SAC Leads Undergraduate Research Digital Badge Initiative

San Antonio College is leading a new undergraduate research digital badge initiative designed to make research opportunities more accessible to students across academic disciplines while helping them develop marketable skills.

The initiative builds on the Alamo Colleges District's micro-credential program, allowing students to earn a digital badge that demonstrates their ability to conduct undergraduate research. Students can showcase the credential on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles and other professional platforms to highlight their skills to potential employers.

Led by SAC Associate Dean Dr. Dan Herrick, the initiative began with a task force established by Dean for Academic Success Dr. Lee to develop the Undergraduate Research Skills Badge. The credential centers on four competencies: Frame Research, which involves identifying a promising line of inquiry and developing a research question; Propose Research, which focuses on establishing a comprehensive research plan; Realize Research, which involves conducting research and consulting relevant sources; and Disseminate Research, which emphasizes presenting findings, sharing analysis and responding to questions.

Working with Amber O’Casey, the district's director of micro-credentials, the task force developed training to prepare faculty to incorporate the credential into their courses.

The first cohort includes seven SAC faculty members representing art history, history, business, philosophy, anthropology, music and mathematics. After completing specialized training, participating faculty are qualified to award the badge to students who successfully demonstrate the required research competencies.

Students enrolled in participating courses this fall will complete research projects that can be presented at academic conferences, symposia and other scholarly events while also earning a credential recognizing their work.

Beyond recognizing academic achievement, the initiative aims to expand equitable access to undergraduate research by creating opportunities for students regardless of their majors or career pathways.

The program is already expanding across the Alamo Colleges District, with 15 faculty members from St. Philip's College joining the second badge cohort, making SPC the initiative's first district college partner. Plans are also underway to partner with Northeast Lakeview College as the program continues to grow.

By integrating research into a broader range of courses, SAC hopes to strengthen students' academic experiences while helping them translate classroom learning into skills they can carry into the workforce or further education.

Faculty interested in participating in future cohorts are encouraged to contact Dr. Dan Herrick for more information.

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