If you have an idea for a micro-credential, we urge you to work with your department and decanal unit (or office, for non-academic units) to determine if there will be support for the program. Please note that proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis and the average approval time is three months (after initial proposal is submitted). All proposals will be reviewed only during designated review periods (two-week period following the proposal deadline). Please check the deadlines on this page to ensure that your proposal is submitted in time to be offered in the next ensuing semester.
Ensure that you are able to respond to the following questions:
1. What is the purpose that your micro-credential will serve?
2. Does your micro-credential fall under one of the following broad categories as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers?
3. Does your proposed micro-credential result in a skill that is relevant in the workforce? How do you know?
4. Who is your audience?
5. How do you know there will be interest in this micro-credential?
6. How will you promote the micro-credential to your audience?
It is highly recommended that you request a consultation with staff in the Office of Micro-Credentials prior to submitting a proposal. Our team can help develop your concept, assist with instructional design and provide additional guidance as necessary. Contact micro@buffalo.edu with questions or to schedule a meeting. We look forward to working with you!
Please use the Micro-Credential Proposal Form and supplemental Digital Badge Overview document (below) to submit new proposals.
Completed proposals should be forwarded to micro@buffalo.edu.
All proposals need to be signed by the chair and the associate dean for academic affairs (for academic programs). The director and the unit head are the appropriate signatories for proposals that are submitted by non-decanal units.
Please note:
Your proposed program may be subject to curriculum committee review at the departmental and/or unit-level; please check with your decanal unit.
At the undergraduate-level, credit-bearing micro-credentials may be offered through decanal units only. Academic support units may offer non-credit micro-credentials, but are not authorized to propose or oversee micro-credentials that include academic credit.
When the proposal is submitted, the Micro-Credential Review Committee will review the proposal and provide feedback, including any recommended revisions. Please allow three weeks for this process. If revisions are recommended, please work with the Office of Micro-Credentials to make the suggested changes.
When a proposal is finalized (including all necessary signatures and review at the departmental/unit-level, if necessary) it will be presented to the appropriate (undergraduate or graduate) deans’ council for final approval.
Note: SUNY/SED review and approval is not required for micro-credentials.
The review/approval process take approximately three months from the time that a proposal is submitted.
Please see the Administering a Micro-Credential page for information regarding implementing approved programs.
Questions? Email Anne Reed (annereed@buffalo.edu) for assistance.
