Guidance on UH Micro-Credentials
Vice President for Academic Strategy Debora Halbert’s May 2022 “Guidance on UH Microcredentials” memo provides system-wide guidance on the creation and uses of micro-credentials that will allow for programmatic innovation while system and campus policies and processes are developed.
A draft UH System policy on micro-credentials was developed in 2023 and distributed for formal consultation and input in early 2024. Faculty and staff feedback informed revisions to that draft policy, and the latest version of EP 5.231 will be implemented in 2024.
Micro-Credentials Overview
Micro-credentials represent an evolving trend in higher education and professional development, offering modular, focused learning experiences tailored to specific skills or competencies. Unlike traditional degrees and certificates, these credentials are incremental and can be accumulated over time, providing learners with the flexibility to adapt their education to their career goals and market demands. They are designed to be shorter in duration, digitally badged, and focus on specific skill sets that are highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing job market. This approach to education recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and the need for continuous skill development in a fast-paced, ever-evolving professional landscape.
Micro-Credentials Policy Work Group (2023)
Gloria Niles, Director of Online Learning, UH System (co-convener)
Alan Rosenfeld, Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Policy, UH System (co-convener)
Julie Adrian, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UH Hilo
Michael Furuto, Associate Professor of Mathematics, UH West Oʻahu
April Quinn, Director of Program Development and Review, UH Mānoa
Nicolette van der Lee, Program Manager, UH Community Colleges
Sandra von Doetinchem, Associate Specialist, UH Mānoa Outreach College
Policy Development (2023-24)
Current UH policy does not address micro-credentials. A new policy is therefore needed to provide a framework that will afford the UH campuses the opportunity to create micro-credentials. As the mission, scope, and organizational structure of each campus differs, individual campuses will have the opportunity to develop specific guidelines and procedures for the authorization of micro-credentials provided that they conform to the terms of UH System policy. A UH System policy will establish a definition, taxonomy, and broad guidelines for the development and issuance of micro-credentials; and identify campus responsibilities to ensure academic standards and consistent practice in the development and issuance of micro-credentials.
The Micro-Credentials Work Group formulated a draft policy on micro-credentials, which was vetted by the Chief Council of Academic Officers (CCAO) and the Chief Council of Student Affairs Officers (CSSAO) in May 2023, before being shared further with campus Registrars, Financial Aid Officers, and the UH Officers. Following feedback from those groups and revisions, a revised draft Micro-Credentials Policy (EP 5.XXX) was distributed for formal consultation through the UH Faculty Senates in early January 2024 with feedback accepted through March 1. The input from faculty and staff informed a set of revisions captured in the current iteration of EP 5.231, which we expect to finalize and implement in 2024.
