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Session Descriptions
Who Wants to Be a Credentials Evaluator?
Using the format of the popular game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, this session will challenge both new and experienced credentials evaluators on educational systems and qualifications.
Kate Freeman, SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Ildiko Bors, SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Health Professionals Education and Licensure in the USA
This session will introduce the various educational pathways and licensure process of health professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, etc.) in the US. In addition, this session will give an overview of how health professionals educated outside the US are licensed to practice.
Kate Freeman, SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Vocational Qualifications from Russia and Ukraine
Russia and Ukraine shared the same centralized system of education for many decades until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Vocational education in Russia and Ukraine has been subject to significant structural and content changes over the last twenty years and presents a challenge for professionals in international evaluation. Expertise in this topic is in high demand for evaluators, university admission officers and employers as a large portion of people immigrating to Europe and the USA are holders of vocational qualifications.
Tatiana McKenna, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Henrik Ohlsson, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Please see the related article, “Access to Higher Education for Secondary Professional Education Graduates in Russia and Ukraine” also in this edition.
Issues in Ukrainian Credential Evaluation: Overview, Recognition, and Fraud
Even if your resources on Ukraine are only a few years old, they may be out of date. The current political and economic situation in Ukraine has incited many changes that affect the educational system. The climate of upheaval has spurred the mass exodus of the Ukrainian population to many countries of the world. Many European and U.S. educational institutions are experiencing an increase in Ukrainian prospective students. In the context of educational updates we will analyze the most recent overhaul in the system of higher education of Ukraine based on the Law on Higher Education (2014) and the educational legislation adopted afterwards. This session will be a great update for evaluators with experience in Ukrainian credentials.
Tatiana McKenna, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Karen Krug, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Please see the related article, “Inforesurs” as the Verification Tool of Educational Credentials in Ukraine” in this edition of the newsletter.
Untangling Transnational Education in China
Transnational education is an ever-broadening field, and China is no exception. As the options multiply, it becomes more complicated to determine things like recognition status and sources responsible for issuing official credentials. This session will examine various types of transnational education in China, the types of documentation to look for, and how to identify an international program from the documentation. We will look at secondary schools offering international programs (such as IB and A Levels), joint degree partnership programs with overseas institutions, summer programs, and more, with tips and tools for determining recognition of different types of programs.
Karen Krug, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Jade Jiang Rieger, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Patrick Leahy, Michigan State University
Please see the related article, “Transnational Education in China: Points to Consider in the Evaluation Process” in this edition of the newsletter.
Thriving in Chaos: Operating Effectively in a Decentralized International Admissions Office
Operating in a decentralized international admissions office provides both benefits and challenges. In this session, you will hear a variety of methods used to effectively operate and communicate in an office that is responsible for the oversight of all international graduate admissions. Learn best practice methods for effective communication, “humanizing” the admissions process, and educating campus partners.
Rachel Salinas, Indiana University Bloomington
Chris Adams, Indiana University Bloomington
Introduction to TAICEP’s Certificate Program
One of TAICEP’s goals is to provide a certificate program to provide credentials assessors with a professional qualification. Members of the Certificate Committee will describe TAICEP’s new certificate program.
Kate Freeman, SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Aleksandar Popovski, Ucredo
Introduction to Education Fraud and Degree Mills: What It Is and How to Fight It
Have you ever received a document from an institution that did not look or feel quite right and were not sure what to do? Fraudulent documents and degree mills are a growing problem. Knowing how to identify such documents is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your credential evaluations process. If you are new to the field, or looking for a refresher session on fraud and degree mills, this session is for you. Together, we will embark on an exciting journey to learn about fraud -how it works, how to spot a fake degree and what to do when you find one.
Shereen Mir-Jabbar, Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
2 HE Systems in 1 City: the Italian and Holy See Higher Education Systems
Learn more about the Italian system of higher education, including both current qualifications and the “old” ones awarded before the Bologna reform took place. We will explore the higher education system of the Holy See, the only “real” global higher education system- one small state located in Rome awarding official qualifications in almost all nations worldwide.
Luca Lantero, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Chiara Finocchietti, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Issues and Challenges Concerning the Recognition of Double, Multiple and Joint Degrees
Multiple institutions logos… Unclear final official qualifications… Contrasting higher education systems… Joint degrees have become an integral part of higher education, but sometimes their recognition is still a challenge. This session will provide practical tips in order to understand what is behind a double / multiple / joint degree.
Luca Lantero, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Vera Lucke, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Overview on Bologna Tools: Qualification Framework, ECTS, and Diploma Supplement
In the European credential evaluator community, the city of Bologna is known not only for its lasagna, but mainly for educational change. Begun in 1999 in this ancient university city, the Bologna Process created the European Higher Education Area, reshaping the education landscape in its 48 member countries.
Luca Lantero, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Vera Lucke, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Cross Border Higher Education Institutions and Recognition
Do you feel lost in the Transnational Education jungle? Learn more about what TNE is, the expansion of TNE institutions, the stakeholders involved, and the main emerging issues. Learn how to implement best practices in TNE, and how to defend oneself against bad practices.
Luca Lantero, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
Chiara Finocchietti, CIMEA – NARIC Italia
From Confucius to International College: An Insider’s Guide to Changes in China’s Educational System
When Confucius started the first private school in ancient China over 2500 years ago, he probably never foresaw that “his school” would be established around the globe. In this fast-paced and globally- connected world, China is adapting by updating their educational system to meet the needs of both domestic and international stakeholders. Drawing upon the Eastern and Western educational experiences of our group of presenters, this session will address several major topics including historical perspectives on the development of China’s educational system, changes in degree format, gaokao reforms, and China’s role in the growing international education market.
Jade Jiang Rieger, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Xiaoshu (Susan) Li, China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC)
Please see the related article, “Big Change: No More National Emblem on the Chinese Degree Certificate” in this newsletter.
Post-Secondary VET: An Introduction to the Swedish Methodology
The interest in evaluation of post-secondary vocational education and training (VET) increases every year in Sweden, with evaluation statements made exclusively for the labor market. The evaluators at ENIC-NARIC Sweden constantly need to develop methodology for their evaluation of VET. This small unit with a young method possesses a large toolbox for evaluation!
Elisabeth Lagernäs, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Heni Hatamzadeh, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Hanna Sannéus, Swedish Council for Higher Education
The Future of Electronic Student Data Mobility
In April 2017, a group of stakeholders in student data and credential evaluation convened in Melbourne. They discussed recent developments in electronic data transfer as it pertains to credential evaluation, building on the work of the Groningen Declaration Network (GDN). The goals of this Symposium were to a) discuss best practices, b) create a plan to direct the evolution of the transfer of student data, and c) suggest a data governance strategy to guide the future of student data mobility. The presenters will share the outcomes and look for input from attendees on next steps.
Margaret Wenger, Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Bas Wegewijs, EP-NUFFIC
Post-Secondary Technical Education in Syria
The session will focus on post-secondary technical education in Syria. Technical/intermediate education in Syria is taught at over 200 different institutes. There is also the lack of contacts in Syria and the lack of information about technical education on official Syrian websites, which all together have made our work quite difficult. However, we are receiving thousands of Syrian certificates per year and have worked out best practices on how to deal with these credentials. The goal of this session is to share our approach and our knowledge of Syrian certificates.
Elin Medalen, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Alaa Alhusni, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Academic Research and International Credential Evaluation – Broadening Horizons?
This session seeks to explore the relationship between academic research in Comparative and International Education (CIE) on the one hand and international credential evaluation on the other. We will provide an overview of theoretical and methodological developments in CIE research, and suggest some possible starting-points for applying these theories and methods (or elements thereof) in our field. Sample cases will be provided to illustrate our suggested applications. We will ultimately consider the ways academic research may support the development of policies, processes, as well as broaden the scope of what is evaluated and what recommendations are made.
Henrik Ohlsson, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Patrick Leahy, Michigan State University
Demystifying Institution and Program Recognition in French-Speaking Africa
Autorisé, Agréé, Habilité, Homologué. What do these terms mean? How do they apply to the recognition of academic credentials in French-speaking Africa? What role does the Conseil Africain et Malgache pour l’Enseignement Supérieur (CAMES) have in program recognition? All these questions will be examined as we dig into the recognition systems in place for public and private institutions in the selected countries.
Sarah Ledwidge, International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
(Presentation prepared in collaboration with Michel Bédard of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (Québec))
Introduction to the Educational Systems of Colombia and Venezuela
This session will introduce participants to the educational systems of Colombia and Venezuela, including secondary, higher, and vocational education, recent changes, sample documents, and determining authenticity. The session is designed for those who may be new to the field and/or those who aren’t very familiar with credential evaluation from these countries.
Kurt Baumbach, Academic Evaluation Services
Additional Resources on Venezuela:
https://www.dw.com/en/venezuelas-crisis-takes-a-toll-on-education/a-38858211
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/higher-education-under-siege-venezuela
AICTE vs UGC: What Is the Difference and Does It Matter?
Traditionally, approval of universities in India by the University Grants Commission (UGC) has been used to determine the recognition of a school. However, over the years, many more programs have come onto the scene from schools approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Should credit be given for these programs based on AICTE recognition alone? Also, what should one do with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) list of Postgraduate Diplomas in Management that are regarded as equivalent to MBAs (which often come from AICTE-approved schools)? This session will help tackle these questions and more!
Emily Tse, International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
Johan Rognlie Roko, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
International Secondary Schools on Domestic Soil: Whose Educational System Is It, Anyway?
It can be a challenge when a student presents records from a secondary school that is not part of the educational system of the country in which it is located, especially when the program is still in progress and a final credential has not been awarded. Examples include international schools, A-level colleges, IB schools, “European schools”, refugee schools, and one country’s secondary school operating in another country. We will review case studies and share best practices for evaluating the status of transnational secondary schools and the programs they offer, as well as considerations involved in credential recognition.
LesLee Clauson Eicher, AACRAO International
Secondary Education in Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Education in Europe is currently undergoing many changes. Scandinavia has often been at the forefront of these changes. In this session, participants will be introduced to the various types of secondary-school curricula and leaving-certificates (academic, vocational, and the varied streams within each) currently available to students in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Grading scales will be shown. We will examine sample documents and learn about available resources.
LesLee Clauson Eicher, AACRAO International
Rolf Lofstad, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
Christopher Adams, International Admissions, Indiana University
Erik Kyhlberg, Swedish Council for Higher Education
Getting to Know You (Icebreaker)
Do you want an opportunity to meet your fellow attendees? Here’s your chance! Meet and mingle with your colleagues in a structured environment. Jeanie Bell will guide you through a fun and functional session in which you will find out about common interests and topics that are pertinent to your institution or organization. You will have an opportunity to share business cards and solutions.
Jeanie Bell, University of Colorado Boulder
Understanding Differing Evaluation Perspectives
Presenters will discuss credential evaluation from different perspectives. In other words, what do higher education institutions do vs. what credential agencies do? While some of the basics are the same, the needed outcomes can be different. Institutions and agencies have different missions, ranging from determining eligibility to successfully complete a higher degree to eligibility to practice a profession. Various regulations surrounding each type of organization will be included in the presentation.
Jeanie Bell, University of Colorado Boulder
Monica Hatle-Larssen, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
Margaret Wenger, Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
“Breaking Bad”: An Evaluator’s How-To Guide to Document Fraud
Maybe it’s my degree in criminology that makes me always think like a “bad guy”. I’ve seen enough academic documents (real and not) and attended enough sessions on fraud and verification to learn how to beat the system if I ever start “Breaking Bad”. Using resources and technology that are easily available to anyone, let me demonstrate exactly how I would beat your institution’s documentation requirements, get a visa, and take your scholarship money- should I ever decide I’m in the wrong business. Only by realizing and accepting what your institution’s vulnerabilities are can you develop best practices to protect yourself. Bring your thoughts to the discussion on how to best balance security concerns against the practical considerations of time, cost, and access.
Timothy Kell, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
1st Ever TAICEP Credential Evaluation Trivia
The credential evaluator brain is a wealth of incredibly specialized knowledge, essential to the academic mobility of students around the world. Sadly, it is a job with a conspicuous lack of bragging rights. If you think your arcane knowledge of international education is better than the rest (and you aren’t yet sick of winning), prove it to your colleagues at the 1st Annual TAICEP Trivia Contest. It’s gonna be yuge!
Trivia Rules: No alternative facts. Both individuals and teams are welcome (except the Brits, who must participate individually). All European participants must answer the same number of questions in three rounds of trivia as North American participants do in four. However, the first two rounds of all US participants are remedial and will not be counted towards their final score. West African participants should provide a scratch card with their answer sheet. Chinese participants should submit their answers through CHESSIC (or CDGDC if the answer sheet is incomplete). All participants will NOT get a trophy, only the winners.
Timothy Kell, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Evaluating Credentials with a Global Mindset: Exploring Our Differences and Similarities
This session is your chance to learn directly from your professional counterparts how credential evaluation is done in other parts of the world. The sessions from the last two years have allowed us to take sneak peeks at what others do. This one will pull back the curtain further. Certain credentials will be explored, as well as how evaluators in different countries might view them. Through collegial, group-styled speech and debate, audience members will be given ample opportunity to represent their own regions as well!
Emily Tse, International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
Leah Farrow, International Credential Evaluation Service
Jessica Stannard, EP-NUFFIC
Kate Freeman, SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
Rolf Lofstad, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
Tracey Torrance, International Credential Evaluation Service
Beyond Year One: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Credential Evaluation
Are you in charge of training new evaluators and need some ideas on how to start? Are you a new evaluator yourself and want to learn about ways to grow in the field? Then this session is for you! Please join me, a relative newcomer to the exciting field of credential evaluation, as I describe the arduous training process, some immediate challenges and learning experiences I faced, and ways that I have broadened my horizons and grown as an evaluator. Equipped with a good sense of humor and a thirst for information, the field is your oyster – come see how!
Amy Kawa, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
The Quandaries of Evaluating Transnational Education Academic Credentials
In this session we will provide an overview of the varieties of translational educational (TNE) relationships and scenarios, from overseas branch campuses to “validated” degree programs offered by prominent universities that, in fact, are taught by non-faculty at non-recognized and non-accredited institutions in other countries. We will examine the official recognition statuses of the partnered institutions, the teaching faculty, the curricula and mode of delivery (residential and/or online), and then we will explore and discuss the available resources and types of documentation issued. Ultimately, we will compare sensible evaluation procedures and outcomes.
Kevin F. Rolwing, World Education Services (WES)
Supporting Student Mobility with EMREX – Towards Automatic Recognition
Do you want to get rid of paper? This session will introduce EMREX and how it supports student mobility with smooth and fast electronic transfer of achievement records. We will present student feedback on EMREX and discuss the long term implications and how EMREX can be used as a building block for automatic recognition and credential verification across countries and HEIs. We will also open up the floor to a discussion on what more is needed for automatic recognition and how to get there. What about standard formats of data? A way to know the credibility of the other HEI/program? Grade conversion? Degree conversion? Other considerations?
Mats Lindstedt, CSC – IT Center for Science Ltd
Anders Bøgebjerg Hansen, Danish Agency for Institutions and Educational Grants
The Advanced Placement Program (AP): AP’s Value As An Admission Qualification within Higher Education in Europe & Beyond
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) is increasingly used as a credential for entry to world-class universities, particularly within Europe. As students’ international mobility from high-achieving schools to European higher education accelerates, what do credential evaluators need to know about these qualifications? This interactive session will provide examples of how AP courses and exams are used to evaluate applicants. The use of AP vs the SAT as an admissions credential within European universities and other regions will be discussed.
Russell Dover, College Board
Danette Anderson, John Cabot University
Jessica York, American University of Rome
See more from this edition:
Welcome: 2017 Pre-conference Edition
Workshop Descriptions: 2017 Preconference Edition
More Conference Information: 2017 Pre-conference Edition
Big Change: No More National Emblem on the Chinese Degree Certificate: Pre-conference Edition
Add to Your Library: 2017 Pre-conference Edition
In the News and Publications or Videos: 2017 Pre-conference Edition
2016 Business Meeting Minutes: 2017 Pre-conference Edition
Conference and Organizational Sponsors: 2017 Pre-conference Edition