Microcredentials and Your Advising Conversations

This is the fourth post in our series on the new LER briefs. Catch the intro post here if you missed it.

Here's a scenario that's becoming more common: an advisee mentions they earned a microcredential, or asks whether they should pursue one. Do you know what to say?

If not, you're not behind; this is genuinely new territory for many advisors. But it's worth getting comfortable with because, in a planned update, students' earned microcredentials will start appearing directly on their myUMBC profiles, right alongside the information you already use in advising conversations: major, GPA trends, stated career goals.

The question we hear most: does this create more work for me?

Hopefully not, and that's the point. You're not being asked to track which courses or programs include microcredentials, recommend specific ones, or manage any part of the process. The ask is much smaller: know that they exist, know where to point students, and don't get caught flat-footed if a student brings one up.

A student asks if they should pursue a microcredential. What do you say?

Treat it like you would any other elective, research opportunity, or co-curricular activity: "yes, if it fits." A microcredential doesn't replace coursework or change degree requirements; it's just one more way for a student to document and communicate what they're already doing. The real conversation is the one you're already equipped to have: does this align with where the student is trying to go?

Where do they actually show up?

Two places right now. Some are built directly into for-credit coursework: a student completes certain assignments, and the badge comes alongside the grade. Others are tied to co-curricular experiences: Shriver Center service-learning programs, student leadership roles, undergraduate research. Co-curricular ones tend to be easier to spot upfront (if a program includes a microcredential, it's usually stated clearly). Course-embedded ones are less visible in current systems,  something DCI is actively working to improve. If you're ever unsure whether a specific course or program includes one, DCI can tell you.

How do you see what an advisee already has, before myUMBC integration is live?

Ask them directly. Students can share their Accredible digital wallet:  think of it like sharing a portfolio, which can surface things you wouldn't otherwise catch in conversation. A student who's quietly earned several microcredentials in data analysis, for instance, might be a stronger fit for a research opportunity or career path than either of you had considered.

Why this is worth your attention now

Since 2015, UMBC has developed more than 250 active microcredentials across academic, student affairs, research, and co-curricular programs, and was recently selected for a national cohort focused on Learning and Employment Records. Employers and grad programs are increasingly recognizing this kind of verified skills documentation, and students who can talk about what they've earned have a real edge. Advisors are often the first to help students make that connection.

A few low-effort ways to get more comfortable with this:

• Ask a current advisee whether they have any microcredentials and, if so, have them share their Accredible wallet with you, just to see what it looks like in practice.

• Browse the UMBC badge portfolio to get a sense of what's currently available.

• If you advise students in programs with active Shriver Center, research, or leadership-based opportunities, reach out to DCI to find out what's on offer.

• If you'd like a deeper orientation for yourself or your advising team, DCI offers consultations and training.

Want the full brief? Read it here.

Questions? Submit a support ticket or reach out to the DCI team directly.