UPCEA

06/19/2026

Explore the latest from the UPCEA International Network in the June 2026 newsletter. Meet the new 2026–27 leadership team, celebrate Annual Conference highlights and award winners, discover upcoming conferences, webinars, and professional development opportunities, and catch up on key trends shaping international higher education—including insights from the Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey and emerging global student mobility patterns. UPCEA members can join the International Network and all nine UPCEA networks at no additional cost to expand their connections and stay engaged with colleagues worldwide. Read more. https://ow.ly/L6mc50Zeny1

06/18/2026

UPCEA's May snap poll around fraudulent applications identified a troubling trend; fraudulent applications are the rule, not the exception. Among respondents, only 6% said there were no known confirmed or suspected fraudulent applications over the last year. For most institutions, this is a recurring or high-volume issue with 56% having at least 26 cases. While admissions (74%) lead the charge in identifying and addressing these applications, they are not alone. Identifying and resolving these applications has cascading effects from concerns around balancing student experience with security (30%) while also taking time away from other priorities for manual review or verification of applications. This trend causes considerable concern and is one UPCEA will be monitoring closely. UPCEA members may see the full results in this infographic. https://ow.ly/7e4E50ZcTVU

06/18/2026

Register now for 2026 Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education, taking place October 13–15 in Washington, DC. Presented jointly by UPCEA and AACRAO, Convergence brings together higher education leaders and practitioners who are shaping the future of innovative credentials. As institutions seek new ways to meet learner and workforce needs, this conference offers a unique opportunity to explore emerging credential models, learn from successful institutional strategies, and connect with colleagues advancing credential innovation across higher education.

Through engaging keynote sessions, interactive workshops, roundtables, and peer-to-peer discussions, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to strengthen credential initiatives on their campuses. Register by July 7 for the best price. https://ow.ly/zOzy50ZcRnH

06/17/2026

How do universities organize and empower their online and professional continuing education units—and what approaches best serve today’s adult learners? This course explores the wide range of organizational models, leadership structures, and roles that support online and professional continuing education across higher education. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of various models, the history and evolution of continuing education, and the regulatory and accreditation environments that shape institutional decision-making. Learn more. https://ow.ly/p8ly50ZcsWH

06/17/2026

For years, continuing professional education was often viewed as a peripheral part of higher education—home to extension programs, night classes and workforce training. Today, that perception is changing.

As rapid advances in AI and emerging technologies reshape industries and careers, the need for lifelong learning has never been greater. Traditional degree pathways alone can no longer prepare learners for decades of workforce change. Professional, continuing and online education units are increasingly positioned at the center of higher education’s response to evolving workforce demands.

Read more about why professional education is emerging as a critical driver of institutional relevance and workforce success in this new era. Read more. https://ow.ly/kAlz50Zcqqs

06/17/2026

As Valparaiso University expands its graduate programs, online offerings, and alternative credential initiatives, UPCEA has become a trusted partner in helping its leaders navigate growth and innovation. Stefanie Heinrich, Assistant Provost for Graduate and Online Education, highlights the value of UPCEA’s communities of practice, expertise, and professional network—connecting institutions that are tackling the same opportunities and challenges in online, professional, and workforce-focused education. Read more of Stefanie's story. https://ow.ly/UfN150ZcmYJ

If your institution is looking to strengthen graduate enrollment, expand online learning, or develop new pathways for lifelong learners, discover how UPCEA membership can help you move forward. Learn more about UPCEA membership. https://ow.ly/CoNb50ZcmYK

06/16/2026

As workforce expectations continue to evolve, colleges and universities are being called to create learning opportunities that are more responsive, skills-focused, and closely aligned with employer needs.

Expanding Institutional Capacity for Employer Engagement in Credential Innovation is a practical guidebook for higher education leaders seeking to strengthen employer partnerships, scale workforce-aligned credentials, and build institutional capacity for University-to-Business (U2B) engagement. The guidebook introduces the U2B Design Framework, highlights lessons from a national pilot initiative, and shares actionable strategies for advancing employer-centered credential innovation. Learn more.

Download UPCEA’s guidebook on employer engagement and credential innovation featuring the U2B Design Framework, benchmarking tools, and...

06/16/2026

As higher education navigates demographic changes, workforce demands, and resource constraints, institutions are finding new ways to connect learners, employers, and educational pathways. This Salon will explore innovative credential pathways, employer engagement, learner mobility, and the balance between workforce relevance and transformative learning.

Join your UPCEA regional colleagues for an informal, discussion-focused virtual Salon designed to spark connection, conversation, and shared learning. Open to all, these live sessions bring professionals together to explore timely topics in a relaxed and collaborative environment. Register now. https://ow.ly/comk50Zc4V6

06/15/2026

UPCEA is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 leadership team for the Council for Credential Innovation (CCI). We extend our sincere appreciation to the 21 dedicated member volunteers who will serve in leadership roles and help advance the future of credential innovation.

The Council for Credential Innovation brings together leaders from UPCEA member institutions who are committed to leveraging the strategic potential of non-degree credentials, workforce-focused microcredentials, and noncredit-to-credit pathways to enhance learner mobility and workforce relevance. Through exclusive events, member-only resources, and collaborative engagement opportunities, CCI supports institutions in expanding innovative credentialing strategies beyond traditional degree programs. Read more. https://ow.ly/83s450ZbOSb

06/15/2026

Higher education leaders need more than assumptions—they need reliable data. UPCEA provides research, benchmarking studies, and actionable insights focused on graduate, online, and adult learners. From enrollment trends and staffing models to pricing strategies and program delivery approaches, members gain access to information that helps guide smarter institutional decisions. Learn more about UPCEA membership. https://ow.ly/Ml6g50Zaan2