Microcredentials at CU Denver
The Basics
What is a Microcredential Program here at CU Denver?
No universally accepted definition of "microcredential" currently exists. Working with the faculty and staff at CU Denver, we have proposed a definition to meet our unique needs and the needs of our learners. You can find the full report on the working group page here: Microcredential Working Group.
A Microcredential is an umbrella term for several types of small-scale, skill-based, earned recognitions of proficiency in a designated competency or set of competencies. Types of microcredentials include digital badges, certificates, licenses, endorsements, and assessed PDUs/CEUs. Programs that award microcredentials should have these three characteristics:
- The skill, competency, or knowledge must be corroborated through some form of assessment;
- It is of smaller scale, focused on a subset of skills or competencies;
- It focuses on skills or competencies that can be directly linked to career growth, career change, or professional development.
As long as the program meets these three criteria, it could be considered a microcredential program. These programs can be developed as for-credit or not-for-credit. For-credit microcredential programs can only be created by academic units. Not-for-credit programs can be created by academic OR administrative units.
Articulated not-for-credit programs refer to a characteristic of certain not-for-credit programs that allows it to easily qualify for credit, typically to be applied to a degree program. More guidance for designing these kinds of programs is being developed and will be available later this term.
Whenever possible, programs should not be dead ends, but rather lead to other programs. Programs that are stackable, that can provide added value to our learners as they progress along a degree pathway or that can stand alone and potentially serve as an on-ramp into our programs, are of priority to develop.
The figure below illustrates the nested nature of the different credential-awarding programs at CU Denver. Microcredential-awarding programs are nested within the larger group of credential-awarding programs. Likewise, programs that award skill badges are nested within both groups. To learn more about digital badges at CU Denver, visit our page on Digital Badges.
Microcredential Development + TIPS
TIPS is here to partner with members of our CU Denver community as microcredential programs expand our academic offerings and provide new opportunities for our learners to engage with our institution. The staff here at TIPS can:
- Provide market intelligence to identify the skills of highest demand so our microcredential programs can be competitive and grow.
- Consult on stackable designs
- Partner with faculty in the program and course development process
For those with ideas for new microcredential programs, please reach out to Jeremy Lingle, Director of Microcredentials (Jeremy.lingle@ucdenver.edu)
Microcredential Infrastructure Development Timeline
| Phase 1: Planning | Phase 2: Building Infrastructure | Phase 3: Implementation |
|---|---|---|
Activities Inventory of potential microcredential programs at CU Denver. Microcredential and Badging working groups recommended framework, terminology, infrastructure, and priorities. Resultant reports reviewed and approved. Guiding project documentation RACI created based on report. Academic Innovation Advisory Council (AIAC) formed to provide consultation.
| Activities College and schools develop processes for proposing and approving microcredential programs and digital badges. Faculty governance determine process for campus-level review of new programs. Process mapping conducted of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) registration. Identify and establish process with Registrar to propose and document programs in SIS and catalogue. Establish workflow for Admissions Office, Bursar, and University Communications regarding new programs. Establish inventory of programs in partnership with OIRE.
| Activities Initiate processes for establishing microcredential programs and digital badges across the campus. Communication plans implemented regarding availability and processes. Resources available to faculty and staff to support development and proposal of microcredential programs and digital badges. Iteratively adjust processes for improved efficiency and user experience. Communication plans implemented for students to understand benefits and accessibility of programs. Expand portfolio of programs. Report on metrics of success. |
Timeline: Spring 2023-Fall 2023 | Timeline: Spring 2024-Mid-Fall 2024 | Timeline: Late-Fall 2024 -Spring 2025 |
Resources
Microcredential Working Group and Report
Badging Working Group and Report
Market Intelligence at CU Denver
Microcredentials Program Development Field Guide [COMING SOON]
Join the Community of Practice at CU Denver [COMING SOON]