Unlocking the Power of Student Data
In the Church of Interoperability
How Interoperable Are You?
Interoperability is usually defined with systems-centric terminology. A simple search will return more than enough good reading to fill your day.
Yes, two systems may be able to interoperate or operate together automatically – can the same be said for all the systems those two systems communicate with?
How Interoperable Are You?
Can You Be Partially Interoperable?
In reflecting back over PESC’s 25-year history, I’ve realized interoperability has become a regular component in the promotion and packaging of systems and technology. This is a good thing. Now we also talk about data interoperability.
Wait, what?
Does data interoperability insinuate data definitions and similar alignments?
In short, yes. Our collective understanding has matured from focusing on the process by which data is made available, to ensuring that regardless of the process, the data – the value and integrity of the data – remain true and accurate. This is also a good thing.
Data is transformed and stored. Data moves. This includes data in paper-based processes, and partial-paper based ones.
Those in our ecosystem, those in the PESC community especially, all seek to improve their systems and technology, also regardless of process. This is our new paradigm.
Interoperability is a Faith.
Within PESC, interoperability is a faith practiced in many ways. The PESC community seeks to connect with others also looking to improve their overall interoperability, to hear and to learn about other innovative ideas and concepts.
PESC’s mark is that we’ve welcomed everyone that shares in the faith. PESC is both a rock and a beacon. The PESC faith is strengthened and renewed best when we convene in-person. The energy, momentum – the crowd power – created becomes quite invigorating and inspiring.
Join us for the October 2022 Data Summit in Vancouver as we continue to help navigate the future!
Welcome!
The PESC Membership and the General Public
are welcome and encouraged to register and attend
PESC's October 2022 Data Summit!
OCTOBER 2022 DATA SUMMIT
October 26-28, 2022
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
CANPESC 2022 ANNUAL MEETING
October 25, 2022
EducationPlannerBC
PESC and The Transformation of
Academic Credentialing & Experiential Learning
– A Brief History -
2015
In June 2015 at its annual planning retreat, the PESC Board of Directors, due to the emergence of credentialing on the international landscape, authorized the formation of PESC’s Academic Credentialing and Experiential Learning Task Force. This Task Force formed and convened for its inaugural meeting at EdInterop | PESC’s Fall 2015 Data Summit in Washington, D.C.
With Tom Black, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs & University Registrar at Stanford University (at the time), as Task Force Chair, and Co-Chairs Joellen Shendy, Associate Vice Provost and Registrar at the University of Maryland University College (at the time) and Alex Jackl, CEO and Founder of Bardic Systems, the Task Force committed to monitoring, tracking & discussing current initiatives related to skills & competencies; serving as a clearinghouse, point of contact, and community forum; providing speakers and presenters at several industry-leading conferences and events; and ensuring standards development work within PESC would be launched when/if the community reaches the point in which standards are needed.
2016
In June 2016 at its annual planning retreat, the PESC Board of Directors discussed the need to showcase how all the different groups and initiatives focusing on credentials, relate to one another; and authorized the dedication of PESC’s Spring 2017 Data Summit in Washington, D.C. to one theme and purpose – Empowering the Mobility of Digital Academic Credentials.
At this Summit, the Academic Credentialing & Experiential Learning Task Force collaborated with Credential Engine to host and launch the Credential Data Mapping Initiative– to map or crosswalk standards across standards bodies – and partnered with A4L, ADL, CEDS, HR Open Standards, and 1EdTech.
2017
Through analysis and its grant with AACRAO, funded by the Lumina Foundation, Chair Tom Black identified the need for standards in the exchange of certificates, degrees and diplomas. Work began immediately on the XML Common Credential for Certificates, Degrees and Diplomas which became a PESC Approved Standard on Mach 31, 2017 and was implemented by Stanford University. (Note the standard has since been replaced.) PESC also signed an inter-association MOU with HR Open Standards Consortium.
2018
At the Spring 2018 Data Summit Best Practices in Education Data Systems in Washington, D.C., PESC hosted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Lumina Foundation on a panel to promote Web 3.0 Technologies in the Talent Market and the launch of the T3 Innovation Network. PESC also hosted a separate convening at the Summit of the T3 Innovation Network. PESC subsequently joined and became a Member of T3. Also in 2018, PESC became a signatory to the Bologna Open Recognition Declaration.
2019
At the Spring 2019 Data Summit in Washington, D.C. State of Technology & Standards in Higher Education, PESC launched the Competencies & Credentials User Group. This User Group, the third major effort under the Academic Credentialing & Experiential Learning Task Force, was established to support efforts of the T3 Innovation Network and PESC’s generous grant from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
2020, 2021 & 2022
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts continued with virtual convenings, though progress occurred at an understandably slower pace.
2022
With an eventual return to normal, PESC is launching the Microcredentials in Data Systems Task Force at the October 2022 Data Summit Unlocking the Power of Student Data in Vancouver. This User Group, the fourth major effort under the Academic Credentialing & Experiential Learning Task Force, will study and investigate microcredentials, skills, competencies and related topics – and provide education and trends for future development.
While it seems microcredentials are everywhere, the Task Force looks to take a step back and take a different approach. In an investigative and discovery mode, this Task Force looks to study the emergence of microcredentials, skills & competencies.
The Task Force will provide education and information on skills, competency-based initiatives and related topics; serve as an information clearinghouse and forum, and if needed, recommend changes and updates to PESC Approved Standards.
Join us!
at the October 2022 Data Summit.
Register today with Early Bird rates
and join us for a very special
in-person convening to celebrate
PESC’s 25th Year Anniversary!
Data Summits are unique convenings
at which emerging topics, technologies
& policy initiatives are highlighted.
Topics and discussion focus on national and international implementation, cost/benefit analysis, student and learner behavior, use or business cases, & institutional performance.
News & Info
>> Conference Hotel
We are pleased to offer October 2022 Data Summit attendees a special discounted hotel rate of $219 CAD (available until September 30, 2022) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
> Make hotel reservations here.
>> What's included in Registration?
Included in Registration Fees for the October 2022 Data Summit are all General Sessions and all Breakout Sessions, plus:
- 25th Anniversary Reception (1st day)
- Awards Ceremony & Luncheon (1st day)
- Continental breakfast on 3 mornings
- Coffee breaks w/ sweets/treats on 2 afternoons
- Coffee breaks on 3 mornings
> Register here.
>> CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022
Registration for the CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022 on Tuesday October 25, 2022 is free and separate from Registration for the October 2022 Data Summit. To register for the CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022, complete the Registration Form at CanPESC page.
>> Program Committee
PESC is pleased to include Ruth Blades, Executive Director of Council on Admission & Transfer for Nova Scotia, and Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions & Evaluation at University of Phoenix (both serving on the PESC Board of Directors ) as Co-Chairs of the Program Committee for the October 2022 Data Summit. Joining the Committee are Karen McCredie, Executive Director of EducationPlannerBC and Jennifer Kim, PESC Membership Services Director. Thank you for all your efforts in making this a successful event!
>> Breakouts (PDT)
- Gender Identity Task Force - Thursday October 27, 2022 - 1.30pm
- GEO Code User Group - Thursday October 27, 2022 - 3.00pm
- JSON Transcript Workgroup / JSON Task Force - Friday October 28, 2022 - 8.30am
- Microcredentials Task Force - Friday October 28, 2022 - 10.30am
>> Recognizing AACRAO & Ellucian in 2022
PESC honors two Founding Member Organizations –AACRAO & Ellucian – that have maintained consistent PESC Membership & representation on the PESC Board of Directors since the beginning. Thank you AACRAO & Ellucian!
> Read more here.
>> Commemorating with PESC VIPs in 2022
Long-time PESC Members and standards champions, including AACRAO, AcademyOne, CATNS, Ellucian, Florida International University, National Student Clearinghouse, Oracle, OUAC, Parchment, University of Phoenix, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reflect on PESC’s 25th Year Anniversary and share their personal thoughts.
> Read more here.
>> 24th Annual Best Practices Competition
PESC’s 24th Annual Best Practices Competition is now open for entries & submissions. The deadline is March 31, 2023 and 1st Place Awards are made on the opening day of the April 2023 Data Summit.
> Read more here.
>> New Sponsorship Opportunities
With PESC celebrating its 25th Year Anniversary in 2022, we’ve developed new Sponsorship Opportunities for Annual Sponsorship and Data Summit Sponsorship.
> Read more here.
>> Registration Cancellation Policy
All cancellation & refund requests must be submitted to PESC in writing (e.g. email) and will be processed 30 calendar days after the October 2022 Data Summit concludes. Any person who registers and decides not to attend MUST submit a formal cancellation request - otherwise full payment is due. Cancellation & refund requests made by Friday October 7, 2022 may be considered for a refund upon request. Any cancellation & refund request made after October 7, 2022 is not eligible for a refund regardless of the attendance of the registrant. All cancellation & refund requests must be submitted to: Jennifer Kim, Membership Services Director, PESC, 1250 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20036. Cancellation & refund requests may also be sent to Jennifer.Kim@PESC.org.
>> Registration Policy
PESC requires that all speakers, moderators, chairs & attendees of April & October Data Summits register and remit registration fees to attend Data Summits. PESC thanks all speakers, moderators & chairs and is truly grateful for their efforts in volunteering to provide updates and presentations at April & October Data Summits. Only in rare instances, however (that is if a speaker is only attending a Data Summit for a specific session or presentation), can registration fees be considered for waiver and only by the PESC office.
>> Notice of Filming & Recording
By participating in this event, you agree that you may be photographed, filmed and recorded, and you grant PESC and our affiliates the right to use, publish, and copyright your picture, likeness and/or name and/or audio recording in videos and/or photos taken during this event for use by PESC and our affiliates throughout the world, in perpetuity, and through media.
>> S L I D E S ! <<
CanPESC
The Voice for Digital Student Data Across Canada
The CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022 will be held October 25, 2022
with separate registration available on the CanPESC page.
Collaboration throughout Canada is nurtured, robust and inspirational. Like in the US, transition from paper processes toward more digital and mobile methods has been incremental, with promising yet intermittent successes. The challenges faced in implementing and maintaining systems & technology – from budgeting to development to governance, among many others – are correspondingly similar and sometimes overwhelming.
PESC’s founding in 1997 was made by a small, passionate community of individuals in collaboration with Canada and Canadian representation, and is woven into every fabric of PESC.
PESC learned from its founding members like AACRAO, EFC, Ellucian, NASFAA and the US Department of Education, the value of collaboration and adopted best practice models from organizations like ANSI and SPEEDE.
At its heart, the PESC community looks to and desires to improve their technology and overall interoperability.
To accomplish their common goals and overcome the many challenges, these individuals understand the need to seek education, guidance and best practices on emerging technology and standards. They value networking and connecting with others with similar interests in an open, friendly environment to discuss new ideas and innovations. These shared values still remain true and when convened as a community, create a powerful force.
As systems and technology have grown and expanded, so did the need to institutionalize Canadian representation within PESC.
And so, as they say, the Canadian Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council (CanPESC) was formed in 2011 as a permanent group within PESC.
CanPESC fostered the relationship – now a solid, formal partnership – between PESC and ARUCC. In meeting monthly since its founding, CanPESC collaborates across all provinces and territories to discuss common problems and common solutions. CanPESC has produced valuable outputs like the Common Digital Layout, and supports critical initiatives like the ARUCC/PCCAT Transcript & Transfer Guide, and MyCreds | MesCertif.
As a semi-autonomous group within PESC, yet under jurisdiction of the Board of Directors and the PESC mission, CanPESC has the freedom and ability to set its own agenda. CanPESC has met during every Data Summit and has met separately (in day-long convenings) at OUAC in Guelph (2018) and McGill University in Montreal (2019).
As we emerge into the next chapter of our digital journey, we reconvene to further the legacy of innovation and collaboration, and proudly announce the CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022 for October 25, 2022!
A special thank you to Sponsor and Host EducationPlannerBC!
CanPESC Annual Meeting 2022
October 25, 2022
609 Granville Street – Suite 950
Vancouver BC V7Y 1H2
8.30am - 5.00pm
>>Register here <<
Please note, while meetings are free and open, seating is limited and may be restricted to CanPESC User Group Members. Registration includes:
- Meeting Space and WIFI
- Morning Coffee & Pastries
- Catered Lunch
- Afternoon Break
Guest registration is available for additional interested parties along with the option to join the CanPESC User Group as a Member on a regular basis.
Please note the program agenda is under development and will be issued through the CanPESC User Group.
AACRAO – American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
ARUCC – Association of the Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada
EFC – Education Finance Council
NASFAA – National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
OUAC – Ontario Universities’ Application Centre
PCCAT – Pan-Canadian Consortium on Admissions & Transfer
SPEEDE – Standardization of Postsecondary Electronic Education Data Exchange Committee
October 2022 Data Summit
October 26-28, 2022 | Vancouver
Travel & Links
> Map - Downtown Vancouver & Hyatt Regency Hotel
> Weather
> Airports
> International Travel into Canada
Travel and Transportation Tips
To ensure a smooth travel experience, here's a quick checklist to help you prepare:
Documentation - Make copies or take pictures with your phone camera of all important documents & make sure they are up to date (passport and/or visa, vaccination card, hotel confirmation, baggage claim ticket, driver's license, airline/hotel member cards, etc.).
Boarding Passes - Take screenshots and/or make copies of all boarding passes, itineraries and receipts.
Packing - Pack appropriately and efficiently, and don't bring any extra items you would miss if lost.
Valuables - Bring with you and carry on the airplane all important documents, valuable items and medications.
Transportation from Airport - Train. The Canada Line connects Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver in under 30 minutes and runs between 5:00 am to 1:00 am. The cost is $9.25. Take the train to the Vancouver City Centre Station, exit onto Georgia Street and take a left, the Hyatt Regency Vancouver is located two short blocks away at 655 Burrard Street. Please visit www.translink.ca for more information.
Transportation from Airport - Taxi. Taxis are available from the Airport to the hotel at a flat fare of $35 plus tip. Taxis to the Airport from the hotel are at the metered rate, approximately $35 - $45 plus tip.
Parking and Map - Hotel. Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel.
For Domestic Travel within Canada and to Board a Plane
All current information with important details related to domestic travel within Canada is located here.
For International Travel into Canada and to Board a Plane
All current information with important details related to international travel into Canada is located here.
PESC does not require proof of vaccination or face masks at Data Summits and attendees should feel comfortable in both wearing and not wearing masks.
Collaboration Navigation Interoperation