Microcredential Development Process
Please follow the approval process outlined below to begin developing your microcredential. Faculty are expected to work closely with Learning Design Services to ensure the timely launch of the program and integration of the necessary components before the program is made available to learners.
I) Academic Non-credit Approval Process
("Academic" = Programs developed by Colleges and Schools.)
Step 1: Originate Program in Curriculog
All college-affiliated programs must use Curriculog to propose any academic non-credit microcredential program and to begin the expedited approval process. Use the non-WISER form for individual courses.
Step 2: Begin Development – Request Canvas Space
After Curriculog approval, fill out and submit the microcredential development request form. This gathers the necessary information for the Parchment Badges component and provides you with a space in Canvas to begin development. This also begins the process of listing the course on the Professional Development Catalog and marketing the course.
Step 3. Build Content in Canvas
Once you request the microcredential development, a Canvas space will be created for you in the Professional Development instance of Canvas. This is the space where students will be enrolled and the learning activities will take place. Work with your learning designer to develop the learning activities/assessments well in advance of the course launch date, according to established course design standards. The Parchment Badges page for your program will be connected with this course before course launch.
Step 4. Conclude the Program
- Finalize grades in a timely manner so students can earn the microcredential without delay.
- Gather feedback from students to inform program improvements. The CEE Program Manager will provide a survey.
II) Non-Academic Co-curricular Microcredential Programs
Non-college programs are exempt from the formal Curriculog approval process. For these non-academic courses that operate outside of WISER, you can take advantage of the UMass Boston Plus platform dedicated to co-curricular learning, to deliver training and issue open badges. The dedicated Canvas instance provides self-enrollment features to easily onboard both UMass Boston members and guests.
("Non-Academic" = Training programs by non-college units, for example Student Affairs, IT, the Library, etc.)
Microcredential Examples
Visit the UMass Boston Parchment Digital Badges page to view current microcredentials.
Questions?
Reach out to Lori.Cooney@umb.edu or Rrezarta.Agimi@umb.edu
Earn a Microcredential
Enroll in the Teaching and Learning Online course on Canvas to learn about teaching online and earn the first microcredential on the UMass Boston Canvas Credentials system.