Information for Faculty and Staff
On this page, explore the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about University of Maine System (UMS) Micro-Credentials for UMS faculty and staff.
Micro-credentials are developed by collaborative teams across the University of Maine System (UMS). The system is working to unify efforts across the seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, and to avoid duplication of efforts. Employer and industry input is also sought. UMS micro-credentials are:
- Competency-based.
- Quality assured with the UMS Micro-Credential Framework.
- Learner-owned, verified, and shareable.
For an overview of the process and next steps for getting started, visit Develop a Micro-Credential.
Embedding an existing badge or micro-credential into a course or co-curricular helps your students showcase high-demand skills and stand out. Students enhance a digital, professional identity and learn to articulate specific skills to potential employers.
Start by thinking about the skills and competencies students are already demonstrating through assignments, assessments, and/or activities. From there, UMS Micro-Credential Initiative staff will help you identify one or more badges for consideration. We will provide you with the necessary training and support.
UMS micro-credentials and badges we may suggest include:
- Education Design Lab’s Durable Skills: eight badges represent long-lasting, transferable, and foundational capabilities that remain valuable regardless of industry or role.
- Career Prepared
- Global Competency
- Leadership
- Undergraduate Research Scholar
- Financial Literacy
- Information Literacy
- Dawnland- Maine Indian History
For more information and to get started, contact us at ums.mc@maine.edu.
UMS faculty and staff can encourage students to earn and share micro-credentials and badges by:
- Spreading the word amongst advisees/mentees, honor societies and department clubs.
- Offering extra-credit to badge earners.
- Encouraging earners to share their achievement on professional sites like LinkedIn.
- Providing opportunities for earners to practice articulating their newly developed competencies.
Some UMS micro-credentials and digital badges were developed specifically for faculty and/or staff:
- Adult Learning and Teaching (faculty)
- Online Teaching Fundamentals (faculty and staff)
Many additional micro-credentials are open to UMS faculty and staff, and professional development funds may be available at the college, unit, or department level, or through the Maine Workforce Development Compact (MWDC); you must be signed in to the MyCampus portal to view the MWDC link.
View the full list of micro-credentials offered through the University of Maine System.
Contact Us
Do you have a question? Email us at ums.mc@maine.edu.