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Vera Beletzan, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Innovative Learning,
presenting to staff from Otago Polytechnic (New Zealand),
VIA University College (Denmark) and Humber College.

 

Global Polytechnic Alliance Takes Next Steps

May 23, 2019

In November, we announced the launch of the Global Polytechnic Alliance (GPA)—a strategic partnership between Humber College, New Zealand’s Otago Polytechnic and VIA University College in Denmark.

This unique collaboration between three leading polytechnics is centred on programming, research, institutional strengthening and promoting polytechnic education globally. Key individuals from the GPA partners gathered recently at Humber to focus on two of the priorities for the first phase of the alliance: micro-credentials and joint programming.

 

A global model for micro-credential delivery

Through its EduBits platform, Otago Polytechnic has become a global leader in the design and delivery of micro-credentials. A central focus of the March workshop was leaning on this leadership and learning from the successes of EduBits. As Humber expands our own micro-credentials program, our partner’s expertise provides invaluable learning in terms of identifying industry needs, developing effective assessments and building recognition for the program. 

A key goal for the GPA is to establish a global platform for exchanging, marketing and recognizing micro-credentials with institutional and industry partners.

 

Joint program development

The March workshops also saw the three institutions working together to develop a joint program, based on our shared approach to institutional learning outcomes.

Joint programming opens up new international learning opportunities for students and faculty and new modes with which to build leaderships in global citizenship across the three institutions. The programming will initially provide students opportunities to take part in collaborative modules through their home institutions, alongside summer programs and semesters abroad. Ultimately, the GPA will work towards a shared credential with a focus on global leadership skills.

The GPA is also working towards collaborative research initiatives and finding ways to leverage each institution’s own experiences contributing to research that impacts student engagement and success around the world.

 

A unique global partnership continues to grow

One of the first of its kind in polytechnic education, the GPA partnership builds upon the shared vision to support and advance polytechnic and applied learning around the world. Already, the collaboration has been transformative and has resulted in enhanced practices and programming and unique opportunities for faculty and students to develop global perspectives and experiences.

“The GPA allows us to share our collective expertise and enrich the understanding of global higher education trends in applied learning institutions,” says Chris Whitaker, President and CEO, Humber College.