SmarterDegree’s Post

As #students start to receive offers from the universities they applied to, it's important to ensure they understand what the different types of offer means, and whether that comes with additional effort required on their part or not. In previous weeks I've discussed different aspects of the offer process for undergraduate #applications through UCAS, though conditional offer and unconditional offer are also used at postgraduate level. Receiving an unconditional offer can be a big relief to students, as it means the student has been successful in securing a place on the course. Knowing that the student doesn't need to meet any additional conditions (such as getting a certain mark on an exam or in a course) can reduce stress and anxiety. When I applied for Taught Masters (MSc) courses in Scotland, I received one conditional offer and one unconditional offer. Understanding the difference between these two types of offers helped me manage my expectations and stress levels when assessing each offer. Ultimately, I was able to fairly easily convert my conditional offer to an unconditional one, though I ended up choosing the university that had originally given me the unconditional offer. It can be really helpful to have a talk with the student in your life about the difference between conditional and unconditional offers so they can set their expectations accordingly and don't feel more stress or anxiety than necessary during this pivotal period in their #academic journey. If this information is helpful, check out the other resources My Academic Family, CIC has available on its website at: https://lnkd.in/eQPdW2Zp #University #StudentSupport #StudentSuccess

Well done BYU! This is a great innovation. However, it does bring to mind a couple of seeming paradoxes. (i) Universities in developing countries could easily do this kind of innovation themselves but they have a credibility challenge and feel that they need to copy the existing developed world model to be taken seriously. They are probably right. (ii) Faculty in developed world universities generally resist this type of innovation for students in their own country while accepting it for delivery to the developed world.

Shifting the focus from what the student *knows* to what the student *can do*. Love this Higher Education Policy Institute blog from Grit friends Rebecca Huxley-Binns, Professor Graham Scott Scott and Mike Ewen about competence-based higher education at the University of Hull. With self-awareness as one of its central pillars, the approach “instils a commitment to lifelong learning and professional and personal development… it builds graduate identity and professional profiles. And it is inclusive to students with protected characteristics and those historically excluded from higher education.” We see how it’s the breakthroughs that can occur with increased self-awareness that can have students re-think who they are, fully appreciate everything they bring with them into their time at university. And with this they can see new possibilities for who they could become: they are much better positioned to seize the opportunities that university offers and work with purpose towards a career path that works for them. https://lnkd.in/eVFJYf65

Check out this feature of our CEO Pierre in this recent US News & World Report on online colleges! "Some programs operate without accreditation, focusing primarily on profit," Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, wrote in an email. "A degree from a non-accredited college or university is often not valued as proof of competence by employers. Accreditation assures that the courses are rigorous and meet the standards of other institutions that grant similar degrees." #college #university #onlineeducation #onlinecollege #highereducation

Unsure of choosing between a dual degree or separate degrees? This guide explores the pros, cons, recognition, and future opportunities for both paths to help you decide. https://lnkd.in/d-SkzDy7 #dualdegree #separatedegree #education #degree #degreechoice #course #subject #courseselection #institution #campus #learning #highereducation

🎓 "As alternate credentials like bootcamp certificates and nano-degrees proliferate, institutions must validate higher education’s relevance."   Dive into this insightful article on bridging the gap between #Academia and Industry, theoretical knowledge and practical #skills. John Knott a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in #education and our Academic Partnerships Director, reflects on the value of professional #certification for both students and universities that add them in their curricula, fortifying institutional resilience in today's fast-changing world. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-3AGwGb    #HigherEd #EducationEvolution #Upskilling #SkillsGap

Are universities doing enough to equip graduates for today's job market? Read my article in University Business exploring how certifications within degree programs can boost student success and help prepare graduates to succeed in work.. #highered #education #futureofwork #skills #peoplecert

Are three-year bachelor's degree programs practical, enduring, and attainable, while also able to deliver benefits to the learner? Interesting article highlighting efforts by higher education institutions to innovate and collaborate at creating faster, less expensive, and higher-quality degree program. Despite enthusiasm for three-year bachelor’s degree programs, progress has been hindered by regulatory hurdles, particularly accreditation requirements, which have delayed or blocked the implementation of pilot programs. Accreditors typically use traditional metrics, such as credit hours, as a measure of program quality and rigor. The reduction in credits may raise concerns about whether the program meets established standards for depth and breadth of learning. No surprise to know that accreditation processes are often slow to adapt to innovations in higher education. Accreditation standards and processes are often based on the historical precedent of a traditional four-year bachelor's degree, making it challenging to validate alternative models. And, it is a challenge to collect outcomes data such as credential completion, student debt, employment, the student experience and student learning to justify approving a three-year program. I envision a transformative higher-education model that prioritizes interdisciplinary, holistic, problem-based learning experiences tailored to individual needs, fostering deeper learning and real-world application. Let's move away from traditional credit-based systems and embrace personalized, authentic practices that truly prepare students for success. It's time to break free from the outdated square peg in a round hole approach. "Traction for the Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree" via Inside Higher Ed https://bit.ly/49yzN2u

Unsure of choosing between a dual degree or separate degrees? This guide explores the pros, cons, recognition, and future opportunities for both paths to help you decide. https://lnkd.in/egq2VH_b #dualdegree #separatedegree #education #degree #degreechoice #course #subject #courseselection #institution #campus #learning #highereducation

Earning a college degree is a big achievement—but it's not the only path to success in our world today. The rise of certificate programs is reshaping higher education. UC San Diego Extended Studies Dean Hugo Villar was recently featured in a San Diego Business Journal article highlighting the flexibility and cost-efficiency of certificate programs. Learn more about how certificate programs are creating new opportunities in education and career advancement >> https://bit.ly/49yvjct Ready to upskill or reskill? #UCSDExtendedStudies registration for the spring quarter is open now! #ContinuingEducation #HigherEd #UCSanDiego #LifelongLearning