UCO Launches New Digital Credentialing Initiative with Credly

Oct. 5, 2021

Media Contact: Deirdre Steiner, Assistant Vice President, UCO University Communications, 405-974-2315,dsteiner@uco.edu 

UCO Launches New Digital Credentialing Initiative with Credly

The University of Central Oklahoma recently launched a new digital badging program for students and credential earners. Individuals who complete designated courses or curriculum will earn a UCO digital credential. 

Digital badges have gained popularity as a new way for job applicants to display technical skills or learning experiences. The badges are verified and backed by data that confirms the credential. Digital badges allow learners to display continuing professional development, new skill development, specialization and give additional details into their knowledge, skills and abilities. 

“By providing a secure, digital representation of certifications, UCO students can more easily manage, share and make use of the skills they’ve earned through their Central experience within their networks, across social media platforms and on their resumes,” said UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar. 

“For employers, digital badges make it easy to identify individuals with the needed skills to be effective contributors in their specific industries.”

UCO currently offers more than a dozen opportunities for individuals to earn digital badges through the university’s micro-credential offerings—which are learning experiences focused on a specific skill, knowledge or ability. UCO’s micro-credentials are available embedded in degrees or programs and as free-standing learning opportunities. Central already has plans to add dozens more micro-credentials to the current lineup.

Central is working with Credly, the digital credentialing leader, to provide digital badges. Credly collaborates with top global training providers, credential issuers, associations and academic institutions that are similarly focused on the power of verified skills and achievements. Credly transforms knowledge, skills and achievements into digital credentials that empower individuals to connect with learning and career opportunities. 

"Seeking out individuals who have earned certifications eases one of the most difficult aspects of recruiting skilled talent: finding qualified people who are ready and interested in making a career move," said Jonathan Finkelstein, CEO of Credly. 

"By providing recognition of workforce skills in the form of digital credentials, UCO offers its students a valuable tool that signals to employers their readiness for the job at hand." 

For more information about UCO’s digital credential program, visit uco.edu/academic-affairs/microcredentials/marketplace.

About the University of Central Oklahoma 

With strong connections throughout the Oklahoma City metro, the University of Central Oklahoma is dedicated to developing in students the confidence to succeed through transformative learning experiences.

Central prides itself as a smart investment for success, preparing future leaders in an opportunity-rich environment, with access to more than 200 student organizations and the internship, employment, entertainment and cultural offerings of the rapidly growing Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Founded in 1890, Central connects its nearly 14,000 students to unmatched value found in 119 undergraduate areas of study and 80 graduate majors from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the metro area. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about Central, visit www.uco.edu.

About Credly

Credly is helping the world speak a common language about people’s knowledge, skills and abilities. Thousands of employers, training organizations, associations, certification programs and workforce development initiatives use Credly to help individuals translate their learning experiences into professional opportunities using trusted, portable, digital credentials. Credly empowers organizations to attract, engage, develop and retain talent with enterprise-class tools that generate data-driven insights to address skills gaps and highlight opportunities through an unmatched global network of credential issuers. Visit www.credly.com to learn more. 

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