VCU Office of Global Education Offers Two New Digital Micro-Credential Badges – VCU News

By Amelia Heymann

“The digital badge now offered by the Office of Global Education is another example of ‘internationalization at home’ and is an innovative global initiative that benefits the entire VCU community,” said Jill Blondin, Ph.D., associate vice provost for global initiatives. “The knowledge gained through Global Zone training not only enhances professional development, but also positions faculty and staff to best serve our international student community.”

The Global Zone badge, for university faculty and staff, teaches them how to best serve VCU’s international student population. The program comes with a sticker, similar to the VCU Safe Zone training, because the visual indicators can help international students feel more comfortable with the training the recipient is receiving, according to Sarah Carrier, associate director of global learning.

“We do basic training in intercultural communication within that cultural theory, and we go over scenarios that come up quite often in the context of working, teaching (and) advising international students on campus,” she said.

The Peace Corps Readiness Badge is designed for students. GEO, which offers the certification in partnership with the Peace Corps, is seeing growing interest in the program.

Stephanie Tignor, director of global learning, said badge training can benefit students even if they don’t plan to join the Peace Corps because the instruction emphasizes experiences that reflect a more globalized world.

“A program like Peace Corps Prep… also engages students in community service (and) engages them with local organizations, which helps them make connections that could open doors for their future,” Tignor said.

She added that as virtual training grows, the two micro-credentials are creating greater awareness of GEO’s services – and the discovery of the Global Zone badge online has already sparked interest in the program. But staff are also eager to offer their expertise beyond the badge.

“We have people willing to help beyond just training the Global Zone itself – we are a resource,” Tignor said.

And Carrier said that for educators and students, badges offer a way to show their commitment to individual development.

“We know very well from faculty and staff that this is something that they’re interested in, and I’ve had a few students say, ‘It’s nice that I can have this on my LinkedIn,’” she said. “It was just another way for us to recognize the skills of the people who are in our programs.”

For more information on GEO initiatives, visit the office website website or email [email protected].