Credentials Unscripted

The credentialing ecosystem is evolving, with newer credentials like microcredentials and badges taking center stage. But, change is not synonymous with positive growth. As we transform the credentialing landscape, what should our rubric for success be?  In this episode, we speak with Simone Ravaioli, Director of Academic Innovation at Instructure. His work focuses on strategic initiatives that ad...

A decade ago, the "college for all" movement was in full gear. Since then, a sizable shift has taken place with a move towards other forms of credentials. Is that a good thing? How should we think about this shift? In this episode, we are joined by Matt Sigelman, President of The Burning Glass Institute, to discuss credential value, how to measure it and why it matters for learners, institutions a...

What are American sentiments about higher education? How have feelings shifted over time? And, more importantly, what can be done? In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact & Planning at the Lumina Foundation, to discuss Gallup's survey on American higher education, the challenge of ROI and the perceptions of politicization on college campuses. 

Within the credentialing ecosystem, we talk about digital badges and LERs (Learning and Employment Records) with such frequency, that we often forget to ask ourselves core questions. What do employers actually want? Do they care about LERs and badges? In this episode, we are joined by Ian Davidsion, Chief Growth Officer at SmartResume. He shares what employers actually want, how to talk to employe...

How is AI going to shape the future of work and education? What skills will be needed? What evolution will take place? In this episode, we are joined by AI ethicist and strategist, Rebecca Bultsma. We discuss how to think and talk about AI, as well as the need to "become more human".  

Paul Fain, Journalist and Founder of Workshift.org, joins us to discuss the short-term credentialing landscape, how we measure ROI, and the potential impacts of AI on learners and the higher education ecosystem. 

80% of community college students intend to transfer to earn their Bachelor's degree. Only 16% accomplish that goal. Why? To discuss the challenges of transfer and share how institutions can become more transfer friendly, we are joined by Tania LaViolet, Director of Research & Innovation at The Aspen Institute. She shares strategies from The Transfer Playbook 2.0 and discusses how we can assis...

Listen to learn how Purdue University Global is crafting new pathways for learners through incremental credentialing and "degree along the way". We are joined by Jacob Askeroth, who shares how they implemented microcredentials into their degree programs and how they are awarding Associate's Degrees on the way to a Bachelor's. You can read more about Purdue University Global's exciting initiatives...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Van Davis, Executive Director at WCET & Vice President of Digital Learning at WICHE, to discuss recent policy discussions and legislation related to Short-Term Pell. Dr. Davis shares the latest in federal policy, the potential impact of legislation, and the evolving short-term credential landscape. As we discuss in the episode, WICHE developed a phenomenal...

The landscape of Career Technical Education (CTE) is rapidly evolving. What are states doing to maximize opportunities for learners? How are states grappling with the proliferation of credentials? To understand the current status of CTE in the United States, Emily Passias, Deputy Executive Director at Advance CTE, joins us to share their latest report on state policy, credentials of value and reco...

Higher education is at a critical cultural moment, with growing skepticism around the value of a college degree. How can postsecondary remain relevant and valuable? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kenyatta Lovett, Principal at ESG. He shares a roadmap for delivering value in postsecondary education. We highlight ESG's excellent report, "The Great Value Shift", which illuminates how states, syst...

Why is there a gap between the skills employers want and the skills we develop in higher education? How do we build the organizational capacity for rigorous earn-and-learn opportunities? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Annelies Goger, Fellow from The Brookings Institution. She highlights how states are scaling earn-and-learn opportunities, the value of skills frameworks, and the promise of a...

What is the value of experiential learning? And, what are the experiences that really matter for learners and employers? In this episode, Beth Merenstein, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement & Experiential Learning at Central Connecticut State University, joins us to share why experiential learning can have a significant impact on institutions, learners and the broader community....

In this episode, we are joined by Shawn VanDerziel, President & CEO of the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), to discuss their report on the 2025 Job Outlook for graduates. Shawn highlights what competencies employers are looking for, where skills-based hiring is happening and how learners can best prepare themselves for the job market. To read NACE's 2025 Job Outlook rep...

How can AI improve credit mobility in higher education? In this episode, Jesse Boeding, Co-Founder of Education Assessment System, joins us to share research on AI and credit mobility. She highlights how to think about AI, why it's more than just a means to efficiency, and why leveraging AI is ultimately in the best interest of learners and institutions.

Kristen Vanselow, Assistant Vice President for Innovative Education & Partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University joins us to share how FGCU has developed a robust microcredential program that provides flexible, competency-based opportunities that signal readiness for careers beyond traditional degrees. Kristen shares how FGCU develops programs in partnership with leading employers to addres...

In this episode, we are joined by Marla Gunasegaram, Systemwide Learning Technology Strategist at the California State University System. She shares how they scaled digital badging across the CSU system, how they collaborate with individual institutions and why a system-wide LMS is key to their success.

The digital credentialing landscape is quickly evolving, with the explosion of microcredentials, badges and the conversation around skills. What does the next 5 years of digital credentialing look like? In this episode, we are joined by Jason Weaver, VP of Product at Instructure, to hear his point of view on what needs to happen to ensure that digital credentials can scale and create the most oppo...

How should AI fit into the college admissions process? What guidance are institutions offering prospective students? And, how can high school counselors advise their students? In this episode, we speak with Emily Pacheco, Advisor for AI in College Admissions. We talk about ethical use of AI for college admissions, the opportunities ahead and the need to establish "rules of the road" for AI. To lea...

Credit for Prior Learning has long been utilized by higher education to award credit for work, life or training experience. But, how can CPL be utilized amidst the growing world of short-term, non-credit credentials? In this episode, we speak with Melanie Booth, Executive Director of the Higher Learning Commission's Credential Lab, and Ian Roark, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development & Inno...

What do we really know about the skills and competencies of graduates? Surprisingly, very little. In this episode, we are joined by Amber Garrison Duncan from the Competency Based Education Network, an organization dedicated to true competency — what an individual knows and can do — rather than on proxies for knowledge and skills.

Non-degree credentials are growing rapidly, but what does non-degree credential quality look like? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Van Noy, Director of the Education & Employment Research Center at Rutgers University. She shares a framework for non-degree credential quality and highlights the research around outcomes for non-degree credential attainers. 

How does the largest school district in the country set students up for postsecondary success? In this episode, we are joined by Kristen Harris, Executive Director of College & Career Planning at New York City Public Schools. She shares how they navigate postsecondary planning and the impactful practices they've implemented for student success.

Are dually enrolled students more likely to graduate? Are they more likely to enroll in postsecondary? In this episode, we dig into the impacts of dual enrollment on a student's pathway to and through higher education. We are joined by Tatiana Velaso, Senior Research Associate at the Community College Research Center to discuss the latest research into the postsecondary outcomes of dual enrollment...

What is the microcredentialing landscape in Europe? In this episode, we are joined by Anastasia Pouliou, an expert in Vocational Education & Training from Cedefop. She shares the work being done in Europe on microcredentials, how they are aligning to qualifications frameworks, and how microcredentials can impact learning.