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
All academic microcredential programs need to be originated in Curriculog before requesting development through the Microcredential Development form. Complete the steps below to ensure the timely launch of your program.
("Academic" = Programs developed by Colleges and Schools.)
Step 1: Originate Program in Curriculog
All college-affiliated programs must use Curriculog to propose your academic non-credit microcredential program and to begin the expedited approval process.
Step 2: Begin Learning Development – Request Canvas Space
After approval:
- Book a microcredential consultation to begin planning the learning experience in Canvas. (Canvas use is required regardless of modality.)
- Fill out the microcredential development form. This gathers the necessary information for the Parchment Badges component and provides you with a space in Canvas to begin development.
- Build the learning activities/assessments in Canvas and plan for Parchment Badges integration well in advance of the course launch date. You will be provided with learning design guidance.
Step 3. Connect Canvas with Parchment Badges
Once you request the microcredential development (see form), 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 connect the Parchment Badges page for your program with this course so students can access as soon as the course opens and be motivated by and earn the badges accordingly.
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.)
Learning Design Standards
To ensure a high-quality experience for our students, all microcredential programs—both academic and non-academic—must follow a consistent set of design standards. Please review these expectations and collaborate closely with your learning designer to integrate best practices for accessibility, student engagement, and effective assessment.
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.