Microcredentials at an R1 Institution

For the Record, An AACRAO Podcast

Another episode recorded at the Convergence conference co-hosted by UPCEA and AACRAO focusing on credential innovation. Microcredentials have popped up in many places, but what about at a research-intensive institution? This episode explores the ways that Rutgers University went about discerning the best path forward with microcredentials. Chris Retzko, Director of Academic Assessment and Accreditation shares his experiences working with the implementation and roll out of microcredentials from the beginning.

Key Takeaways:

• There was a significant amount of collaboration and involvement from stakeholders to push a report with recommendations on microcredentials forward. Reach out to others across your institution to study, explore, and identify ways that microcredentials will work for your institution. Institutional culture will dictate a lot!
• Incorporating the microcredential review and approval process into existing administrative systems makes things easier for everyone involved. And don’t forget the assessment piece!
• Microcredentials can be a way to make concrete abstract concepts that students are learning as part of their degree programs. Look to your curriculum’s learning objectives for opportunities!

Host:

Doug McKenna, University Registrar
George Mason University
[email protected]

Guests:

Christopher Retzko
Director of Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Rutgers University
[email protected]

References and Additional Information:

https://conferences.upcea.edu/convergence2023/

https://www.aacrao.org/signature-initiatives/learning-mobility/digital-credentials

https://academicaffairs.rutgers.edu/microcredentialing-and-digital-badging