1st Charlotte Microcredentials Forum: Bridging Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce
1st Charlotte Microcredentials Forum
Monday, November 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Lucas Room, Cone 341
RSVP REQUIRED
ALL FACULTY AND ACADEMIC STAFF are invited to the first Charlotte Microcredentials Forum
- Explore the strategic value of microcredentials for curricular innovation and student success.
- Highlight microcredential initiatives and programs at UNC Charlotte.
- Catalyze cross-unit engagement and future planning among academic colleges and departments.
AGENDA
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Lucas Room (Cone 341)
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Registration
Morning coffee will be served.
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Dr. Chuang Wang
Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, Cato College of Education
Keynote: How Institutions Can Leverage Microcredentials to Prepare the Future STEM Workforce
Dr. Rob Moore
Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, University of Florida
Director of the Investigating Digital Ecologies to Advance Transformative Education (IDEATE) Research Lab
Read more about Dr. Moore
Description: Microcredentials are reshaping the higher education landscape by offering flexible, skills-focused pathways that improve STEM workforce readiness. As adoption accelerates globally, campuses are positioned to lead in shaping the future of learning. This keynote will highlight trends and strategies for institutions to unlock the full potential of microcredentials.
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Session 1: Poised for Growth: State of the Charlotte Microcredential Ecosystem
Dr. Shanna Coles
Director of Strategy Development & Learner Solutions, School of Professional Studies
Description: After several years of testing and development, UNC Charlotte’s microcredential ecosystem is entering a new stage of growth. This session highlights the collaborative work that has shaped a flexible program designed to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders and introduces the microcredentials now available to the campus community.
11:45 – 1:15 PM
Lunch (on your own)
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Afternoon Welcome
Scott Bokash
Instructional Designer/Technologist II, Center for Teaching and Learning, School of Professional Studies
Session 2: Improving STEM Workforce Readiness through Transformative Research
Dr. Rob Moore
Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, University of Florida
Director of the Investigating Digital Ecologies to Advance Transformative Education (IDEATE) Research Lab
Read more about Dr. Moore
Description: As industry and higher education partners explore STEM microcredentials, there’s a pressing need for a systematic research agenda to surface best practices, gaps in understanding, and opportunities for growth and collaboration. This session provides an overview of my current STEM microcredential research and offers actionable steps for future research directions.
Q&A to follow
RSVP REQUIRED
Please register to indicate your interest in the forum. For questions, please contact Shanna Coles (scoles2@charlotte.edu).