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Perspectives on Online and Professional Education
from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

Navigating Political Headwinds: Online and Professional Continuing Education Units Support of International Enrollment Efforts

June 16, 2025

Colleges and universities committed to high-quality teaching and research are navigating a growing set of challenges in attracting and supporting international students. The presence of international students on our U.S. campuses enriches the academic environment, fosters global perspectives, and enhances the cultural competency of the campus communities. These learners often pursue STEM disciplines, contributing significantly…

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Why Credential Terminology Matters in Higher Education and Workforce Development

May 28, 2025

In the fast-evolving landscape of higher education and workforce alignment, non-degree credentials are surging in popularity. This trend is largely a result of baccalaureate degrees that are not adapting quickly to address more immediate market needs, coupled with a skepticism about the value of the degree. In place of bachelor’s degrees, students are seeking more…

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Unique biweekly insights and news review from Ray Schroeder, Senior Fellow at UPCEA

Walking, Talking, Engaging AI in Higher Ed

June 26, 2025

We are most accustomed to writing prompts and challenging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to give us answers, insights, sources, videoclips, and creativity. Emerging now is the walking, talking AI that engages us on our level. We have front-row seats to the maturing of AI in higher education. There has been audio for a while, but now…

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Our New Co-Workers in Higher Ed

June 12, 2025

It takes a team, if not a village, to work together to deliver quality higher education. Fortunately, we have a new cohort of colleagues joining us at colleges and universities. These new colleagues are eminently qualified; most have been knowledge-certified as above-average for Ph.D. holders in their field. They are truly tireless; working 24 hours…

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Your one-stop shop for the latest Association happenings, policy updates, plus thoughts from the desk of CEO Bob Hansen.

Reporting Deadline on GE and FVT Pushed to 2025 | Policy Matters (September 2024)

Major Updates Reporting Deadline on GE and FVT Pushed to 2025 The Department of Education (ED) has announced a further delay in the reporting deadline for Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) until early 2025. Initially extended to October 1, 2024, the deadline has now been pushed to January 15, 2025. This follows…

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New Resource – Digital Accessibility Requirements For Online Learning | Policy Matters (August 2024)

Major Updates Digital Accessibility Requirements For Online Learning | UPCEA Primers + Insights – NEW How Disability Anti-Discrimination Laws Impact Online Courses and Programs Across UPCEA’s membership and higher education more broadly, every individual plays an important role in fostering inclusive environments. Digital accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement but a cornerstone of inclusive…

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How higher-ed is accelerating the growth of credential innovation (eCampus News)

“A new higher-ed playbook aims to accelerate the development and delivery of non-credit, short-term credentials that are effectively directed at the workplace. Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways: Accelerating the Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education, from online and professional education association UPCEA and supported by a grant from Walmart, features lessons learned and promising practices…

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These 10 schools found their footing creating quality alternative credentials (University Business)

Senior leadership is beginning to view alternative credentials as a fundamental aspect of their enrollment strategy—and accreditors are listening. But costs, opaque data and unfruitful corporate outreach efforts have prevented colleges and universities from implementing the programs at scale, to name a few barriers. Institutions looking to solidify their non-degree micro-credential and digital badge strategy can model solutions from…

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Musings on trends and updates from UPCEA CEO Bob Hansen.

A new direction for the Distance Teaching and Learning Conference

November 7, 2024

Over the last three years, UPCEA engaged in an innovative partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to enable the latter’s Distance Teaching and Learning (DT&L) conference to continue under UPCEA’s leadership. The partnership’s goals included making this valuable event for the distance learning community more sustainable and accessible to online practitioners focused on teaching and…

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Beyond Degrees: How Credential Innovation is Closing the Gap for 42 Million Learners

October 24, 2024

A Movement, Not Just a Community Convergence is emerging as the place where the credential innovation community for higher ed comes together. But more than a community, it’s a movement. Not a movement to make degrees less valuable, let alone obsolete. Rather, it’s a movement to complement degrees by meeting the needs of those for…

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Valuable insights from UPCEA's trusted corporate partners.

Steadying the Ship: Why Professional Coaching Matters in Turbulent Times

June 30, 2025

The pace and pressure of academic leadership have intensified. Many leaders are navigating increased responsibilities, constrained resources, political tension, and widespread fatigue. In this environment, clarity, presence, and sustained energy are essential and precious. To lead effectively, leaders must protect their most limited resource: their focus and energy. Coaching provides a structured space to do…

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Digital Marketing Strategy for Higher Education: Drive Enrollment With SEO and PPC

June 6, 2025

How Do You Market to College Students Today? What is the modern student search journey? Today’s students explore school options across various platforms, often following curiosity rather than a set path. Before they even land on a college website, students might watch a dorm tour on TikTok, get advice from Reddit threads, or ask ChatGPT…

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