6 Key Steps to Building a Modern CLR That Supports Student Success

Today’s students are navigating a world that demands more than a GPA to stand out. They’re leading projects, building apps, volunteering in their communities, earning micro-credentials — and looking for ways to bring those accomplishments forward. Employers are also shifting how they evaluate talent. Resumes and transcripts alone no longer cut it.

Institutions that recognize this shift are moving toward new models for capturing and sharing student success — models that extend beyond the classroom and into the real world. And at the center of that movement is the Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR).

With 86% of higher education faculty and staff saying programs should emphasize real-world skills and competencies, per Inside Higher Ed, it’s clear the call for change is more than theoretical. We’re exploring what CLRs are, why they matter, and how your institution can launch a CLR initiative that’s built for long-term impact.

What Is a Comprehensive Learner Record?

A CLR is a modern alternative to the traditional transcript; it’s more flexible, descriptive, and attuned to how learning actually happens today. It’s a secure digital record that captures academic performance, yes, but also achievements that occur through co-curricular activities, project-based learning, internships, leadership roles, and skills-based training.

What makes a CLR so compelling is its multi-dimensional view of student development. Rather than presenting education as a linear sequence of courses and credits, it tells a story — a layered, evidence-rich portrait of how a learner has grown, where they’ve applied their skills, and what they’re capable of in the future.

What typically goes into a CLR?

• Academic progress and key milestones
• Co-curricular involvement, such as clubs, student leadership, or service learning
• Experiential learning, including internships, work-study, and community-based projects
• Competencies and skills gained throughout the journey
• Micro-credentials or certifications that validate discrete skills or knowledge areas

This kind of depth allows institutions to recognize learning wherever it happens (not just in the lecture hall) and helps students translate their education into real opportunities.

CLRs in a Skills-Based World

According to SHRM, a staggering 73% of employers used skills-based hiring in 2023, marking a significant shift away from degree-only qualification models. Employers are no longer just asking, “What did you study?” — they’re asking, “What can you do with what you’ve learned?”

CLRs support this shift by offering verifiable proof of a learner’s competencies and credentials. At the same time, they’re well-suited to support rising trends in higher education, including:

• Competency-based education (CBE): emphasizes mastery over seat time
• Stackable credentials: learners build toward a degree in modular steps
• Alternative credentialing: opens doors for non-traditional and lifelong learners

And with the alternative credentials market expected to grow, institutions that embrace CLRs position themselves as future-ready partners in the evolving education-to-employment pipeline.

Beyond the trends, though, is a more human story. Students today are assembling learning experiences from all over — online, on campus, through work, and in the community. A CLR allows those experiences to be seen and valued.

6 Steps to Launch a Successful CLR Program

Launching a CLR is a strategic, campus-wide effort that requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. But when done right, it creates lasting value for learners and institutions alike.

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Establish Goals and Vision

Start with a strategic roadmap that outlines your purpose, governance, and priorities. And be clear about your objectives, whether your focus is on:

• Increasing graduation rates
• Guiding students toward career readiness
• Better showcasing competencies

Remember, early stakeholder buy-in is essential: engage administrators, faculty, IT teams, academic advisors, and students from the start to build momentum and anticipate needs.

2. Choose the Right Platform

The right CLR platform should simplify both issuing and managing learner records. Look for a solution that can:

• Pull data from your SIS, LMS, and co-curricular sources
• Handle both structured and unstructured formats
• Deliver records digitally with automation and security

3. Define Your CLR Content

Your CLR should reflect the breadth of your students’ experiences. Consider including:

• Co-curricular activities (clubs, leadership programs)
• Experiential learning (internships, volunteering)
• Competencies (communication, problem-solving)
• Progress milestones (academic achievements, certifications)

4. Verify and Align Your Data

A CLR is only as strong as its data. Establish clear processes for collecting, integrating, and verifying information from all relevant sources:

• Course assessments and grades
• Co-curricular and experiential learning records
• Certifications and third-party credentials

5. Secure Buy-In Across Campus

Adoption starts with awareness. Host info sessions, share real-world case studies, and highlight how CLRs empower students in their education and careers. Clear communication about the benefits builds trust and ensures broad support across your campus.

6. Pilot, Refine, and Launch

Before a full rollout, run a pilot with a single department or graduating class. Use that time to test workflows, collect feedback, and fine-tune the experience for both staff and students. A majority of faculty report insufficient training for digital resources, so invest in professional development and support during rollout. A smooth, confident launch builds momentum and turns your CLR initiative into a long-term success story.

With Parchment CLR Services, you don’t have to start from scratch. Our team brings deep expertise and a proven framework to guide your institution through every step. With flexible tools, automated workflows, and hands-on support, Parchment makes it easier to move from planning to execution so you can focus on what matters most: showcasing student potential.

Bring Your CLR Vision to Life With Parchment

In a world where skills matter more than seat time, Comprehensive Learner Records offer a smarter, more meaningful way to showcase student success. When thoughtfully implemented, they become tools for equity, engagement, and employability.

Parchment is your trusted partner in bringing your CLR program to life. From strategy and implementation to design and delivery, our team helps institutions create secure, scalable, and student-centered CLRs that align with your goals:

• Customize your records to reflect your institution’s values
• Integrate data seamlessly across systems
• Empower students to own and share their learning stories

Want to learn more? Read our eBook: Launching a Comprehensive Learner Record for a deeper look at how CLRs can transform your approach to student success.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, discover Parchment CLR Services or book a demo today.

There’s always more to learn.