Professional & Continuing Education
Since its inception in 1915, UPCEA has focused on the work of continuing and professional education administrators who advance their institution’s mission by providing access and opportunities for students of all ages. Today, that work is more important than ever, with a focus on today’s adult learner and on developing new audiences, education programs, and means of delivery.
UPCEA is committed to providing resources and opportunities for learning and professional development for leaders in online and professional continuing education, embracing their entrepreneurial spirit and our rich history as an association.
News & Events
Conferences, Seminars, Webinars
From our major annual conference, leadership, marketing and regional events to topical webinars and coffee chats, UPCEA offers unparalleled networking, presentation and innovative learning experiences for all areas of online and professional continuing education.
Major UPCEA Events include:
- UPCEA Annual Conference
- MEMS Conference: Marketing, Enrollment Management, Student Success
- Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR)
- Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education
- Digital Transformation & Learning (DT&L) Conference
- Regional Salons
Professional, Continuing, and Online Education News
Each and every day, Senior Fellow at UPCEA and Associate Vice Chancellor of Online Learning at University of Illinois Springfield Ray Schroeder brings you curated news articles.
The Pulse of Higher Ed
Perspectives on Online and Professional Education from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts
New economies and ecosystems are moving at a rapid pace. Outside of a handful of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees, one could argue that higher education isn’t…
Student loan defaults in the United States have been a growing problem. After reaching a historic low of 4.5% in 2003, student loan default rates have been…
Resources and Publications
UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence in Professional And Continuing Education
These Hallmarks presume that continuing and professional education is central, pervasive, and critical within institutions of higher learning—crossing internal boundaries and extending external ones, promoting change, and responding to current dynamics that convert challenges into opportunities. Through emphasizing certification and providing robust online learning resources, UPCEA ensures that professionals in higher education align their professional development with industry demands.
These Hallmarks of Excellence are an opportunity to define a set of standards that reflect the ambitions, potential, and importance of the PCE unit’s work—standards few achieve often enough to be complacent. Commitment to mission, enrollments, innovation, and academic excellence are the inseparable aspirations of continuing and professional educators.
Get Involved
Have you joined a Network yet?
Today, the field of professional, continuing and online education is characterized by engagement in very complex, highly specialized areas of practice. UPCEA’s eight Networks are designed to serve professionals practicing in the key areas that define this vibrant and growing sector of higher education. Networks focus on enhancing education for professionals and are open to any UPCEA Member. Members can join any one (or multiple) of these Networks, like Business & Operations, Program Planning and Implementation, and more!
Gain Knowledge and Advance Your Career
Learn from expert facilitators and connect with peers online as a part of UPCEA's Professional Development courses. Interested in earning the PCO Pro Certificate from UPCEA? Get the essential skills and knowledge you need with UPCEA’s Learning Center! Bringing you the leading experts in the field of professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education, these programs offer high-value and relevant online learning resources for practitioners at all levels.
Select and bundle five courses of your choice.
Become an UPCEA Member
UPCEA members get more...
- Access to useful research
- Networking opportunities
- Real time advice, answers and ideas
- Exclusive member content
UPCEA has the knowledge and resources colleges and universities need to serve adult learners, online learners and contemporary students.
Learn more about UPCEA's other focus areas:
Alternative Credentials
Contact Us!
To learn more about how UPCEA can help you and your organization navigate the vastly changing landscape of online and professional continuing education please complete this form or email us at [email protected]