WASHINGTON, February 18, 2020 – UPCEA, the leader in professional, continuing, and online education, is pleased to announce the release of the association’s Competency and Attribute Statements for Professional, Continuing, and Online Practitioners. 

The competency and attribute statements consist of the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of Professional, Continuing, and Online (PCO) Education practitioners, and can be used for self-assessment, to draft position descriptions, and to craft individual professional development plans.

The 25 competency and attribute statements are organized in eight areas of focus: Entrepreneurship, Partnerships and Relationship-Building; Resource Management; Supporting and Advocating for Faculty and Students; Program Planning; Marketing, Research, & Evaluation; Information and Digital Technology; Critical Thinking and Decision Making; and Integrity, Ethics, and Professionalism. 

The competency statements were grouped under headings that aligned with UPCEA’s Hallmarks of Excellence documents to reflect an alignment between the enterprise-focused and aspirational Hallmarks and the individually-focused, specific competency statements. All modules in UPCEA’s forthcoming online professional development program will indicate which competencies are addressed by specific modules and certificates. UPCEA members are invited to participate in the development of the online professional development program. 

“The development of the competencies and attributes statements could not have been accomplished without input from our board, volunteer leaders, and our membership” said Julie Uranis, Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives for UPCEA. “They will serve as the foundation for various activities within the association, including a major new initiative that will launch at our Annual Conference in a few weeks.” 

The full set of competencies, as well as underlying methodology and resources, are available online at upcea.edu/competencies. 

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About UPCEA

UPCEA is the leading association for professional, continuing, and online education. Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. The association supports its members with innovative conferences and specialty seminars, research and benchmarking information, professional networking opportunities and timely publications. Based in Washington, D.C., UPCEA builds greater awareness of the vital link between adult learners and public policy issues. Learn more at upcea.edu.

CONTACT:

Molly Nelson, UPCEA Vice President of Communications and Marketing, 202.659.3130, [email protected]