At UNLV, learning extends beyond the classroom for students. Digital badges make that clear by recognizing the professional growth of faculty and staff.
Each badge serves as a validated credential that employees can use to highlight completed training and showcase new skills. Issued through Credly, a digital badging platform, these non-credit microcredentials are available free of charge to employees who complete an eligible program.
“These badges are a way for employees to make their skills visible in a trusted, verifiable format,” said Brenda Thompson-El, director of learning and organizational development in Human Resources. “They recognize the work people are doing to grow in their roles.”
Since the launch of UNLV’s Talent Badge program in 2023, UNLV has issued more than 700 badges to employees across ten programs designed to strengthen professional skills, support career advancement, and highlight specialized expertise. The program offerings include:
- UNLV Management Training Academy
- Accessibility Ambassador Academy (open to Business Affairs and Human Resources employees)
- Administrative Assistant Academy
- REBELearn Department Administrator (Advanced)
- REBELearn Department Administrator
Once claimed, badges can be shared via LinkedIn, email signatures, résumés, and other digital media. While the badges are not tied to certificate or degree programs, they carry professional weight by helping employees showcase their abilities and prepare for advancement opportunities.
Carrie Coppa, an administrative assistant III who earned two badges through the Administrative Assistant and Management Training Academies, said it reinforced her foundation and inspired her to aim higher. “The programs gave me insight into new models and techniques, but more importantly, they reminded me that life is an ongoing learning journey. This badge is a symbol of my commitment to keep growing both professionally and personally.”
Other staff say badges help them track progress and stay driven. “Each badge I earn is a reminder of my growth and commitment to the UNLV community,” said Reginald Ungos, business and administration coordinator for Campus Recreational Services at UNLV. “They’re a motivating and eye-catching way to showcase my professional progress.”
How Departments Can Offer a Badge
Departments looking to build on this momentum can partner with Human Resources to create their own qualifying courses. HR supports the process by mapping learning outcomes, aligning them with workplace competencies, and integrating the training into the Credly system so participants receive badges upon completion. Courses must meet established criteria, which HR reviews with departments during the development process.
“When departments design programs that lead to badges, they’re investing in their people,” Thompson-El said. “Those efforts ripple outward, building a stronger culture of learning across the university.”
Leaders who develop and review badges also stress that quality and clarity are essential to making a credential meaningful. “Digital badges will only continue to rise in value if we maintain their integrity,” said Ted Weisman, a digital teaching manager at UNLV. “When designed with clear objectives and real assessments, they serve as a vital tool for professional growth.”
To learn how to claim a digital badge, visit the UNLV Talent Badges workspace in REBELearn or contact Kahala Crayton at kahala.crayton@unlv.edu.
