By Paige Selman Boucher, Community and Volunteer Manager, AACRAO
In an era of rapid digital transformation, the way we exchange learner achievements is changing. The “traditional transcript” is giving way to a dynamic ecosystem of microcredentials, Comprehensive Learner Records, and Learning and Employment Records. To help ensure that systems keep pace with the needs of modern learners, AACRAO is excited to announce the launch of a new Professional Activities Committee: The Credential Interoperability and Data Systems Committee.
This change was led by Chris Huang, Vice President for Information Technology and incoming President-Elect of the AACRAO Board of Directors. This new PAC falls under Group 6: Information Technology and focuses on identifying, reviewing, and informing the membership of solutions and developments related to cross-platform functionality, credential exchange, systems integration, credentialing platforms, and emerging standards that support learning mobility across higher education.
AACRAO members identified interoperability as the number one technical challenge that they face. As a leading champion for learning mobility, AACRAO believes this new committee fills a gap in our current PAC structure and aligns with our Learning Mobility Principles. The committee will help our members tackle the opportunities and challenges that exist in aligning technologies into a seamless mobility ecosystem by supporting additional programming at future Annual Meetings and providing a direct connection to practitioners passionate about improving interoperability. We aren’t just looking at the records themselves; we are looking at cross-platform functionality and emerging standards that allow data to flow securely between disparate systems.
Alignment with Learning Mobility Principles
Learner-Centered: Prioritizing the unique needs and goals of today’s and tomorrow’s learners. Empowering individuals to shape their educational paths and ensuring systems enhance learner experiences.
Equitable Opportunities: Committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for all learners by promoting pathways that foster educational, social, and economic mobility.
Interoperability & Open Standards: Advocating for seamless data flow across diverse systems, promoting open standards that drive innovation, collaboration, and support technological integration.
Value of Higher Education: Championing higher education as a driver of personal growth and economic prosperity. Supporting continuous learning.
Share Your Voice and Apply to Join the New PAC
PAC members help:
Encourage submissions and assist with the selection of program sessions for presentation at the AACRAO Annual Meeting.
Undertake special projects to improve the knowledge, expertise, and performance of the members of our profession.
Write articles for AACRAO publications and short articles for Connect (optional).
PAC members serve a three-year term and dedicate an average of one hour per month of their time. Time commitment increases when reviewing Annual Meeting submissions in August and September.
AACRAO is looking for a diverse mix of voices to ensure the work is both technically sound and administratively practical.
Ready to get involved?
Apply today through the PAC application to indicate your interest. Let’s work together to make the seamless exchange of learner achievement a reality.
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