In an effort to address the increasing demand for micro-credentials in the academic realm, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, S.TP., M.P participated in the Workshop on Building a Common Understanding and Set of Policies for Micro-credentials. The workshop was held by SEARCA, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines on May 5-8, 2024 as part of a Project funded by Erasmus+.
Also present at the meeting were several leaders of SEARCA member universities such as the Vice Chancellor for Quality Development of Katsersat University, Thailand, Dr. Buncha Chimnasri, Dr. Glenn Gregorio as SEARCA Center Director, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, SS, M.Hum., DEA as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Chaiyot Sumirtsakun as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of Maejo University Thailand, Prof. Dodik Ridho Nurochmat from IPB Graduate School, University of Philipine Los Banos (UPLB), Visayas State University and Central Luzon State University, Philippines, and University of Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.
The workshop is aimed at developing strategies, agreements, and frameworks for the establishment and quality assurance of micro-credentials, with a focus on Food Security & Climate Change (FSCC). Representatives from participating universities, leading subject matter experts in FSCC, and key stakeholders in curriculum development, accreditation, policy-making, and quality assurance attended the event.
The workshop covered a range of critical topics to the effective implementation of micro-credentials in the academic environment. Participants engaged in productive discussions on logistical and administrative barriers, quality assurance standards, integration into existing courses, credit conversion mechanisms, industry partnerships, and more. Through interactive sessions, focus groups, and open discussions, participants collaboratively developed strategies to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the micro-credentials landscape.
Participants were grouped into Focus Group Interviews (FGDs) to explore critical questions around policy implementation, quality assurance, micro-credentials components, integration into existing courses, credit conversion mechanisms, industry partnerships, and student regulations. “Valuable findings emerged on the need for clear policies, robust quality assurance mechanisms, flexible integration frameworks, and seamless credit transfer processes to ensure the effectiveness and recognition of micro-credentials in degree programs,” said Imam.
At the end of the session, participants identified key action points and formulated next steps to advance the micro-credentials agenda in higher education. Establishment of common criteria, harmonization of university policies, development of quality assurance frameworks, and strengthening industry partnerships were the priority areas for future collaboration.
The workshop’s outcomes promise to transform the higher education landscape, facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration, and equip learners with flexible skills to face the evolving challenges of the 21st century. “As Universitas Brawijaya continues its journey towards educational excellence, similar innitiatives are drivers of positive change and sustainable development in the academic realm,” he concluded.
UB Microcredentials are off-campus learning programs for UB students to acquire specific skills or competencies in certain certified fields of science offered by campuses or educational institutions and/or professional organizations online or offline. Microcredential programs are designed to be flexible and easily accessible to participants to acquire new skills or update existing skills without having to follow a full degree program. (UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
