University of Phoenix leaders to chart future of credential innovation

The conference, hosted by UPCEA and AACRAO, centers on the shifting landscape of higher education where institutional prestige is increasingly measured by learner mobility. Booker and Tolnai will lead discussions on creating value chains that link life experiences directly to academic and professional outcomes. Their sessions will specifically outline how "CPL-to-skills-to-microcredential" workflows help institutions provide tangible value to students long before a final degree is awarded.

Beyond technical integration, the presenters are tackling the cultural shift toward skills-based hiring. Tolnai is slated to co-present a session on future-casting, utilizing AI-enabled assessment frameworks to help educators anticipate trends in credentialing. The duo will also contribute to panels on the expanding spectrum of credit for prior learning, ranging from portfolio assessments to challenge exams, as universities seek more equitable pathways for working adults. These appearances build on a year of industry engagement for the university, following contributions at major forums including the ASU+GSV Summit and SXSW EDU.