This session equips participants with tools for integrating Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) into online and alternative credential programs, covering identification, onboarding, and training. It includes practical examples, course outlines, design checklists, contract specifics, and training modules to support SMEs through curriculum development and instruction.

Subject matter experts are critical to the success of online and alternative credential programs. But often, their experience with instruction is limited. This session will provide practical tools and time-tested examples to identify, onboard, train, and support SMEs in instruction online and alternative credential programs. Topics covered include identifying and evaluating subject matter experts for instruction, contracting, onboarding, and supporting the expert through curriculum development and delivery. Examples of course outlines, course design checklists, contract language, and training modules will be provided. This small midwestern university has created over 50 online courses for academic credit and served nearly 4,000 non-credit learners annually through this process. By applying a standard onboarding, training, and support method for both online degree and alternative credential programs, we have found a successful model that allows for instructors to feel supported, the curriculum to be accessible for students, and our academic and credential portfolio to grow. Audience engagement will be included through live polling, question prompts, and crowd-sourced Q&A. Takeaways for attendees include: • A better understanding of how to identify and vet subject matter experts to develop and/or deliver online and alternative credential programs. • Relevant examples of course design and training components for use at their own institution. • An understanding of common pitfalls in onboarding and retaining subject matter expert instructors and potential strategies to combat the pitfalls.