Descriptions

Certificate: A certificate is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. A certificate includes anywhere from nine to 18 academic credits and is posted to the academic transcript.

Undergraduate Certificate: A certificate is awarded in recognition of completion of a well-defined program of coursework that falls within existing units at Grand Valley for a specified purpose that could not simply be achieved by obtaining a transcript.

Graduate Certificate: A credential awarded by the University for completion of a defined and focused collection of courses that meet a clear and appropriate educational objective at the graduate-level.

Characteristics:

• Focused collection of courses, that when completed provides student with a coherent record of accomplishment in a discipline or set of disciplines
• Are available to both degree-seeking ad non-degree seeking students
• Number of credits may vary according to the needs of the certificate but is anywhere from nine – 18 academic credits
• Course(s) taken at another university may be transferred and applied to a certificate program at GVSU, based on evaluation of that course by the GVSU certificate-sponsoring department/college (maximum 1/3 of total certificate credits can be transferred for graduate certificates)

Elements of certificate proposals:

• Provide a defined focus in the certificate description.
• Explain how the proposed certificate different from current credential offerings.
• Identify a target population the certificate will benefit and why.
• If new courses are proposed for the certificate and/or additional faculty and facility resources needed, provide justification for the extra financial expenditure. Is there a likely return on investment presented?
• Include relevant letters of support from stakeholders (e.g., Deans, community partners).
• Explain how the selected courses are consistent with the purpose and objectives of the certificate.
• Articulate how the proposed certificate meets the quality guidelines:
  -  Description
  -  Objectives related to the description
  -  Objectives measurable
  -  Sample content in line with objectives
  -  Evaluation strategies consistent with objectives
  -  Professional standards or accreditation standards, if applicable