Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education examines new and emerging trends and models, especially at the institutional level, in the emergent field of alternative credentials.
Presented jointly by UPCEA and AACRAO, two of the organizations most critical to the future development and implementation of innovative credentials, this event brings together key campus stakeholders in credential innovation—deans of professional education, chief online learning officers, registrars, and their staff—to define and develop their institutional strategy with respect to alternative credentials.
Convergence reflects the confluence of factors leading to the evolution of this fast-moving, but still largely amorphous movement. This event serves as a unique platform for professionals from diverse backgrounds to converge, connect, and catalyze positive change in our ever-evolving educational landscape. From thought-provoking general sessions to interactive workshops, roundtables, and other special session formats presented by institutional colleagues, Convergence promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience for all attendees.
As at the sold-out 2023 and 2024 events, Convergence attendees will explore successful and emerging models of credential innovation, connect and collaborate with other credentials stakeholders from across the higher education community, and begin planning for the advancement of credential innovation on their campuses at the 2025 conference.
Who should attend?
Members of UPCEA, members of AACRAO, and others engaged in credential innovation in the higher education space. Convergence offers content for senior leaders responsible for institutional strategy for alternative credentials; other administrators working in the space; and registrars and other related professionals.
Need a justification letter for your manager or organization on why you should attend? Download a template here.
Don’t miss UPCEA’s first virtual forum, an opportunity for senior leaders in online and professional education to connect with peers, to be briefed on the most pressing topics of our field today, and to discuss together ways we can be best positioned for the future. The forum employs a “roundtable” format, featuring the presentation of critical trends, predictions, and prognostications, intersected with time for small group discussion and reporting-out. The focus of this forum is around employer engagement and how UPCEA members can increase their capacities for U2B connections with regard to credential innovation. Featured presenters include UPCEA Peer Learning Leaders, member experts who are co-creating a course on institutional capacity for employer engagement (launched this fall), and leaders from the four highest-level Promotional Partners for Convergence 2025, UPCEA’s signature credential innovation event held this fall with co-host AACRAO. Forum conversations are unrecorded but notes will be captured for sharing broadly with the UPCEA community. Registration is gratis for this virtual learning opportunity, with support from Walmart. Register for the September 17 Virtual Forum.
Learn. Know. Do.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a pro, join us for an informal opportunity to connect with other Conference attendees. This fast-paced coffee chat will get you up to speed, give you an opportunity to ask questions and start thinking about planning your conference adventure. We’ll cover what you can expect to LEARN, how to get to KNOW attendees and what else you might DO in town.
Click here to access the room at 1 PM ET on September 18 or download a calendar invite.
Coffee Chats are informal, unrecorded, live opportunities to connect with peers.
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