Interested in developing a new UMS
micro-credential?

A graphic showing the five phases of UMS Micro-Credential Development forming a circle connected by arrows: Idea, Plan, Develop, Launch, Sustain

This overview is designed to help potential University of Maine System (UMS) Micro-Credential (M-C) Development team members understand the process of developing and launching a micro-credential that meets UMS’ core elements for quality.

The length of time it takes to create and launch a micro-credential depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • team members’ availability and capacity, and
  • whether content must be newly developed, including video production, and permissions obtained.

Each section below gives an overview of the phase, along with key milestones in the process:

image of a human head in profile with a lightbulb in the brain area, above the text "Idea"

This phase consists of completing the Level 1 training to learn about the UMS Micro-Credential Framework and approach. After the training, you will complete a brief form to signal your interest. The form helps us identify the most relevant resources and the support needed. The information you provide will be refined as you progress in the development of your micro-credential.

Milestones:

Image of a lightbulb emitting five smaller decorative graphic elements, above the text "Plan"

Your team will meet a UMS Micro-Credential Learning Designer who will provide feedback about your idea and introduce you to key milestones and resources. During this phase, you will:

  • Finalize your Development Team and Advisors, including any Employer/Industry partners (required for revenue-generating micro-credentials).
  • Obtain any required permissions/approvals (e.g., University, Dean, and/or department) from each University involved to develop and sustain the micro-credential. 
  • Continue to refine your idea, including conducting any relevant Market & Competitor Analyses, selecting a Competency Standard against which learners are assessed, and beginning to draft a sustainable business model.

Milestone:

  • Submit the UMS Micro-Credential Intent to Develop Form to reflect the above planning activities.
Drawing of a lightbulb with three gears inside above the text "Develop"

Your team will articulate the earning criteria for each badge in the micro-credential (metadata) and work with an Instructional Designer to develop the content and standard-aligned assessments for your learning experience. It is during this phase that digital badges are created in the UMS badging platform.

Milestones:

  • Submit the UMS Micro-Credential Metadata Template.
  • Conduct a self-review of the learning experience using the UMS Micro-Credential Learning Design Checklist.
drawing of a rocket launching from a lightbulb above the text "Launch"

To prepare to launch the micro-credential, your team will meet with the UMS M-C Project Specialist to support you as you finalize your business model and complete the milestones below.

Milestones:

  • Using the UMS Micro-Credential Learning Design Checklist, a UMS Instructional Designer conducts the final launch review of the learning experience.
  • Publish a webpage for the micro-credential on your campus or organizational website.
  • The registration and enrollment process is finalized. 
  • The micro-credential opens for enrollment!
drawing of a small plant inside a lightbulb surrounded by three circular arrows above the text "Sustain"

A core element of quality-assured UMS Micro-Credentials is continuous improvement. You will use data and learner feedback to make adjustments as needed. Plan for periodic content review by appropriate subject-matter experts. Inform UMS M-C Staff if there are any changes to personnel and of any issues or needs that arise.

Milestones:

  • UMS M-C Staff will set a meeting six months post-launch to discuss continuous improvement of the course content and format, assessments, learner engagement and M-C completion, and feedback.
  • Work with UMS-Staff to collect micro-credential impact data.

Throughout, plan to meet with UMS Micro-Credential Initiative Staff regularly to ask questions, address potential barriers and challenges as they arise, and connect with others throughout UMS who may be able to offer additional support and expertise.

Next Steps

Ready to get started turing your idea into a reality?

Once submitted, the UMS M-C Staff will follow up via email, typically within 5-10 business days. Then, if you wish to continue, you and any identified Development Team members will meet with the UMS Micro-Credential Learning Designer to kick off planning.

Questions?

Contact us at ums.mc@maine.edu.