The Office of Academic Innovation hosted its annual Faculty & Staff Winter Institute to highlight the digital badging initiative and its benefits for students' career readiness. More than 90 participants heard from industry, student, faculty and staff panelists who shared the value of this initiative and how it can ensure the success of Cal Poly Pomona students after graduation. Attendees participated in group brainstorming to bridge the information gap on the new initiative.

Digital badging is a way for Cal Poly Pomona students, faculty and staff to gain a digital representation of their skills and knowledge, earned through certified courses and activities. Currently there are 35 issuers on campus and 60 badges available to students. Many of these opportunities include badges for career and professional readiness, critical thinking, and leadership. To start earning badges such as these, fill out the Innovation Incubator's digital badging interest form or contact Innovation Incubator directly for more information.

"Digital badges allow students to effectively identify the career readiness skills they gained through their curricular and co-curricular experiences and provide students the opportunity to visually articulate and communicate these preferred employer skills during the hiring process," said Tracee Passeggi, Director of the Career Center. "It is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their experiences beyond a resume."

The Winter Institute, held Jan. 18-20, also focused on the adoption of digital badging for upcoming courses. Through workshops led by Student Innovation Idea Labs Director and Professor Kenneth Lamb and Administrative Coordinator Jesus Bermudez, participants identified a program badge that could fit into their program or course curriculum. The Innovation Incubator team then instructed on the process of the integration components and the awarding process on Canvas.

"I'm excited about this, I want to learn more and bring it to my colleagues so they can get excited about this and implement this into our classes. We want our students well prepared for their future careers, and to shape their professions," said Professor of Spanish Linguistics Amalia Llombart-Huesca.

The Office of Innovation Incubator has been the backbone of this initiative by establishing a pathway for digital badging on campus, and by co-hosting this event alongside the Office of Academic Innovation and guiding faculty and staff to issue these digital badges.

To learn more about digital badging, visit the Innovation Incubator website or email innovationinc@cpp.edu for more information.