Introduction

The Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) certification is a prestigious credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in higher education administration, student services, academic affairs, and institutional governance. This 5-day intensive training course covers essential principles and practices across multiple aspects of higher education, from academic policy and curriculum development to student engagement and campus administration. The course will also prepare participants to successfully pass the CHEP certification exam and apply best practices in their roles within higher education institutions.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Understand the key roles and responsibilities of higher education professionals.
2. Gain proficiency in academic policies, student services, and institutional governance.
3. Learn to implement strategies for student success, engagement, and retention.
4. Understand the importance of accreditation, compliance, and regulatory frameworks in higher education.
5. Be fully prepared to take the CHEP certification exam and advance their career in higher education.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Higher education professionals working in student affairs, academic administration, and campus management.
• Academic advisors, admissions officers, registrars, and other higher education staff seeking to formalize their skills and earn the CHEP certification.
• Individuals interested in pursuing leadership roles in higher education.
• Professionals seeking to understand best practices for managing academic programs, student services, and institutional operations.

Day 1: Introduction to Higher Education and Institutional Governance

• Session 1: Overview of Higher Education

  • The evolving role of higher education in society and its impact on personal and professional development
  • The structure and governance of higher education institutions (public vs. private, community colleges, universities)
  • The importance of mission, vision, and values in shaping an institution’s identity and goals
  • Key stakeholders in higher education: Faculty, staff, students, and external partners

• Session 2: Institutional Governance and Leadership

  • Understanding the governance models: Board of Trustees, administration, faculty governance, and student leadership
  • The role of senior leadership in higher education institutions (presidents, provosts, deans)
  • Decision-making processes in academic and administrative matters
  • Strategic planning and resource allocation for institutional success
  • Legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing higher education institutions

Day 2: Academic Affairs and Curriculum Development

• Session 3: Academic Affairs in Higher Education

  • Understanding the relationship between academic departments, faculty, and administrators
  • The role of faculty in shaping academic policy, curriculum, and instruction
  • Promoting faculty development and scholarly activity
  • Accreditation bodies and their role in shaping academic standards and quality assurance

• Session 4: Curriculum Development and Assessment

  • Principles of curriculum design and development
  • Aligning academic programs with institutional mission and student learning outcomes
  • Continuous assessment and improvement of academic programs
  • Best practices in course design, delivery, and evaluation (including online learning environments)
  • Integrating experiential learning, internships, and service learning into academic curricula

Day 3: Student Services, Engagement, and Retention

• Session 5: Student Services and Support

  • The role of student affairs and student services in supporting student success
  • Key areas of student services: Admissions, academic advising, counseling, career services, and health and wellness
  • Developing student support programs that enhance learning and personal growth
  • Navigating the challenges of student diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Session 6: Student Engagement and Retention Strategies

  • Importance of student engagement in the learning process and institutional retention
  • Creating programs and opportunities for student involvement outside of the classroom
  • Developing mentorship and leadership programs to foster student development
  • Retention strategies: Early intervention, academic support, and creating a sense of community
  • Data-driven approaches to track and improve student success and retention

Day 4: Accreditation, Compliance, and Institutional Policies

• Session 7: Understanding Accreditation and Compliance

  • The role of accreditation bodies and their impact on higher education institutions
  • The accreditation process: Preparing for site visits and maintaining accreditation standards
  • Understanding regional vs. program-specific accreditation
  • Legal and regulatory compliance in higher education: Title IX, FERPA, Clery Act, and other federal regulations

• Session 8: Institutional Policies and Risk Management

  • Developing and implementing policies that ensure academic integrity, student conduct, and institutional governance
  • Crisis management, emergency preparedness, and student safety
  • Risk management in higher education: Identifying and mitigating risks to the institution and its stakeholders
  • Ensuring compliance with financial aid regulations, student privacy, and data security

Day 5: Professional Development, Leadership, and Exam Preparation

• Session 9: Leadership and Professional Development in Higher Education

  • Leadership styles and competencies for higher education administrators
  • Building a positive and inclusive campus culture
  • Developing leadership skills for managing diverse teams and departments
  • Navigating complex organizational dynamics and fostering collaboration across departments

• Session 10: Preparing for the CHEP Exam

  • Review of key topics covered throughout the course: Governance, academic affairs, student services, retention strategies, compliance, and leadership
  • Exam-taking strategies: Time management, question analysis, and study tips
  • Practice exam questions and mock tests for certification preparation
  • Final Q&A session to address participant queries and ensure exam readiness