In Memoriam: Karen Swan

Long-time UPCEA member and colleague Karen Swan passed away in early September 2021. Dr. Swan served as professor of education at the University of Illinois at Springfield’s Center for Online Learning, Research and Service. Previously, she served as research professor at Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology. Dr. Swan completed her doctorate in…

Read More

Investing in Future Talent: Results of Staffing Needs Snap Poll

Investing in Future Talent: Results of Staffing Needs Snap Poll

With society adapting to a second year of the pandemic, institutions of higher education struggle to find a place of strength in a quickly transforming economy. For obvious reasons, many colleges and universities are banking on a full recovery of demand for undergraduate and graduate degrees and the robustness of the campus experience. Those that…

Read More

Reflections on trends in student success

While many of our colleagues across the country are in the throes of fall orientation, the first weeks of classes, and maybe even a little bit of college football, those of us on the quarter system have well over a month until our fall courses start. And if I’m being honest, I’m still knee deep…

Read More

UPCEA Announces 2021 Diversity in Leadership Scholars

UPCEA is pleased to announce the 2021 cohort of Bethaida “Bea” González Diversity in Leadership Scholars. We look forward to these eight individuals joining our learning community as they pursue the courses in their chosen certificate program.  Representative and diverse leadership is a cornerstone of UPCEA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. The goal of…

Read More

Alternative credentials in higher education have a champion (EdScoop)

A leading higher education association is setting its sights on alternative credentials, on Tuesday launching two new groups to simplify the process for institutions looking to implement more short-term programs. The University for Professional and Continuing Education Association announced a council, composed of campus leadership drawn from its more than 400 member institutions, to lead…

Read More

UPCEA Establishes Hub for Credential Innovation with New Council for Credential Innovation and Alternative Credentials Network

UPCEA Establishes Hub for Credential Innovation with New Council for Credential Innovation and Alternative Credentials Network

Dedicated community will deliver strategic and practical guidance for postsecondary professionals involved in the design, development, and delivery of alternative credentials, intended to align higher education programming with the needs of learners and the labor market.   WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 24, 2021) –  Alternative and non-degree credentials continue to gain relevance and traction with students…

Read More

Falling Gracefully Into Fall Semester

August is fast-approaching. We look in the rearview and wonder, “Where did summer go?”.  We start bringing ourselves to terms with the reality that the lofty project list we created at the start of summer is going to end the season with some (and maybe many) boxes left unchecked.  This transitionary time from summer to…

Read More

92% of Higher Education Leaders Say Microcredentials Support Institutional Competitiveness

92% of Higher Education Leaders Say Microcredentials Support Institutional Competitiveness New study from UPCEA and Modern Campus

New study from UPCEA and Modern Campus highlights the opportunity for colleges and universities to improve enrollments and student workforce readiness TORONTO and WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2021 — Higher education leaders across North America are citing the value of alternative and microcredentials to support competitiveness and enrollment growth, according to a survey conducted by…

Read More

[Snap Poll Results] Retention and Persistence

Snap Poll Results - Retention and Persistence

It is clear that higher education will face a number of challenges over the next decade as the pandemic has accelerated a number of technological, societal and economic trends. Further complicating the matters for institutions of higher education in the U.S. is the fact that demographic trends show an upcoming decade of declining traditional students.…

Read More

OER and Teaching Through the Rearview Mirror

Course content is a sacred compact between the instructor and the learner. Truth, relevancy and currency are among the key components of that agreement. In this 21st century, technologies are changing the landscape of industry and society at a rate not previously documented. Are our courses keeping up? I recall teaching communication technology classes in…

Read More