Join higher education professionals from varied backgrounds, disciplines, and professions at the 2024 Convergence Conference, a joint AACRAO and UPCEA event focused on Credential Innovation in higher education. Scheduled
from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, LA, this conference is nearing capacity and early registration discounts end on August 26.
Presented jointly by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions
Officers (AACRAO), Convergence is set to be a transformative experience for professionals at the forefront of credential innovation. This collaborative event brings together a diverse group of campus stakeholders—including deans of professional
education, chief online learning officers, registrars, and other key staff members—to explore and define their strategies for innovative credentials.
Why Convergence?
The Convergence Conference is designed to address the rapidly evolving field of alternative credentials. As higher education institutions grapple with the demands of a dynamic workforce and the need for lifelong learning pathways, credential innovation
has become a critical area of focus. Convergence offers a unique platform for attendees to delve into new and emerging trends, share successful models, and network with other leaders in the field.
From engaging general sessions to interactive workshops and roundtables, Convergence promises a rich and varied program. This year’s conference builds on the success of the inaugural 2023 event, continuing to offer opportunities for meaningful connections
and actionable insights.
Featured General Sessions
Quality Assurance in Noncredit Credentials
Historically, non-credit programs have operated outside the realm of traditional accreditation. As institutions increasingly offer non-credit options, including those developed in collaboration with external providers, there is a growing need
to assess their quality. This panel will feature insights from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), exploring current approaches and future directions for ensuring the quality of
non-credit credentials.
Advancing Credential Innovation in Higher Education to Meet Industry Standards
This session will explore how credential innovations align with industry needs and embrace competency-based approaches. Learn about the role of digital badges and microcredentials, and the importance of industry partnerships in ensuring quality.
Discover how these innovations facilitate career advancement and promote lifelong learning, bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
LER Accelerator: Solutions and Stakeholder Conversations
Focused on the Learning and Employment Record (LER) space, this session will present solutions and best practices derived from the LER Accelerator project. Attendees will hear from a panel of higher education associations about the impact of LERs
on their respective stakeholder groups, providing valuable insights into how these records can transform higher education.
Who Should Attend?
Convergence is ideal for AACRAO members and others involved in credential innovation. The conference offers valuable content for senior leaders tasked with shaping institutional strategies for innovative credentials, as well as administrators,
registrars, and related professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and practices in this evolving field.
With its comprehensive agenda and the opportunity to engage with leading experts, the Convergence Conference is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of credentialing in higher education. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a
pivotal conversation and drive the future of credential innovation.