Cardinal Connections

Learning Everywhere

At Iowa State, learning can happen anywhere and everywhere. The Student Learning Framework is rooted in the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, which are sought-after skills and experiences we help students develop. Throughout the Division of Student Affairs, students can find opportunities to develop in the Student Learning Framework competencies. Explore this menu to discover where each competency is applied in many of our programs and services.

In addition to these tools, we also have the Cardinal Connections student planner to help students choose from the wide variety of experiences available and personalize their co-curricular experience to enhance their post-graduation goals!

Start here with the Cardinal Connections Planner!

Cardinal Connections Planner

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Cardinal Connections Micro-Credentials

Experiences Matter

Enhance your co-curricular experience with verifiable micro-credentials! Micro-credentials are short, non-credit-bearing learning experiences that align with the Student Learning Framework and the skills employers are seeking. After completing one of these experiences, students earn a digital badge verifying their learning, which they can share on social media, as well as on resumes and job applications. This digital badge includes metadata with detailed information about the micro-credential, its requirements, and the skills you've gained.

Earning micro‑credentials in transferable career skills enhances your degree, helps you stand out in a competitive job market, showcases the abilities employers value most, and comes with trusted verification from Iowa State University.

Build your skills. Own your journey.

Foundations of Professionalism

This fully online, self-paced learning experience introduces key concepts and strategies for demonstrating professionalism in the workplace. Learners explore topics such as workplace behaviors and expectations, developing a personal and professional brand, and strategies for meeting and exceeding performance standards.

Designed for students with limited prior work experience, this micro-credential helps participants build essential employability skills that support career success. It is also valuable for students seeking advancement opportunities or for supervisors to use as a professional development tool with student employees who are strengthening foundational workplace behaviors.

The learning experience requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete and aligns with the Leadership competency within the Division of Student Affairs’ Student Learning Framework (SLF), derived from the NACE Career Readiness Competency for Professionalism.

Essential Workplace Professionalism -- Coming Soon!

The Essential Workplace Professionalism micro-credential recognizes current Iowa State University Division of Student Affairs (DSA) student employees who demonstrate essential workplace professionalism skills through their student employment experience at ISU. Participants develop and apply professionalism competencies in their current roles while receiving feedback and verification from supervisors through direct observation. Supplemental asynchronous learning modules reinforce key workplace behaviors and provide opportunities for further skill development.

This micro-credential is part of the Cardinal Connections Program pathway, designed to build and validate workplace-ready skills. It aligns with the Division of Student Affairs’ Student Learning Framework (SLF), derived from the NACE Career Readiness competency for Professionalism.

Foundations of Career Development -- Coming Soon!

The Foundations of Career Development micro-credential will serve as a practical guide to help you start your career journey. In collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this badge will highlight how to get the most out of your Iowa State experience using resources like, the Cardinal Connections planner, ISU Career Services offices, and ISU Academic Advising. We plan to launch this badge in 2027.

Foundations of Leadership -- Coming Soon!

Offices across the Division of Student Affairs offer leadership opportunities and have come together to share foundational information for those looking to build leadership knowledge and experience. This badge is set to be launched Spring of 2027!

Ethical Leadership

This micro-credential is designed for students currently serving in adjudicating or leadership roles within division programs and services, focusing on key concepts of ethical decision-making, accountability, and personal resilience in leadership contexts.

Learners complete six modules (approximately 30 minutes each) in a self-paced hybrid format that combines online learning modules with facilitated in-person workshops and discussions. Participants have up to one academic year to complete all requirements.

Peer Leadership -- Coming Spring 2027!

The Cardinal Connections | Peer Leadership micro-credential is part of the Division of Student Affairs’ Cardinal Connections program. This hybrid, applied learning experience is designed for undergraduate and graduate students currently serving in peer leadership or peer mentorship roles at Iowa State University.

Through structured learning, applied practice, and reflection connected to their peer leadership experience, learners strengthen their ability to lead ethically and responsibly, communicate effectively, build supportive relationships, incorporate diverse perspectives, respond to the needs of others, and contribute to the growth and success of their peers.

Foundations of Citizenship-- Coming Soon!

Offices from all across the Division of Student Affairs provide civic opportunities and have come together to provide some foundational information for those looking to gain citizenship knowledge and experience. This badge is set to be launched Fall of 2027!

Community Contribution -- Coming Soon Spring 2027!

This micro-credential is designed for students currently volunteering their time in any Iowa State-sanctioned initiative. Participants will use their volunteer experience to learn and grow as a civil servant. Modules will expand on the experience, giving learners opportunities to see the interconnectedness of communities and develop their own civic responsibility philosophy.

Learners complete three modules (approximately 60 minutes each) in a self-paced hybrid format that combines online learning modules with facilitated in-person workshops and discussions. Participants have up to one academic year to complete all requirements.

Micro-Credentials in development organized by career skill competency. Four are active as of Fall 2026. Five are in active development. There is potential for 31 more.

Division of Student Affairs Micro-Credential Development Plan

The Division of Student Affairs is working diligently to enhance the student experience by certifying experiential learning opportunities. Each badge must fall within one primary career skill competency valued by today's top employers. This effort encourages students to take control of their educational journey and become the best version of themselves by connecting meaningful experiences to in-demand career skills necessary for any job. By highlighting their learning and developing connections, students don't just become graduates; they become candidates of choice.

Experiences matter.

Make connections. Build your skills. Own your journey.

Micro-Credential Plan Graphic Staff Micro-Credential One-Pager