The University of Maine (UMS) Micro-Credential Initiative has long been viewed as a leader in micro-credential innovation in higher education. Claire Sullivan, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation in Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials for the University of Maine System, recently participated in two virtual events sponsored by the online and professional education association UPCEA (External Link).
At the New England Region Salon: Meeting Challenges and Changes in Online, Professional and Continuing Education in New England on August 1, 2024, Sullivan served as a panelist for the following session:
Growth Strategies that Meet Current Challenges: Examples of How Institutions are Growing their Programs
- Rick Mask, Senior Associate Dean, Global Initiatives, Southern New Hampshire University
- Claire Sullivan, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation in Digital Badges and Microcredentials, University of Maine System
- Daniel Richer, Executive Director of Enrollment Strategy Graduate Studies Online at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Marilyn Cleary, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at Framingham State University
- Facilitator: Craig Lundsten, Special Assistant to the President for Transformational Partnerships, Excelsior University
At a Coffee Chat hosted by the Alternative Credentials Network (External Link) on August 20, 2024, Sullivan shared experiences and insights as a member of the grant-supported Credential Innovation Consortium (External Link). This ten-member pilot project aims to facilitate and expedite the adoption of scalable business and program models by colleges and universities, supporting the development and delivery of noncredit, short-term credentials to local, regional, or statewide businesses. This work resulted in the playbook “Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways: Accelerating the Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education” (External Link). The playbook includes lessons learned, actionable steps, and instructive case studies. The Walmart-funded consortium will continue its work for a second year.