Welcomes from Verna Yiu, Provost & Vice President Academic at the University of Alberta, along with Tara Fleckenstein, Chair of the Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions Micro-Credential Forum and Curriculum Development Lead at NAIT.

As the pace of change accelerates and technology reshapes industries, micro-credentials have become essential tools in building a workforce that can adapt and thrive. In this keynote address, Meghan Hakey, Vice President of Marketing at Modern Campus, will explore the transformative potential of micro-credentials within the broader context of Continuing Education across Canada. Drawing from Modern Campus's extensive experience in enabling institutions to create flexible learning pathways, Meghan will provide insights into how micro-credentials can effectively bridge skills gaps, enhance employability, and promote lifelong learning. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of micro-credentials in strengthening the workforce, with a focus on Alberta's dynamic educational landscape.

Over the past two years, the University of Alberta has completely reimagined and modernized its Continuing Education operations to respond to the changing needs of our learners and clients. We have changed our name, introduced new leadership, repositioned our team members, developed new programs while sunsetting others, and launched a new non-credit micro-credential framework - all while implementing Modern Campus Lifelong Learning and a new LMS. Join U of A panel members who will share the realities of how they are transforming Continuing Education, building awareness and processes for micro-credential development - while creating space for its various stakeholders to see themselves in the transformation.

Participants will explore the latest trends in shifting employer needs and how educational credentials can be adapted to meet these evolving demands. The discussion will focus on the growing importance of aligning curricula with industry expectations, ensuring learners are equipped with relevant skills for the future job market. Attendees will learn how Canvas credentials can be tailored to reflect these trends, enabling educational institutions to stay ahead of workforce developments and better prepare students for successful careers.

This presentation explores the pivotal role of micro-credentials in preparing the workforce for emerging job roles driven by technological advancements and industry changes. Explore how micro-credentials can address specific skills shortages and align with industry needs; highlight how micro-credentials can provide accessible and equitable training opportunities for diverse populations using best in class labour market data. The presentation concludes with a summary of key points, a call to action for stakeholders to embrace micro-credentials, and an interactive Q&A session to engage the audience and address their specific concerns.

 This meeting is for Forum members only.

Welcomes from Dr. Barb van Ingen, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Concordia University of Edmonton, and Kassie Burkholder, NAIT's Executive Director of Corporate & Continuing Education and Product Development.

Hanover Research supports over 600 higher education institutions globally with custom market research support services. In this capacity, Hanover is frequently tasked with researching the demand for micro-credentials, both concerning prospective students and employers. Hanover’s members want to know: will anyone come if we invest in these micro-credentials? Do employers see value in these courses and awards? What formats actually work? In this address, Hanover will present the top trends in the micro-credential market, based both on the questions asked to us by our partners as well as the answers we identify in our research.

 Students and industry value credentials they trust. However, learners and employers are confused about micro-credentials and the value they provide. A provincial framework will increase clarity, as will a value proposition that resonates with learners and aligns with the institution’s brand. Since 2021, SAIT has launched over 100 micro-credentials. We’ll explore how SAIT is taking a customer value-based approach to creating a student and industry-centric classification framework that clarifies the value of SAIT micro-credentials and builds trust. Our analysis and validation process leading to clearer governance and increased rigour around establishing micro-credentials, technology enablement, and a responsive strategic plan.

Successful micro-credential development and launch require thoughtful proposal development and formation, ensuring SMEs from key industries are engaged and committed, and competencies are robust and validated. In this session, NorQuest College will share its micro-credential processes, with a focus on the team and roles required to make the micro-credential a success, from proposal to launch. Come and learn more about the entire process, including common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to uphold high academic rigor.

This presentation will outline the University of Calgary's phased approach to building the governance framework and operational structures for micro-credentials (MC’s) and digital badging while generating interest and innovation within the academic community regarding the possibilities of micro-credentials to serve learners over a lifetime. The framework including MC’s, approved by the General Faculties Council (GFC), included developing guiding principles for credit and non-credit MCs. The presentation will share the mandate of both phases, focusing on implementation and transition planning. Key topics include creating a micro-credential development process, communication strategies, academic guidelines, and a digital wallet system for managing student records.

 Closing remarks provided by Tara Fleckenstein, Chair of the Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions Micro-Credential Forum and Curriculum Development Lead at NAIT.