Unraveling the Complexity of Credentials
Credentials Chat with Bob Kubat of Penn State University
In the inaugural session of AACRAO’s Credentials Chat series, we ventured into the intricate world of learning mobility and credential innovation with Bob Kubat, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Registrar at Pennsylvania State University. His insights shed light on essential considerations about the evolving role of credentialing in higher education.
It’s both about the institution’s trusted recognition of learning and achievement, as well as creating a comprehensive record that students can manage and share, enhancing their opportunities post-graduation.
Like many institutions, Penn State is navigating uncharted waters in this area, and Bob’s leadership reflects a willingness to explore and adapt. His approach is driven by his own campus needs, and informed by his learning and understanding of national trends and best practices
Students First
One striking aspect of Bob’s approach is his focus on serving students. For him, credentialing isn’t just about enrollment numbers; it’s about enhancing students’ abilities to showcase their learning and experiences. This student-centered philosophy is pivotal in considering how credentials can span classroom achievements to extracurricular activities, research, internships, and community engagement.
It’s both about the institution’s trusted recognition of learning and achievement, as well as creating a comprehensive record that students can manage and share, enhancing their opportunities post-graduation.
Registrars Rule!
Bob emphasizes the role of the registrar in credentialing, highlighting the importance of accurate, authentic records. As custodians of academic records, registrars play a crucial role in policy development, system infrastructure, and ensuring the integrity of the credentials issued. His perspective underlines the need for registrars to be involved in conversations around credentialing, asking critical questions, and ensuring the inclusion of various campus stakeholders.
His story highlights the importance of asking the right questions, centering student needs, and the collaborative role of registrars in this evolving landscape.
Registrars also tend to be well-networked across campuses, which can be a key asset in leading efforts for micro-credentials policy, governance, and implementation.
Bob highlights that Penn State’s approach is a collaborative effort. In addition to leadership from the Office of the Registrar, it involves engaging with various university departments like student affairs, career services, and faculty senate. This comprehensive involvement ensures a holistic view of student experiences and the credentials that represent them.
Bob’s insights offer valuable pieces of the roadmap for institutions grappling with the complexities of credentialing. His story highlights the importance of asking the right questions, centering student needs, and the collaborative role of registrars in this evolving landscape.
For a deeper exploration of Bob Kubat’s approach and Penn State’s journey in credentialing, check out our full (15 minute) interview in AACRAO’s Digital Credentials community. It is FREE to join after creating an account, and it’s also where you can tune into Credential Chats when they stream live! It’s an opportunity to gain valuable insights for anyone in academia looking to navigate the nuanced world of credentials and learning records.
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