Earlier this month, representatives from Saint Mary’s Online Strategy and Programs group were invited to the annual conference of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) to present on our innovative practices related to inclusive, online programming and digital badging.
Director of Instructional Design, Abram Hedtke, presented alongside colleagues from the University of Michigan on approaches to accessible learning design as it relates to learning management systems (LMSs). Their presentation offered a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) framework and an LMS reflective roadmap that can inform design practice.
Vice Provost of Online Strategy and Programs, Andrea Carroll-Glover, participated in a research roundtable alongside colleagues from Syracuse University, University of Richmond, Indiana University and University of Colorado, Boulder, on a variety of topics related to emerging needs across the higher education landscape. Days earlier, Carroll-Glover participated in a roundtable discussion dedicated on Integrated Campus Services and the Changing Role of the Online Enterprise at UPCEA’s Summit for Online Leadership and Administration.
Interim Director of CELT and Online Product Development, Carrie Wandler, presented alongside Carroll-Glover, and Leon Dixon, Vice President for Inclusion and Human Dignity (not present), on Inclusion and Human Dignity: Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments. The group will revisit this topic in another upcoming presentation for the UPCEA REACH conference on May 4th.
Andrea Carroll-Glover and Carrie Wandler were also invited to present at a Spotlight Session, organized by the UPCEA Network for Alternative Credentials, on how Saint Mary’s innovative approach to badging can allow institutions to scale digital badging successfully in a relatively short amount of time. Leaders from top tier universities from across the nation attended the talk, including Harvard University, Columbia University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Purdue University. Our work in this area was especially well-received, with many institutions asking to connect for more insight and information. Our story is truly changing what other higher ed institutions are seeing as possible!
Beginning in 2022-2023, Saint Mary’s will also be expanding its leadership presence at UPCEA with representatives occupying the following roles:
Andrea Carroll-Glover, M.B.A, Board of Directors
Carrie Wandler, Ed.D., Vice Chair of Professional Development, Business & Operations
