UPCEA, the association for online and professional education, proudly announces its upcoming week-long virtual event celebrating the impact of membership and invites higher education institutions to become members. Taking place from Wednesday, November 13 through Tuesday, November 19, this event will showcase the connections, opportunities, and benefits that UPCEA membership offers institutions and professionals across the higher education landscape.

The centerpieces of the celebration are a LinkedIn testimonial contest, where current members will share their UPCEA stories and connect with peers, and an Informational Coffee Chat on UPCEA Membership for non-members interested in learning more about the association.

UPCEA Member LinkedIn Testimonial Contest

Running from November 11-15, this contest encourages UPCEA members to share their UPCEA story. Members will post about what brought them to the association and why they continue to engage, using the hashtag #MyUPCEA. Participants have a chance to win free registration for an UPCEA professional development course (valued at $459) or a $100 gift card. 

Informational Coffee Chat on UPCEA Membership 

On Thursday, November 14, at 4:00 PM (ET), the higher education community is invited to join an informal coffee chat, UPCEA Membership: Your Key to Advancement, Connection, and Strategic Growth. The event will provide insight into how institutional membership with UPCEA can benefit higher education leaders through exclusive research, professional development, mentorship opportunities, and more. Attendees will meet current UPCEA members and staff who will share real-life examples of how membership has advanced their careers and their institutions. Individuals affiliated with institutions that are not currently UPCEA members are welcome to attend; pre-registration is required.

"UPCEA’s membership community is an incredible network of peers who are deeply committed to advancing online and professional continuing education,” said Mel Edwards, Director of Membership and Business Development for UPCEA. “By joining UPCEA, you not only gain access to invaluable resources and professional development opportunities, but you also become part of a collaborative group of leaders dedicated to supporting one another’s growth. We invite any institution considering membership to join us during this special week, connect with experts in the field, and experience firsthand the power of the UPCEA community."

UPCEA Membership Benefits

UPCEA members enjoy a wide array of benefits designed to help leaders in online and professional continuing education grow, connect, and thrive. Key membership advantages include:

• Expert Consultation: UPCEA members receive access to free 30-minute consultations with the association’s lead consultants, as well as discounted rates for custom consulting, program reviews, and market research.
• Exclusive Leadership Councils:  Member institutions are granted representation on UPCEA’s leadership bodies, such as the Council for Chief Online Learning Officers and the Council for Credential Innovation, giving them direct input into key initiatives shaping the future of online and professional education.
• Research & Benchmarking: The association provides members-only access to extensive benchmarking tools, including marketing trends, budget insights, and real-time comparative data to help institutions make informed decisions.
• Networking Opportunities: With access to UPCEA’s national conferences, virtual Salons, professional affinity networks, and the 24/7 online community (CORe), members connect with peers to collaborate, share best practices, and seek advice on challenges facing the field.
• Professional Development: UPCEA offers members special pricing on professional development opportunities, including certificate programs and webinars focused on essential topics like credential innovation and student success. Additionally, speaking slots at UPCEA’s national conferences are only available to members. 
• Mentorship and Career Growth: Members can participate in the UPCEA UPlift mentorship program, connecting with seasoned professionals or mentoring the next generation of leaders. UPCEA’s Career Center also provides a platform for job seekers and employers in the field.

By joining UPCEA, higher education professionals gain access to the most vibrant community of thought leaders, expert resources, and opportunities for strategic growth.

About UPCEA

UPCEA is the leading association for online and professional education, with members from institutions large and small, public and private. Through cutting-edge research, professional networking, mentorship, and advocacy, UPCEA members continuously reinvent higher education to positively impact millions of lives. Membership benefits include access to expert consulting, exclusive research and benchmarking tools, national and regional conferences, and numerous networking opportunities. UPCEA also offers corporate memberships and partnerships for companies that provide solutions in online and professional continuing education.

For a full list of current members, visit UPCEA’s Membership Page.

Learn More and Join UPCEA

To learn more about UPCEA and how membership can enhance your online and professional continuing education portfolio, please visit upcea.edu/membership. UPCEA membership is organizationally based, and membership rosters are unlimited, allowing access to benefits by every professional staff member, faculty member, and administrator at an institution.