Industry Insights

Valuable insights from UPCEA's trusted corporate partners.

Is an OPM Right for You? How Can You Tell?

January 31, 2025

Is an OPM partnership right for your institution? The answer is rarely a simple yes or no. The decision to work with an Online Program Manager (OPM) is complex—shaped by factors like institutional readiness, cultural alignment, operational needs, staff expertise and financial considerations. Some universities thrive with deep OPM partnerships, others prefer independence, and many…

Read More

Ten Ways to S.K.I.L.L.: Strengthening Knowledge Through Industry-Linked Learning in Higher Education

January 27, 2025

During a recent Virtual Masterclass titled Strategies for Integrating Micro-Credentials into Curriculum, I had the privilege of joining Lancie Affonso from the College of Charleston to explore how industry-recognized microcredentials can enhance course outcomes. Lancie shared examples of how microcredentials can bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice while meeting students’ diverse interests…

Read More

Future-Proofing Professional Education: A Growth Playbook for 2025

January 10, 2025

In 2025, online, professional, and continuing education leaders are navigating a challenging yet transformative period. Rising demands for skills-based, flexible learning are matched by an increasingly competitive landscape.  Today’s adult learners, who often balance work and study, seek programs that offer immediate value, clear career pathways, and lifelong learning opportunities. As traditional degree enrollment declines,…

Read More

How High Exam Pass Rates Benefit Students, Schools & Communities

January 3, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare education, student success is paramount. One crucial marker of a student’s success is their ability to pass a certification exam. Beyond personal achievement, successful exam outcomes carry profound implications for the students, their educational institutions, and the communities they serve. Let’s delve into the multifaceted benefits that stem from…

Read More

Strategic Marketing Best Practices to Reach Military-Connected Students

November 27, 2024

Military-connected students (veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves members, and their families) represent a valuable but often overlooked demographic in higher education. These individuals bring a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and a commitment to service to campus—qualities that make them outstanding students and future leaders. As higher education institutions seek to…

Read More
Load More

Other Blogs and News:

Federal Funding Pause Blocked by U.S. District Judge, Memo Rescinded | Policy Matters (January 2025)

At 11th hour, judge blocks Trump’s pause on federal funding (Higher Ed Dive) “UPDATE: Jan. 28, 2025: A U.S. District judge halted the government’s temporary freeze on federal funding just minutes before it was set to take effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to news reports. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, D.C., blocked the…

Read More

Should I Get Microcredentials To Complement My Four-Year Degree In Today’s Job Market? (Forbes)

“Think about a professional stepping into the workforce—equipped with the strategic insights cultivated during a four-year business degree and bolstered by technical expertise gained through microcredentials. This balanced blend of broad understanding and specialized skills does more than make them competitive; it prepares them to lead and drive transformative change. Employers are no longer satisfied…

Read More

U.S. Department of Education Reveals New Distance Education and Program Integrity Rules: Final Outcomes and Responses to Concerns Raised by UPCEA

The Department of Education recently published new distance education and program integrity rules that address a number of topics raised during negotiated rulemaking sessions held in early 2024. Many of the proposals shared in the Department’s July 24, 2024, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) have been rescinded. Of those that remain, most are scheduled to…

Read More

Marketing Microcredentials for Higher Education: Strategies to Attract Lifelong Learners

Defining Microcredentials and Their Value Microcredentials, shorter educational programs that develop specific skills or competencies, have seen tremendous growth in recent years. Both adult learners and traditional students increasingly seek these credentials for upskilling or career advancement. While the term “microcredentials” is relatively new, short-form credentials have been offered by higher education institutions for decades,…

Read More

AI Readiness and Its Relationship to Enrollment Management in Continuing Education

Enrollment management plays a pivotal role in the success of any online and professional continuing education units through impact on revenue generation, learner engagement, and program sustainability. AI-driven business process automation (BPA) offers transformative solutions to streamline enrollment workflows, enhance recruitment strategies, and improve the overall student experience through allowing staff to focus on human…

Read More

Proposed Distance Education Rules Are Now Likely To Be Finalized Before the End of the Current Presidential Term | Policy Matters (December 2024)

Proposed Distance Education Rules Are Now Likely To Be Finalized Before the End of the Current Presidential Term On December 30, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) shared the final, unofficial version of its new program integrity and distance education regulations, which call for the collection of new but yet-to-be-established distance education and correspondence course enrollment data…

Read More