| Status | Last Updated |
|---|---|
|
On Track |
September 2026 |
Overview
Promote, facilitate, expand, and comprehensively report on non-degree programs, workshops, and other similar initiatives. Success will be achieved through increasing IUP’s programming and position as a leader in workforce-aligned partnerships. These engagements with new learners and industry partners will foster internal investment to deliver high-quality, in-demand credentials that support career advancement and meet evolving workforce needs.
Accomplishment Summary
TThe Non-Degree Learning Pathways priority has made progress in establishing the framework for a more coordinated and responsive approach to non-degree learning at IUP. Initial work has focused on developing a comprehensive inventory of current offerings, organized across four areas, to better understand IUP’s existing strengths and identify opportunities for future growth. The team is also reviewing the processes and systems needed to more effectively support, manage, and promote non-credit learning across the university. Engagement with internal, other higher education institutions, and corporate partners is helping inform this work and strengthen IUP’s approach to workforce development. A key focus is creating a more needs-driven model that responds directly to employer and workforce demands. Together, these efforts are building the foundation for expanding access to flexible learning opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships, and positioning IUP for future growth in non-degree education.
| Focus Area | Progress This Quarter | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Degree Inventory | Comprehensive inventory developed across four learning categories | In Progress |
| Workforce Engagement | Employer outreach underway to identify needs and inform future programming | In Progress |
| Credit-Bearing Certificates | Initial group of 10 certificates identified for potential recruitment and aligned, where appropriate, with PA in-demand occupations | In Progress |
| Non-Degree Infrastructure | Processes and systems for registration, records, and program launch are being evaluated for greater efficiency and scalability | In Progress |
Next Quarter
- Continue employer engagement and use identified workforce needs to inform potential programming.
- Advance marketing and recruitment plans for selected undergraduate and graduate certificates.
- Continue developing streamlined processes and infrastructure to support the launch and management of non-degree offerings.
Leadership Attention
IUP Community Engagement: Workgroup needs a more diverse membership and is notably lacking faculty volunteers to participate in the work of this strategic priority.
Milestone Timelines
July 2026: Form workgroup and begin establishing the framework for a robust non-degree learning pathways operation at IUP
October 2026: Have held numerous meetings with employers and begun reverse engineering education programming designed to meet their expressed needs.
December 2026:
- Have overhauled the marketing and promotion of select UG and GR certificates to make them appealing to non-degree learners.
- Schedule, promote, and begin registrations for noncredit programming based upon expressed needs of employers.
- Have a transparent and thoroughly communicated process for launching noncredit initiatives.
May 2027: Have developed an organizational support structure and culture within IUP to foster non-degree learning pathways for future years.
Priority in Action
Students can now turn their digital badge into a physical sticker at the STEAMSHOP in Stapleton Library. This is free to students.
Challenges and Risks
Team Members
- Richard Muth, chair
- Mistie Blazavich
- Tracey Cekada
- Jenn Dunsmore
- Nikki Knox
- Chris Koren
- Kristen O’Hara
- Amber Racchini
- Michael Williamson