An ISU micro-credential workgroup has spent the past several months building a foundation for the micro-credential program in preparation for a rollout in summer or fall 2025. Led by Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) professional development and micro-credential program specialist Tanya Austin, the workgroup established processes, standards for quality, centralized branding and technology for consistency across the university.
A major piece of the foundation is the micro-credential resources and support CELT staff developed for students, faculty and employers, including a comprehensive micro-credential toolkit to help faculty understand and design micro-credentials.
Want to learn more?
For more information about micro-credentials, email Tanya Austin.
"We are excited about the progress we've made since the announcement of micro-credentials in January," said Sara Marcketti, assistant provost and CELT executive director. "Based on months of research, collaborations with other institutions and internal faculty feedback, we are eager to share our initial procedures, which we will continue to adapt as the program evolves."
Procedures and guidelines
Micro-credentials are short, focused learning activities or programs that can last days or months. They allow students to gain and showcase specific skills or knowledge while earning their degrees. They also help the workforce add high-demand skills.
"Our goal with micro-credentials is to provide recognition for what our learners know and can do that directly aligns with workforce needs," Austin said. "These micro-credentials, especially when combined with a degree, ensure our learners are both broadly educated and highly skilled, preparing them for evolving workforce demands and recruiting practices."
After familiarizing themselves with the available resources, faculty and staff will be able to submit an initial interest form. CELT staff will then schedule a consultation to review criteria, offer guidance and support further development of the proposed program before seeking the workgroup's final approval.
Pilot programs
CELT is assisting several micro-credential pilot programs across various disciplines to track outcomes, interests and insights that will help improve processes. These pilots are laying the groundwork for a universitywide launch, Austin said.
"We are always looking for pilot programs," she said. "For established programs, it can be a fairly easy process to set up a micro-credential. I encourage faculty and staff to look at existing programming and experiences that could recognize students for demonstrating in-demand skills."
Two pilot programs have awarded their first badges. CYVAX, an ISU vaccine development laboratory in the ISU Research Park, had participants replicate what they learned during the training in a lab setting. The Translational AI Center -- focused on applying new technologies to work -- awarded a micro-credential in translational AI.
What's in a badge?
Upon completing an ISU micro-credential, learners receive a digital badge they can post on social media and use in job searches. To create brand recognition, the workgroup established a university-branded digital badge design that issuers will be provided as part of the consultation and approval process.
Micro-credential technology
ISU's micro-credential badges will be managed and awarded through the Accredible technology platform. Accredible acts as an administrative hub and an authentication tool for verifying digital badges and integrates with Canvas or can be used elsewhere. Implementation has begun with pilot programs transitioning over in the coming weeks.
Accredible has an easy, one-step process for accepting and storing digital badges as part of its seamless experience. It keeps learners engaged with built-in communication and marketing tools, recommendations for additional micro-credential opportunities and labor market insights aligned to newly acquired skills to assist career planning.
What's ahead for micro-credentials
Following the universitywide launch, Austin said the next priority is to explore for-credit micro-credentials.
"Offering micro-credentials for credit is a more complex undertaking that requires additional stakeholders, but it's essential for helping our learners progress toward traditional degrees," she said.
Creating university-level micro-credentials open to all students regardless of their program also is being considered. They could align with ISU's larger initiatives, such as entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and broadly transferable skills.
