The traditional patterns of education attainment, which culminate in a degree, are being enhanced by the increasing use of unbundled qualifications characterized by competency-based learning and credentialing. This movement is changing the landscape of higher education. Students are finding more flexibility in the notion that they can shop around and acquire the skills they desire to meet their career goals. Postsecondary education has begun to provide numerous enhanced options for students to gather their qualifications, ranging from microcredentials, online programs, badges and industry-based certifications.
For employers, the trend toward credentialing is a welcome development. According to Anthony P. Carnevale, Director of the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, shifts in the job market have lent greater importance to credentials. “It’s the real change in the economy which requires upskilling.” And with people changing jobs more often, employees are recognizing that they need good credentials to get in the door and advance in their careers. (Goldie Blumenstyk, “When a Degree Is Just the Beginning”)
The traditional model of a college or university offerings of four year degree, masters and Ph.Ds. have served us well. But today’s students really do need to alter their frame of mind to embrace continuous learning over a lifetime. “Microcredentials matter because a successful career depends on a range of narrow skills working in tandem.” It is, of course, much more convenient to sell students one large qualification rather than offer an array of mini ones. But from an employer’s point of view, it is far better to have a person with numerous mini qualifications that can be inspected carefully (The Chronicle of Higher Education, “The Desire for Credentials in an Age of Anxiety” Sept. 2015).
AACRAO was an early adopter of the certification. AACRAO's Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Program (SEM-EP) provides a self-paced professional development program and career advancement track for in-service enrollment professionals. For the individual, completion of the program is a valuable addition to a resume and formal recognition by AACRAO regarding professional readiness to meet current and future challenges in the field. For the institution, the program will offer a better way to evaluate the preparedness of prospective employees for SEM positions.
Participants engage in a rigorous and stimulating curriculum taught by SEM leaders. The curriculum includes online courses, webinars, field visits, and a capstone research experience. AACRAO recognizes graduates with the formal “SEM-EP” designation, indicating assessed readiness to meet current and future challenges in the field of Enrollment Management.
Earn credit towards SEM-EP. Attending the 25th annual AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management Conference in November fulfills a program requirement for SEM-EP.
AACRAO will feature a SEM-EP Panel session on Monday, November 2nd at 10:30am in Diplomat 4, 2nd floor of the convention center in Hollywood, Florida. Joe F. Head, SEM-EP Special Advisor, will be available at the conference to answer specific questions regarding the program. Head’s expertise focuses on the development of enrollment management strategies for traditional, non-traditional and graduate areas. As the former Dean and Assistant Vice President, for Enrollment Services at Kennesaw State University, he managed three department heads in Admissions, Registrar and Financial Aid offices. For more information about the program, please visit the SEM-EP website.
For a preview of upcoming SEM sessions, you can participate in AACRAO’s FREE webinars covering:
Understanding Student College Choice October 9, 2015 (2-3pm ET)
View from Inside: Moving From CIO to VP of Enrollment and Marketing November 17, 2015 (2-3pm ET)