UPCEA Updates

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

Reflections on trends in student success

By UPCEA | August 27, 2021

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…

UPCEA Announces 2021 Diversity in Leadership Scholars

By UPCEA | August 26, 2021

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…

Alternative credentials in higher education have a champion (EdScoop)

By UPCEA | August 25, 2021

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…

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

By UPCEA | August 24, 2021

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…

UPCEA Seeks Nominations for 2022 Leadership Positions

By UPCEA | August 2, 2021

The UPCEA Governance and Nominations Committee invites nominations for the following positions: Board positions: Board President-Elect 2022-2023, serving as the Board President in 2023-2024 Secretary-Treasurer, 2022-2024 Network Senate Chair, 2022-2024 Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee Co-Chair (2022-2024) Board Director At-Large (7), 2022-2024 Non-Board Positions: Finance Committee members (2), 2022-2023 Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee members…

Falling Gracefully Into Fall Semester

By UPCEA | July 27, 2021

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…

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

92% of Higher Education Leaders Say Microcredentials Support Institutional Competitiveness

By UPCEA | July 20, 2021

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…

The Benefits of Higher-Order Multiple-Choice Tests (Inside Higher Ed)

By UPCEA | June 24, 2021

In an excellent column, Ray Schroeder, senior fellow for the Association of Leaders in Online and Professional Education, laments the tendency for many instructors to rely on text-specific test banks as source material for student assessment. Not only are these inquiries susceptible to cheating, he says, they assess lower-order, nonlocalized and therefore less relevant knowledge like…

Other Blogs and News:

Anticipating the Fall of 2025

In January 2025, the president issued an executive order freezing federal loans and grants, including Pell Grants and other student loans. While the order has since been rescinded, the damage was done. Moving forward, potential students will be wary about the frailty of college loans. There will be uncertainty as to whether college is affordable…

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UPCEA 2024 Research: Unlocking Insights, Solving Higher Ed’s Biggest Challenges

The state of higher education in the U.S. is tumultuous with no clear and obvious pathway to success.  College and university leaders have never experienced what is currently going on regarding higher education, the economy, and the political landscape.  However, information can guide us, just as it did for UPCEA members coming out of the…

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How to Develop Leaders in the Online, Continuing, and Professional Education Landscape

Introduction  The online, continuing, and professional education landscape has experienced rapid growth and transformation in recent years. With technological advancements and an increasing demand for flexible learning options, institutions are tasked with delivering high-quality programs in a dynamic environment. As this field evolves, the need for strong, effective leadership becomes even more critical. Leaders in…

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UPCEA Congratulates Members Recognized in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Ranking of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

Thirty of the thirty-one Top 25 Ranked Institutions are UPCEA Members WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 6, 2025) — UPCEA, the online and professional education association, is pleased to congratulate the many UPCEA members recognized in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. U.S. News rankings include more than 1,790 online programs, covering…

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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…

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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…

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