| 7:00 AM |
Registration Open [Grand Registration] |
| 7:00 AM |
Breakfast [Arlington Foyer] |
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Sponsored by
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| 8:00 AM |
Concurrent Sessions III |
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Leveraging Open Online Courses and Credit for Prior Learning for Degree Completion
Room: Grand JK | Track: Administration | Level: Foundational | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
This session highlights a successful partnership between the University of Memphis’ Finish Line Program—a degree completion initiative for adult learners—and Saylor Academy, a nonprofit offering free, online college-level courses. Since launching as a pilot in 2013, the program has helped over 1,100 students graduate, with Saylor Academy as a key partner. A major factor in its success is the use of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to reduce financial barriers and accelerate degree completion. Attendees will learn how this partnership has evolved over 14 years and gain practical strategies for replicating a similar model at their own institutions.
- Tracy Robinson, University of Memphis
- Jacqueline Arnold, Saylor Academy
Moderator: Chrisi Harter, Eastern Washington University
Powerful Partnerships: Proven Strategies to Build and Grow Corporate Relationships in Continuing Education
Room: Grand A | Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / Entrepreneurial Initiative
Strong corporate partnerships are essential for successful continuing education and professional development programs. In this interactive session, experts will share proven strategies for building and sustaining meaningful collaborations with employers. Learn how to establish a Corporate Advisory Board, design curricula aligned with workforce needs, and use social media to attract corporate partners. This session will offer actionable insights, real-world examples, and tools to help you launch or strengthen partnerships in your institution.
- Kim Oaks, Southwestern Community College
- Chris Morgan, Jenzabar
Moderator: Jessica Johnson, Johnson County Community College
Microcredentials, Macro-impact: Supporting Faculty with Credential Innovation
Room: Grand B | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Faculty
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Faculty Experience / The Learner Experience
Prepare for an engaging, hands-on session packed with actionable strategies for involving faculty in the exciting world of microcredential development! In this interactive presentation, you’ll discover practical examples and resources that you can immediately apply to support your own faculty or curriculum developers. Our experts will guide you through proven methods for engaging faculty while setting up clear support structures, guidelines, and quality measures to ensure success. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your program, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to elevate your microcredentialing initiatives to the next level!
- Andrea Fortin, Florida Gulf Coast University
- Kristen Vanselow, Florida Gulf Coast University
Moderator: John Falchi, LearningMate
From Vision to Reality: Transforming Continuing Education at the University of Iceland
Room: Grand FG | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
In this session, we’ll explore how a Continuing Education unit successfully transformed its operations to better serve lifelong learners. Facing growing demand and evolving learner expectations, the team implemented a modern platform to streamline registration, scheduling, payments, and credentialing. Key drivers included the need to support stackable programs, enable B2B collaboration, and deliver a seamless learner experience. The four-month rollout was powered by clear internal ownership, close cross-functional collaboration, and transparent staff communication. We’ll share lessons from delivering over 170 short courses to 4,000+ participants and preparing for six new programs with nearly 200 students. Join us to hear practical insights on creating scalable, learner-centric continuing education.
- Iris Dröfn Magnúsdóttir, University of Iceland
- Elva Björg Arnarsdóttir, University of Iceland
Moderator: Mieke Ridderhof, Drieam
The Employer's Voice in the Indiana Achievement Wallet and Learning and Employment Record
Room: Grand C | Track: Registrar | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / The Faculty Experience
The shift to skills-based hiring is essential to realizing the promise of Learning and Employment Record (LER) ecosystems. This session will explore how the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Workforce Excellence equips employers across sectors with training, tools, and resources to implement skills-based talent strategies. Attendees will also hear how Indiana and WGU’s Achievement Wallets—a digital platform for capturing, aligning, and sharing verified skills—help students present their full range of capabilities to employers. These efforts represent a powerful model for aligning workforce and education stakeholders to support more equitable, transparent, and effective hiring practices.
- Darin Hobbs, Western Governors University
- Kym Lavigne-Hinkley, Western Governors University
- Natalie Wenzler, Institute for Workforce Excellence
Moderator: Darin Hobbs, Western Governors University
Creating a Microcredentials Vision: Two Case Studies in Non Degree Non Credit (NDNC) Digital Microcredentialing
Room: Arlington I | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / Digital Technology
This presentation will describe the collaborative process undertaken to create a university-wide vision and plan for scaling up NDNC and microcredentialing at two very different universities: One small, centralized public university and one lager, decentralized private R1. Led centrally by interprofessional teams, both initiatives are grounded in internal and external assessments of existing processes that led to the creation of an inclusive set of guidelines for implementing Microcredentials Frameworks. These guidelines ensure alignment with brands and missions while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of what a badge represents.
- Jeannine Perry, Longwood University
- Samantha Ellington, Longwood University
- Tammy Hines, Longwood University
- Melissa Rhoten, Longwood University
- Janet Schreck, Johns Hopkins University
- Chadia Abras, Johns Hopkins University
- Amynah Mithani, Johns Hopkins University
Moderator: Dustin Bainbridge, OES (Online Education Services)
The Full Stack: Aligning Higher Ed, Industry, and Workforce to Build Cyber Talent
Room: Arlington II | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / The Learner Experience
If we want to close the cybersecurity talent gap, we need more than good intentions: we need higher ed, industry, and workforce leaders working from the same blueprint. In this session, George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, ISACA, and the National CyberWatch Center share how they’ve teamed up to do just that. Together, they’re building flexible, stackable credential pathways that help learners earn job-relevant skills—and the credentials to prove it—while making real academic progress and gaining some work experience. The model doesn’t just check boxes. It brings registrars, faculty, and industry voices into the same room to build programs that serve career changers, working adults, and students of diverse backgrounds looking to break into high-demand fields. You’ll hear what worked, what surprised them, and what they’d never do again. And you’ll walk away with a practical, replicable framework for integrating credentials that employers actually recognize whether you’re building from scratch or leveling up an existing program. This is a session for people who are ready to get real about what it takes to make credential innovation happen—not just in a course catalog, but in practice.
- Ivette Chavez, ISACA
- David Tobey, National CyberWatch Center
- Jeff Angle, ISACA
- Cody House, The George Washington University
Moderator: Jody DeKorte, Purdue University Global
CANCELLED: From Credentials to Careers: Scaling CLRs for Student and Employer Success
Room: Grand JK | Track: Registrar | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs) have the potential to power student success—but only if they’re designed with career outcomes in mind. At the University of Texas at Austin, the CLR and Career Success teams are reimagining the student experience by working backwards from the job search, not just forward from enrollment. Learn how UT Austin aligns CLR design with four pillars of career learning—career navigation, skill development, experiential learning, and employer/alumni connections—creating a lifelong resource for students. This session shares how cross-campus collaboration and external partnerships bring CLRs to life as tools for employability, not just records of learning.
- Ian Davidson, SmartResume
- Bradley Matthews, University of Texas at Austin
Moderator: Lynn Nahmens, Louisiana State University |
| 8:00 AM |
Industry Insights |
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Room: Grand DE
Industry Insights is a series of curated, short, extemporaneous presentations shared in succession by UPCEA’s and AACRAO’s highest level corporate partners. Each presentation will offer a quickfire introduction of an idea, challenge, solution, or product of critical import to the field of credential innovation, and each partner will offer thought leadership and resources on respective themes for attendees’ further consideration. Presenters will share valuable insights and expertise on current trends, emergent products, and/or original research, helping move the field of alternative credentials forward via takeaways, solutions, and innovative practices. All attendees are welcomed, regardless of positionality or organizational type.
Moderator: Chris D'Imperio, Elizabethtown College
Life-Long Learning Talent Development: Revolutionizing Workforce Preparedness Through Experiential, Applied, and Industry-Informed Education
To bridge the skills gap, higher education must leverage industry data, gap analysis, and skills-based frameworks to design competency-based, experiential learning programs that produce workforce-ready talent. By analyzing real-time labor market trends and employer needs, institutions can:
Identify critical skill gaps between academic offerings and industry demands
Develop applied, AI-integrated curricula that mirror workplace skill needs
Implement competency-based assessments, credentials, and certifications to validate job-ready proficiencies.
Enhance experiential learning through an AI-powered platform
This industry-driven approach ensures graduates possess relevant, future-proof skills while boosting enrollment, retention, and employer satisfaction. AI-powered analytics further personalize learning pathways, aligning education with economic needs.
- Desiree Young, IronCircle
Beyond the Benchmark: Building Institution-Specific ROI for Lifelong Learning
Higher-ed leaders talk ROI, yet many still borrow metrics from consumer marketing or corporate L&D. In less than 10 minutes, we’ll cover how students, employers, and institutions each define ROI, then drill into why institutions must abandon one-size-fits-all benchmarks. Attendees will learn a practical approach to embedding data-capture at significant touchpoints and constructing ROI formulas that reflect YOUR unique program mix, channels (B2B vs. B2C), and brand position. Walk away with a checklist for modeling costs, setting viable price points, and proving long-term value—without chasing the wrong comparison set.
Beyond the First Credential: Marketing for Lifetime Value in Higher Ed
Today’s credential students are not just one-time enrollees—they’re future re-enrollees, lifelong learners and brand advocates. This session challenges the traditional enrollment mindset, demonstrating how to strategically market for lifetime value. Drawing on insights from recent research, we’ll explore data-driven re-engagement strategies that support ongoing learner journeys. Recognizing barriers like credit transfer challenges, we’ll share actionable tactics to prioritize flexibility and remove obstacles to re-entry. Equip your institution with strategies to build lasting learner relationships, transforming students into repeat enrollees and enthusiastic advocates.
- Karina Kogan, EducationDynamics
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| 9:15 AM |
Morning Brief | Convergence in Action: Strategic Credential Framework Collaborations Across Campus [Arlington Ballroom III-VI] |
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This session explores a cross-campus collaboration to unify and elevate noncredit and co-curricular learning through an integrated credentialing framework. Presenters will share how strategic partnerships streamlined registration systems, standardized language around credentials, and created a public-facing platform to support innovative, learner-focused experiences. A central feature of this work is the development of a Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) that captures academic, experiential, and co-curricular achievements in a dynamic digital format. Attendees will gain insight into the practical steps taken to engage diverse stakeholders—including academic and student affairs, career services, and employers—in the design of a system that supports learner mobility and workforce relevance. Lessons learned, challenges faced, and successes achieved will provide a roadmap for institutions pursuing convergence in credentialing.
- Elizabeth Kerr, University of Cincinnati
- Molly McDermott-Fallon, University of Cincinnati
- Beth Merenstein, Central Connecticut State University
- Patrick Tucker, Central Connecticut State University
Moderator: Amy Heitzman, UPCEA |
| 10:15 AM |
Networking Break: Visit Exhibit Hall [Arlington Foyer] |
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Sponsored by
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| 10:45 AM |
General Session | Data Systems and Non-degree Credential Quality [Arlington Ballroom III-VI] |
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State governments are increasingly seeking to use data to drive evidence-based decisions in education and workforce development, particularly as short-term, nondegree credentials grow in popularity as viable pathways to career advancement. However, the lack of transparency and inconsistent validation surrounding these credentials—often locked in inaccessible systems—limits their ability to assess quality and outcomes. This lively panel discussion will dive into challenges faced by institutions and state partners, and explore emerging new opportunities and initiatives designed to help states and institutions gather and utilize the information needed to evaluate and strengthen nondegree credential programs.
- Ann Kellogg, Maryland Higher Education Commission
- Rachel Boon, Iowa Board of Regents
- Amanda Winters, National Governors Association
- Stacy Caldwell, CredLens
Moderator: Michelle Van Noy, NCRN |
| 12:00 PM |
Lunch and Listening Session [Arlington Ballroom III-VI] |
| 1:00 PM |
Concurrent Sessions IV |
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A Comprehensive Approach to Achieving Success for Noncredit Learners: Content Enhancement, Learner Success, and Workforce Readiness
Room: Grand FG | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
This session explores achieving success for noncredit learners by balancing high-quality content, program completion, and workforce readiness. It presents a holistic approach that meets the needs of all stakeholders and ensures alignment within the educational ecosystem. The focus is on improving learner outcomes through increased completion rates and workforce preparation. Best practices for future readiness will be shared, emphasizing the role of competency-based and experiential learning. Strategies for optimizing resources and curricula to align with job market demands will be discussed, enhancing learner engagement, marketability, and career success. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for success and future readiness.
- Desiree Young, IronCircle
- Jill Boatright, Loyola University New Orleans
Moderator: Sarah MacDonald, James Madison University
Accelerating LER Adoption: Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
Room: Arlington II | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / External Advocacy and Leadership Beyond the University
The LER Accelerator coalition, launched with support from Walmart, is helping institutions transition from traditional transcripts to verifiable, digital Learning and Employment Records (LERs). This session will explore key adoption principles, challenges in implementation, and insights from LER Accelerator cohort institutions. Attendees will gain actionable strategies, access to resources and toolkits, and connections with national education and workforce leaders. Whether starting or refining LER efforts, participants will leave equipped to drive scalable, interoperable, and learner-centered digital credentialing at their institutions.
- Mike Simmons, AACRAO
- Julia Spears, Marshall University
- Amber O'Casey, Alamo Colleges District
- Amy Mackenroth, Dallas College
Moderator: Michelle Mott, AACRAO
Recognitionist History: Viewing Credential Innovation’s Future through its Past
Room: Arlington I | Track: Leadership | Level: Foundational | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Entrepreneurial Initiative / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
How did we get here? Join us for a fun, unofficial, and historically accurate survey of the history of the Open Badges and microcredentials movements. Offered through a narrative gameshow format inspired by "This is Your Life" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", attendees will have a chance to learn and earn a lot (of badges).
- Noah Geisel, University of Colorado Boulder
- Don Fraser, Education Design Lab
- Cate Tolnai, University of Phoenix
Moderator: Taylor Hansen, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Certificates, Badges, and Microcredentials, Oh My! Strategies for Decoding Employer Credential Recognition
Room: Grand A | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / Digital Technology
Job postings and resumes have become saturated with certificates, badges, and other microcredentials —leaving both job seekers and hiring managers uncertain about their actual and perceived value. This session presents groundbreaking research that synthesizes data from the perspective of employer demand. It includes an in-depth analysis of over 4.3 million U.S. job postings and direct insights from hiring managers to better understand how they evaluate the varying value of microcredentials. Attendees will gain data-driven insights into employer preferences, along with practical strategies for designing credentials that align with current market behaviors. Learn how to increase the recognition and impact of institution-issued badges and certificates—and give your students the competitive edge they need in today’s credential-saturated job market.
- Amanda Welsh, Northeastern University
- Jesse Golenberg, Eduvantis
- Sarah Ham, Purdue University
From Birth to Meaning: The TBR CRED CLR 2.0 Journey
Room: Grand B | Track: Registrar | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / The Learner Experience
Learners and employers both benefit when jobs are matched to the most qualified candidate for the job and learners can advance their skills with insight into pathways for education, courses, training in their chosen career, and guidance to help the learner change their career when desired. Employers benefit from in-depth employment and credential information in a digital format and when the employer cannot yet consume the digital format of the credentials, we can provide a readily consumable format to screen job candidates through multiple formats including, pdf, web-rendering, and SmartResume™. All aspects have a foundation of information you can Trust.
- Kimberly Linson, LevelData
- Heidi Leming, Tennessee Board of Regents
- Ashley Bland Manlove, Credential Engine
- Ian Davidson, SmartResume
Moderator: Brenda Schumann, University of Texas at Austin
HLC Credential Lab: Supporting Linkages Between Providers and Institutions
Room: Grand C | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / Professionalism
HLC’s Credential Lab is focused on providing a quality assurance “endorsement” of education and training providers. How can this recognition assist institutions as they build relationships with providers? How could both sides work together so the offerings from the content providers may be recognized toward the completion of institutional degrees or certificates? Engagement with the audience and providers will be an integral part of the session.
- Karen Solomon, Higher Learning Commission
- Erik Skogsberg, Voltage Control
- Cheryl Murphy, University of Arkansas
Moderator: Darin Hobbs, Western Governors University
LAiSER: AI-Powered Skills Mapping for Education and Workforce Alignment
Room: Grand H | Track: Administration | Level: Foundational | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
This session introduces LAiSER (Leveraging AI for Skills Extraction and Research), an open-source tool developed by the George Washington Institute of Public Policy to address the growing disconnect between higher education and workforce needs. Using AI language models, LAiSER maps complex relationships between skills, education, and labor market demand to identify gaps and training opportunities. The presentation will outline the tool’s conceptual framework and demonstrate how it transforms unstructured data into interpretable skill profiles to support responsive education and workforce planning.
- Kyle Albert, The George Washington University
- Micah Sanders, The George Washington University
Moderator: Jason Tantrum, Lightcast
Using AI to Surface Skills from Syllabi for Advising and Credential Clarity
Room: Grand JK | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Digital Technology
Auburn University shares a practical case study on using Skillabi, an AI-powered tool, to extract and communicate professional skills from course syllabi. Integrated into academic advising for online degree completion students, the project helps students see the skills they’ll gain from each course—before enrolling. Tied to Auburn’s QEP on student articulation of learning, the initiative offers a replicable model for institutions aiming to bridge courses, credentials, and career outcomes.
- Asim Ali, Auburn University
- Alli Bracewell, Auburn University
Moderator: Ray Sass, Lightcast |
| 1:00 PM |
Industry Insights |
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Room: Grand DE
Industry Insights is a series of curated, short, extemporaneous presentations shared in succession by UPCEA’s and AACRAO’s highest level corporate partners. Each presentation will offer a quickfire introduction of an idea, challenge, solution, or product of critical import to the field of credential innovation, and each partner will offer thought leadership and resources on respective themes for attendees’ further consideration. Presenters will share valuable insights and expertise on current trends, emergent products, and/or original research, helping move the field of alternative credentials forward via takeaways, solutions, and innovative practices. All attendees are welcomed, regardless of positionality or organizational type.
Moderator: Mike Heaney, Boston College
Beyond the Credit Hour: Insights to Scale Continuing Education with Confidence
Institutions are rethinking how they serve today’s learners—moving beyond traditional credit models to stackable, workforce-aligned offerings. This session draws on Anthology’s 2025 national faculty survey and institutional research to explore the barriers and drivers shaping innovation in continuing education. The insights are tied directly to how tools like Blackboard Ultra, Milestone, and Catalog can support these shifts—not as products, but as enablers of flexible course delivery, learner progress tracking, and credential visibility. Attendees will gain actionable takeaways for scaling continuing ed and micro-credentials with a strategy rooted in both research and real institutional needs.
Building Careers with Purpose: Designing Stackable, Portable Credentials That Drive Learner Success and Employability
Alternative credentials can do more than prove skills, they can open doors to real opportunities. We’ll explore how stackable badges, non-credit pathways, and prior learning assessment offer more than knowledge. They build confidence, provide portable proof of achievement, and help learners move toward credit and employment. Hear how institutions like Jones College’s Online Workforce College and the University of St Andrews design micro-credentials and short courses that support progression and job readiness. We’ll cover how digital badges, embedded in portfolios with context, can boost motivation, support wellbeing, and foster belonging. Leave with ideas to design credentials that create real opportunities.
The 2025 Micro-Credentials Impact Report
Get exclusive insights on how industry-aligned micro- credentials are bridging skill gaps, driving career outcomes, and building a future-ready workforce—with data from 2,000+ students and employers. Explore data on how both students and employers perceive the value of micro-credentials, with data from Coursera's 2025 report.
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| 2:00 PM |
Networking Break: Visit Exhibit Hall [Arlington Foyer] |
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Sponsored by
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| 2:30 PM |
Concurrent Sessions V |
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NECHE's New Noncredit Quality Assurance Recognition Process
Room: Grand JK | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / Professionalism
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), accrediting institutions since 1885, is expanding its role to recognize noncredit providers through a new “NECHE recognition” process. With funding and support from the Lumina Foundation, in 2023, a task force consisting of representatives from six member institutions developed a Framework for Non-Credit Quality Assurance. This evidence-based Framework consists of seventeen markers that define high-quality noncredit programming. A pilot evaluation process using the Framework was conducted in 2024 with six organizations: 4 NECHE member institutions, one non-member institution, and one third-party provider. In Spring 2025, the Commission approved the recognition process, and applications will open in Spring 2026. NECHE will also seek nominations for noncredit peer evaluators. This session will introduce the Framework, explain the recognition process, and offer time for discussion and questions.
- Laura Gambino, New England Commission of Higher Education
- Paula Harbecke, New England Commission of Higher Education
- Amy Feest, Southern Connecticut State University
- Joseph L'Africain, Maine Community College System
Moderator: Carrie Wandler, Midwestern Higher Education Compact
AI-Centered Credential Innovation: Launching a New Workforce Readiness Model with an AI Literacy Component and a New Digital Badge Taxonomy
Room: Arlington I | Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / Digital Technology
As artificial intelligence redefines workforce needs across industries, universities must reimagine credentialing to meet rapidly evolving skill demands. This panel explores how NJIT is launching a new workforce readiness model with AI literacy as one of its six core skill domains. With two panelists from NJIT and two who provide national and international perspectives, this discussion will examine scalable strategies for aligning noncredit portfolios with labor market needs.
- Michael Edmondson, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Shauna Cox, Modern Campus
- Clayton Dean, Ziplines Education
- Kerry Eberhardt, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Moderator: Michael Edmondson, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Skills First Future: Using Learn and Work Ecosystem Library and Credentials for Workforce Change
Room: Grand A | Track: Registrar | Level: Foundational | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / External Advocacy and Leadership Beyond the University
The session focuses on employer engagement strategies around skills-based hiring models and credentialing. Panelists will share insights from the new collaboration among the Learn & work Ecosystem Library, SHRM Foundation’s Center for a Skills First Future (launched June 2025), and Education Design Lab. This partnership provides valuable information resources to ensure that professionals, organizations, and credential providers have access to expert insights, best practices, and essential tools needed to navigate the evolving labor market. This collaboration helps individuals, educational institutions, and businesses make informed decisions about education, training, and career pathways. Panelists will share early analytics and insights from their collaboration including user types, engagement highlights, information collection and usage in the resources, and trends expected in implementation by employers and credential providers. A facilitated discussion will include follow-up questions to the panel, then engaging audience questions and comments, especially to learn what audience members are seeing trending in their areas around skills-first hiring.
- Holly Zanville, George Washington University
- Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, SHRM
- Naomi Boyer, Education Design Lab
- Tara Laughlin, Education Design Lab
Moderator: Angeli Logan, California State University, Long Beach
Competency-Based Microcredentials Implementation: Case Studies with Western Governors University and Digital Promise
Room: Grand DE | Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Digital Technology
This session explores strategies for incorporating competency-based microcredentials into educator preparation programs, reshaping learning by emphasizing demonstrated mastery over seat time. We’ll examine how digital badging recognizes educator competencies in real-time and how wallet technology enables the seamless sharing of credentials across systems, districts, and platforms by sharing case studies across diverse PK-12 and higher education institutions, including how microcredentials are being leveraged to reach programmatic and learner goals holistically at Digital Promise and Western Governors University. Attendees will gain insights into program design, equity considerations, and the role of interoperable technologies in scaling personalized, skills-based pathways for teacher growth and leadership.
- Ashley Miller, Digital Promise
- Kym Lavigne-Hinkley, Western Governors University
- Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, Digital Promise
Moderator: Shanna Coles, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Stackable Credentials as Catalysts for Career Growth: Case Studies in Safety, Health, and Informatics
Room: Arlington II | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
As workforce demands evolve, stackable microcredentials are emerging as effective tools for upskilling, career advancement, and closing industry-specific skills gaps. This session highlights how certificate and microcredential programs in safety, health, and informatics are meeting employer needs and supporting professional growth. Case studies from West Virginia University’s Safety and Health Extension—covering construction, general industry, maritime, and oil and gas—and a Health Informatics Microcredential developed by Bisk Education, and USF Health with Tampa General Hospital USF Health – University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and local hospitals and health systems will showcase how these programs align with workforce demands. Presenters will share how stackable credentials improve employability, support promotions, and enhance safety and technical competencies. Attendees will gain insights into scalable funding models, employer partnerships, and actionable strategies for building flexible, workforce-aligned learning pathways that benefit both individuals and institutions.
- Tiffany Rice, West Virginia University
- Mark Fullen, West Virginia University
- Jennifer King, Bisk
- Athanasios Tsalatsanis, University of South Florida
Moderator: Sallie Reissman, Wilmington University
Bridging the Skills Gap with LAiSER: AI-Powered Insights for Education and Employment
Room: Grand H | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
How can we make skills more visible across education and employment systems? This session introduces LAiSER, a language intelligence tool that uses AI to extract skills from syllabi, resumes, and job ads, helping institutions and employers speak a common language. We’ll share real-world use cases in curriculum analysis, skills-based hiring, and lifelong learning pathways, while exploring how LAiSER supports shared skill nomenclature, employer engagement, and data interoperability. Attendees will leave with practical insights and open-source resources to support credential innovation and learner mobility.
- Bharat Khandelwal, The George Washington University
- Kelvin Bentley, The University of Texas System
- Paul Daniels, National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Moderator: Micah Sanders, The George Washington University
Reimagining Collaboration to Solve Student-Impacting Institutional Challenges
Room: Grand B | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / The Learner Experience
At PLNU, a partnership between the Registrar’s Office and Graduate and Professional Studies led to two transformative tools - Problem Framing for Academia and the Fix-It Funnel. These strategies improved collaboration, reduced institutional friction, and created faster, student-centered solutions. This session shares how others can build similar cross-unit efforts to support nontraditional learners.
- Jamie Brownlee-Turgeon, Point Loma Nazarene University
- Steven Burkett, Point Loma Nazarene University
Moderator: Karina Kogan, EducationDynamics
TrustEd Credentials: A New Model for Skills Transparency
Room: Grand FG | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Digital Technology
Wichita State University selected Territorium as their Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) and credentialing provider to launch the first-ever 1EdTech TrustEd Credential in higher education, introducing a revolutionary model for credential transparency and skills validation. Using Territorium’s CLR platform, students securely showcase verifiable microcredentials aligned directly with employer expectations. This session shares strategic insights from WSU’s groundbreaking launch, outlining how institutions can successfully integrate innovative microcredential practices. Attendees will leave equipped to initiate similar credential innovations at their campuses, bridging the critical gap between education and employment.
- Kimberly Moore, Wichita State University
- Keith Look, Territorium
Moderator: Rob Coyle, 1EdTech
Designing Pathways for Successful Student Outcomes
Room: Grand C | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
To help ensure positive student outcomes, academic leaders and administrators must support learning pathways that encourage and acknowledge multiple levels of learning. By creating academic pathways designed to build upon each other and respond to employer needs, schools are able to support student learning that leads to beneficial outcomes in the workforce.
- Renee Renegar, Louisiana State University
- Clay Benton, Louisiana State University
- Lynn Nahmens, Louisiana State University
Moderator: Robert Avery, Noodle
Roundtable Presentations
Room: Arlington Ballroom III-VI
Roundtable Sessions are 25 to 30-minute table-based, small-group, guided discussion about a specific and timely topic, question, or issue. During one, 60-minute concurrent session, multiple Roundtable presenters concurrently share their ideas at one round table each (up to 9 attendees can fit at each table), and promote the sharing of thoughts, solutions, and questions among their respective tables’ attendees. Roundtables are designed to provide space and time to important but particularly nuanced topics which deserve attention, and as such, attendees are free to move between tables. The Roundtable session will have a moderator who will welcome attendees, invite them to find a topic/table of their choice, and watch the time, inviting presenters to host their discussions twice during the hour, to allow attendees to engage with up to two different topics.
Moderators: Jessica DuPont, Oregon State University & Ryan Torma, University of Minnesota
Microcredentialing Pathways: Leveraging Systems for Enrollment and Workforce Growth
Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / The Learner Experience
Designed for continuing education leaders and program developers, this presentation introduces a framework for building stackable, noncredit microcredentials that support learning progression and workforce development. Learn how to leverage the learning management system, badging platform, and registration software to guide learners through intentional course sequences, incentivize completion, and track engagement. The presentation highlights how to align enrollment behaviours with credentialing goals to identify high-impact pathways for program development, credit articulation, and student success—especially in high-demand industries.
- Stephanie Molina, Nevada State University
From Mastery to Mobility: Communicating Skills and Outcomes in Undergraduate and Graduate CBE Programs
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Faculty
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / The Faculty Experience
This presentation highlights how UMass Global’s competency-based education (CBE) programs support learner mobility, measurable outcomes, and students’ ability to communicate their skills effectively. Drawing from undergraduate and graduate program examples, the presentation will explore how authentic assessments, intentional curriculum design, and integrated support systems help students progress academically and professionally. Attendees will gain insights into how CBE models can promote equity, ensure rigor, and prepare learners to articulate their competencies in meaningful ways. The presentation will offer practical strategies for institutions seeking to enhance student success, skill transparency, and alignment with workforce and graduate education expectations.
- Margaret Moodian, UMass Global
Building Industry-Aligned Credentials: A Model for Emerging Tech and Cybersecurity
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / The Learner Experience
Explore how Louisiana Tech University (LTU), the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI), and ISACA partnered to develop industry-aligned credential pathways in emerging technology, IT audit, and IT risk. This presentation highlights how stackable certifications—Certified Emerging Technology, ITCA, IT Audit, and IT Risk—support workforce readiness. Learn how employer engagement, flexible credentialing, and hands-on learning prepare students for in-demand careers. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building scalable, employer-driven programs that align with workforce needs.
- Ashley Brumfielf, Louisiana Tech University
- Jessica Comfort, ISACA
- Warren Ward, Louisiana Tech Research Institute
- Pradeep Chowriappa, Louisiana Tech University
Credentialism as Cultural Power: Reframing Educational Merit Across East and West
Track: Administration | Level: Foundational | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
Credentialism has become a defining feature of modern educational and occupational systems, yet its cultural and political dimensions remain insufficiently examined. In educational leadership discourse, the assumption that credentials reflect merit and legitimacy often goes unchallenged. This paper intervenes in this discourse by interrogating the cultural foundations of credentialism through a cross-cultural comparative approach. Drawing from both Western and Eastern thought, the study explores how educational credentials have been historically constructed as markers of virtue, legitimacy, or power, depending on sociopolitical context. By integrating insights from Randall Collins, Pierre Bourdieu, Confucius, and Mao Zedong, this paper repositions credentialism as a culturally contingent system of authority and control, raising new questions for leadership, equity, and educational reform.
- Jing Zhao, University of Windsor
From Grant Funded to Revenue Generating: Adapting Workforce Development Microcredentials in Healthcare
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Entrepreneurial Initiative / The Learner Experience
This roundtable presentation will give audience members the opportunity to learn about our experience transforming six microcredential courses from a grant-funded project to revenue-generating continuing education offerings. We plan to discuss design decisions involved in adapting these hybrid courses to an asynchronous format, navigating usage rights for content created through grant-funded work, developing data tracking and registration processes, as well as pricing and marketing. This roundtable is appropriate for professionals who are interested in learning about the application of microcredentials under two different budget models and the pedagogical decisions that may accompany shifting between them.
- Melissa Kaufman, Drexel University
- Michael Edwards, Drexel University
Online Learners’ Perceptions of AI: Are They Seeking AI Microcredentials?
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / The Learner Experience
The goal of this presentation is to discuss a case study conducted at a liberal arts institution in the United States exploring online students’ understanding and perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI tools) and if they are seeking AI-focused microcredentials as part of their degrees. In particular, this study seeks to understand the needs and expectations of online learners in the context of a rapidly changing workforce that requires them to upskill, reskill, and possess AI literacy skills. Importantly, higher education institutions must effectively assess their programs and develop curriculum and credentials to meet the requirements of the job market.
- Corina Caraccioli, Louisiana State University
- Erin Dupuis, Loyola University New Orleans
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| 3:45 PM |
Concurrent Sessions VI |
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Arizona Learning Mobility Collaborative: A Cross-Institutional Approach to Digital Credentials
Room: Arlington I | Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / Digital Technology
This session presents a pioneering collaborative model for implementing digital credentials across Arizona's public higher education ecosystem. Learn how 13 institutions joined forces to develop a shared framework for learning mobility that emphasizes learner agency, credential interoperability, and skills recognition. Discover how this initiative addresses complex transition points through prototype solutions that balance technical infrastructure with human support. The presentation will share actionable insights for registrars and institutional leaders seeking to enhance credential mobility while maintaining academic standards and operational feasibility.
- Colin Reynolds, Education Design Lab
- Ken Sharp, AACRAO
- Roxanne Murphy, Arizona Board of Regents
- Holly Custard, Strada Education Foundation
Moderator: Jenni Murphy, California State University, Sacramento
Beyond Completion: Connecting Preparedness, Competitiveness, and Confidence to Learner Outcomes
Room: Grand H | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Entrepreneurial Initiative
What drives true learner success in professional and continuing education? Join us to hear how the University of Missouri–St. Louis, in partnership with Ziplines Education, is prioritizing career outcomes through a thoughtful blend of technology and human interaction. Discover how personalized support, high-touch engagement, and real-world learning experiences can empower adult learners to build confidence, gain in-demand skills, and achieve career growth.
- Jamie Liston, University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Jence Rhoads, Ziplines Education
Moderator: Libby Murphy, Syracuse University
Beyond the Transcript: Complementing Business Education with Professional Certificates
Room: Grand JK | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement / The Learner Experience
This session explores how the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is complementing traditional business education with industry-recognized certificates through platforms like Coursera Career Academy. Presenters will share strategies for integrating certificates such as Google’s AI Essentials into degree and non-degree offerings, aligning them with academic outcomes, and engaging faculty in the process. Attendees will gain practical insights into building partnerships, designing scalable models, and enhancing learner value. Whether serving undergraduates, graduate students, or lifelong learners, this session provides a framework for embedding professional credentials into business education to strengthen relevance and workforce readiness.
- Amanda Brantner, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Amber Glynn, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Moderator: Nathan Lippe, Coursera
Empowering Students with Trusted Credentials: Ensuring Integrity, Transparency, and Relevance
Room: Grand DE | Track: Registrar | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Professionalism / The Learner Experience
This session explores how institutions can develop and implement credentialing standards that ensure transparency, integrity, and student empowerment. Participants will examine best practices for aligning credentialing with industry standards, accreditation requirements, and workforce needs. The discussion will highlight how transparency fosters trust and equips students to articulate their competencies. Attendees will leave with strategies for enhancing credential credibility, improving communication of credential value, and ensuring students are well-prepared for career success.
- Tyson Heath, Western Governors University
- Gabby Martinez, Western Governors University
Moderator: Justin Louder, Anthology
From Classroom to Career: How Microcredentials Empower Modern Learners
Room: Grand B | Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
Explore how microcredentials are reshaping higher education to meet the needs of diverse learners. This session will highlight strategies for upskilling and reskilling, focusing on how institutions can create flexible learning paths for working adults, career changers, and others looking to bridge the gap between knowledge and employability.
- Karina Kogan, EducationDynamics
- Cate Tolnai, University of Phoenix
Moderator: Michael Edmonson, New Jersey Institute of Technology
How to Get ROI from Your Digital Credentials RFPs
Room: Grand A | Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / Entrepreneurial Initiative
We’re all leaning into innovative credentials, like microcredentials and learning and employment records (LERs), to unlock better learning experiences and open new doors to employment. But let’s face it: choosing the right technology to issue and manage these credentials can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Drawing from real-world experience, we’ve gathered practical insights to guide you through every step of the procurement process—from crafting strong RFPs to evaluating vendor proposals and making confident, informed decisions.
- Suzanne Carbonaro, 1EdTech Consortium
- Gloria Niles, University of Hawaii System
- Sonya Watkins, University of Central Oklahoma
Moderator: Suzanne Carbonaro, 1EdTech Consortium
Developing Noncredit Data: Efforts to Systematize Infrastructure
Room: Grand FG | Track: Leadership | Level: Foundational | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
As interest in understanding the value of noncredit education and non-degree credentials is mounting, data are increasingly essential. Panelists will discuss emerging efforts to develop a more systematic data infrastructure to capture and measure noncredit data. A national taxonomy for noncredit data that is based on data in existing state systems will be shared. Efforts from various systems around the country will be shared as universities seek to strengthen these data systems. The panel will share the latest on state and institutional efforts, and offer attendees a chance to consider how to implement or improve their own processes.
- Michelle Van Noy, Rutgers University
- Denise Zieske, SUNY
- Paula Nissen, North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC)
Moderator: Shauna Cox, Modern Campus
Human-Centered Credential Innovation: Arkansas Community Colleges Empowering New Majority Learners through Micro-Credentials
Room: Arlington II | Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Digital Technology
Four diverse community colleges in Arkansas are leveraging Education Design Lab’s human-centered design process to create workforce-aligned micro-credentials tailored to New Majority Learners—students traditionally underserved by higher education. In this session, representatives from these institutions will share their unique approaches to adapting human-centered design in developing credentials, in partnership with their local employers, that meet the needs of their differentiated learner populations and provide work-force aligned pathways to drive economic mobility.
- Erin Brickley, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark
- Jennifer Schroeder, South Arkansas College
- Charles Walker, Arkansas State University-Newport
- Mary Nithya Xavier, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Moderator: Bradley Williamson, Education Design Lab
From Pilot to Practice: OSU’s Academic Microcredentials – Results, Lessons, and Student Insights
Room: Grand C | Track: Administration | Level: Foundational
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Entrepreneurial Initiative / The Learner Experience
Oregon State University has transitioned microcredentials from a pilot initiative to a permanent, scalable academic offering, supported by process improvements, labor market alignment, and cross-campus collaboration. This session will highlight enrollment growth, implementation lessons, and what we’ve learned from student perceptions and outcomes to guide ongoing development.
- Rebecca Mathern, Oregon State University
- Devin Miles, Oregon State University
- Lisa Templeton, Oregon State University
Moderator: Amanda Welsh, Northeastern University
Stop & Share Presentations
Room: Arlington Ballroom III-VI
Stop & Share sessions are hosted during one concurrent session in a large room with multiple tables, Stop & Share presenters will each have their own table, as well as a slide template of up to six slides, uploaded to the app and for presentation (on rotation) on their own laptop or tablet, to allow brief, synchronous conversations with attendees stopping in and milling about. Each informal conversation will center around a hot topic, best practice, or technological innovation.
Moderator: Kelly Hoyland, Unicon
Credentials of Value? Refining a System-Level Approach to Include Noncredit Learners
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
Beginning with Digital Promise’s suggestion that “learner-centered credentialing tools are key to providing historically excluded learners with opportunities for empowerment,” this presentation focuses on how institutions can best put that idea to practice. The Technical College System of Georgia offers the case study. With 337,000 microcredentials issued to students since 2022, 95% have been issued to students in credit-bearing degree programs. At the same time, students in noncredit programs comprise 56% of TCSG’s total enrollment. Conversation will focus on building custom, credential-based training packages for employer partners and designing noncredit to credit pathways—both of which aim to transform students into lifelong learners.
- Jessica Turner, Technical College System of Georgia
- Jaime Wadowiec, Technical College System of Georgia
Tec de Monterrey Curricular and Alternative Credentials: From High School to Higher Education
Track: Leadership | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Digital Technology / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
This presentation presents how competencies are evaluated along the achievement path for undergraduate students and how these records are the input for credentials emission. Key performance indicators for digital credentials monitoring are shared, and how graduates use them to speed up the beginning of their labor career. First insights will be shared about the institution’s digital credentials strategy expansion to high school and graduate programs.
- Claudia Zubieta, Tecnologico de Monterrey
- María José Pineda, Tecnologico de Monterrey
- Nancy Rivas, Tecnologico de Monterrey
Faculty Perspectives on Microcredentials: A Case Study at Appalachian State University
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Faculty
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Faculty Experience / Professionalism
This presentation examines faculty perspectives on developing competency-based microcredentials at Appalachian State University. As higher education institutions respond to workforce demands for flexible learning options, understanding faculty viewpoints is crucial for successful implementation. This qualitative case study investigates how instructional designers, faculty, and administrators perceive microcredential development across diverse disciplines, including special education, teacher leadership, and 3D cinder-block printing. The presentation explores how faculty adapted traditional instructional frameworks, addresses faculty concerns, and discusses innovative approaches for developing microcredentials. Attendees will gain evidence-based recommendations for faculty engagement while maintaining academic quality and balancing industry relevance with academic integrity.
- Manisha Mittal, Appalachian State University
- Krista Wojdak, Appalachian State University
Creating a Framework for Offering Alternative Credentials at Mississippi State University
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
Mississippi State University is developing a structured framework for offering alternative credentials, ensuring consistency in creation, evaluation, and scalability. This presentation explores the research, methodology, and practical implementation behind designing a system that aligns with industry needs, supports workforce development, and enhances lifelong learning opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for integrating micro-credentials into higher education and how a well-defined framework can serve as a guiding model for institutions seeking to expand their credentialing strategies.
- Marian Montgomery Chancellor, Mississippi State University
Unlocking Career Growth: Alumni Mobility Through Noncredit Learning
Track: Leadership | Level: Strategic | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Entrepreneurial Initiative / The Learner Experience
Discover how The Chico State Alumni Association launched a microcredentials program so successful it reached capacity within a day, creating an immediate waitlist. Building on this demand, the program expanded in its second year, doubling in size and broadening its offerings. This digital initiative supported alumni career mobility and strengthened engagement, with many participants becoming donors. The program shows how noncredit learning fosters alumni success, increases philanthropic support, and demonstrates the university’s investment in graduate professional growth and social mobility. Learn how your institution can create a similarly impactful program to drive alumni engagement and career success.
- Tania Miranda, California State University, Chico
- Jesus Rosario, Coursera
“Micrometrics” Matter: Evaluating the Impact of Industry Credentials on Job Outcomes
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the University of Texas System’s current data gathering and research methodologies that are being used to evaluate the job outcomes of alumni who have earned industry credentials to determine if such credentials improve such outcomes compared to alumni who do not earn non degree credentials.
- Kelvin Bentley, The University of Texas System
The Transdisciplinary Power of Audit: Bridging Skills Across All Learning Pathways
Track: Administration | Level: Strategic | Tag: Employer Engagement
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: Advocacy and Leadership within the University / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
Explore how audit—powered by ISACA’s industry-leading credentials—is becoming a versatile, transdisciplinary framework for higher education. This presentation demonstrates how institutions can integrate IT Audit, Risk, and Security certifications into various academic disciplines to promote learner mobility, employer engagement, and scalable credential innovation. Participants will gain insights from real-world case studies and a practical roadmap for building noncredit-to-credit bridges aligned with professional standards and workforce demands
- Jeff Angle, Arizona State University
- Jessica Comfort, ISACA
- Kelly Rogers, Blackbaud
Responsive Skill-based Program Development
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Learner Access
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
The presentation explores pragmatic approaches to innovation in professional development programming at two institutions. It highlights program design, modality shifts, and stakeholder engagement. The University of Minnesota launched a new format to integrate flexibility, connectedness, and competency-based education principles. Meanwhile, the CUNY Graduate Center developed asynchronous content with interactive elements to support graduate students and professionals seeking cross-industry skills. Presenters will share research-informed strategies, approval processes, and lessons learned in adapting university resources for evolving professional needs. Attending practitioners will gain practical insights into designing and implementing noncredit programs
- Molly Hahne, University of Minnesota
- Ross Jahnke, University of Minnesota
- Mariel Villere, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York
Capella and Sophia No Cost Gen Ed Pathway for Less Prepared Learners
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Policy
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
Capella partnered with Sophia to offer no cost gen ed courses. Sophia and Capella will share outcomes for the no cost gen ed pathway and for Sophia students in general. And Capella will share practical tips for implementing the no cost gen ed pathway and promoting CPL opportunities for students and measuring the results. Come learn practical techniques to engage students in credit for prior learning opportunities and correlation between CPL and higher retention and graduation rates.
- Nick White, Sophia Learning
- Erica Barnhart, Capella University
Capturing ALL Credential and Related Skills through Learning and Employment Records
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Technology
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Faculty Experience / University-to-Business Stakeholder Engagement
Imagine a world where everyone is empowered to capture and communicate the skills and competencies they’ve acquired across their entire learning journey — from education to experience to service. A world where employers can tap into a wider talent pool and better match applicants to opportunities with verifiable credentials that represent skills, competencies, and achievements. This world is possible through an interoperable, well-governed ecosystem that leverages learning and employment records (LERs). LERs are digital records of learning and work experiences linked to and controlled by learners and earners. To build a more equitable skills-based hiring system using LERs, we must implement the right technology and overcome barriers to adoption for key stakeholders. Join us to hear from the SkillsFWD lead evaluator, who will share insights into bold LER initiatives with the mission to catalyze a skills-based future. Learn what’s needed to make skills-based hiring and LER ecosystems work for all learners and earners.
- Christi Harter, Eastern Washington University
- Madelyn Rahn, SkillsFWD
Faculty Perceptions of and Motivation for Involvement in Alternative Credentials
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Faculty
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Faculty Experience / Advocacy and Leadership within the University
Faculty have various motivations for being involved in alternative credentials in higher education. Throughout this presentation, those motivations will be highlighted. Recommendations will be made to explore recommendations for administrators looking to implement alternative credentials or to increase faculty buy-in for implementing alternative credentials in higher education.
- Lisa Duffy, The Ohio State University
The ACE Exchange: Empowering Learners Through Credit Transparency
Track: Administration | Level: Applied | Tag: Faculty
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation: The Learner Experience / Digital Technology
Explore The ACE Exchange—a groundbreaking CPL data repository designed to show learners exactly how their prior learning counts. Learn how this tool supports informed decision-making, improves credit mobility, and helps students save time and money on the path to credential completion. Stop by to share your insights and help curate the next MVP of The ACE Exchange. Your input will shape its future impact.
- Jennifer Chang, American Council on Education
- Kayla Schmitz, American Council on Education
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| 5:00 PM |
Affinity Groups: Birds of a Feather/Ask Me Anything Lounges [Arlington Ballroom III-VI] |
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Birds of a Feather/Ask Me Anything conversations are an opportunity to find a topic, or create your own; meet colleagues who are thinking along similar lines and connect in this casual space for asking anything on your mind. Check the Guidebook app (the event mobile app) for the list of current themes, or arrive early and suggest a new one!
New for 2025: Wild Card tables! Don’t see a topic that resonates? Create your own, and host a table of like-minded attendees on a topic of choice. Staff will be at the ready to assist a small number of plucky humans to chair a discussion of their design. |
