridderhof, Eduframe by Drieam
    • Moderator: Bryce Henckel, Drieam
    12:30 PM Network Lunch Meetings and Awards Presentations
     

    International (Governor's Square 10)
    Award Presentations: UPCEA International Program Of Excellence or Innovative Practice Award

  • Moderator: Lisa Miller, University of California, Riverside

  • Sponsored by Modern Campus

    2:00 PM Concurrent Sessions V
     

    Stop & Share Presentations #2 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF)

    Attendees are invited to stop in, mill about, and engage in these dynamic, demonstration-type conversations hosted by presenters ready to share ideas on a hot topic, best practice, or technological innovation.

  • Moderator: Amber O'Casey, Alamo Colleges District
  • Transnational Education in Hong Kong: Where Have All the Students Gone?
    International | Applied | Tag: Policy
    This paper is a case study for US international education offered overseas. It builds on a recent CHEA seminar presentation and relates to experience in HK which, while a relatively small market, is nevertheless a relatively open market for TNE
    • John Cribbin, HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE)
    3:30 PM Concurrent Sessions VI: Workshops
     

    Expanding your Global Footprint to Connect with International Students
    Plaza Court 2-3 | International | Applied
    The session will look at how institutions can expand their global footprint and connect with the international students who will thrive at their institution. During the presentation we will delve into understanding what international students seek in their overseas education—ranging from academic offerings and career opportunities to cultural integration and support systems. Our expert-led session will share effective strategies, digital recruitment tools, and tried and tested approaches to engage prospective students from around the globe.

    • Margaret Cook, Studyportals
    • Marcel Bolintian, Georgetown University
    • Megan Moriarty, University of California, Irvine
    • Moderator: Kristine Rabberman, University of Pennsylvania

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    Wednesday, March 26

    10:00 AM Concurrent Sessions VII
     

    AI-Enhanced Skill-Based Learning Pathways: Leveraging ESCO for Innovative Admissions and Transfers
    Governor's Square 12 | International | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Graduate Education
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education by enabling more personalized and accurate skill assessments. This presentation explores how AI, using the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations (ESCO) framework, can support the development of skill-based learning pathways as alternative admission routes for high school students and transfer students. We will discuss the potential of AI in enhancing assessment accuracy, personalizing learning experiences, and improving student success.

    • Wendy Linn-Cook, Montclair State University
    • David Chun, Montclair State University
    • Moderator: Christopher Jack, StackRoute

     

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