This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IL 18: Continuing Education Inventory – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
This bonus credit replaces a standard 2.2 credit, and the inventory criteria are now less prescriptive. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
Can we count co-curricular events and offerings that are open to the public as continuing education under this credit?
No. The intent is to reference continuing education courses and/or programs.
- Continuing education courses – Have a dedicated instructor, include instructional materials and assessments, and have an established structure (e.g., an expected time commitment, a syllabus or calendar, and a mechanism for learner engagement).
- Continuing education programs – Include one or more courses as described above, often leading to an acquired certificate.
What’s the difference between continuing education courses and standard courses?
The courses claimed in this credit must apply to community members and others that are not degree seeking. Recognition for courses aimed at degree-seeking students is provided elsewhere in STARS.
Continuing education (also known as further education) includes non-credit courses and programs that train community members and help build knowledge about particular subjects. Continuing education is inclusive of non-credit, community education and extension courses and programs. Examples include non-degree career training, workforce training, credential maintenance courses, formal personal enrichment courses, self-directed learning and experiential learning (on and off campus). In some cases, non-credit students may earn continuing education units, certification or other evidence of class completion to meet personal or professional requirements.
Resources, Templates & Tools
Suggestions for Institutions
- If pursuing this bonus credit, be aware that it may take some time to complete a comprehensive continuing education inventory. Consider getting started on this early in the data collection process.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- A valid continuing education inventory and description of the assessment must be completed during the previous 3 years that identifies specific sustainability challenges or SDGs addressed by each course or program.