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, and 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 framework tool 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!

Cardinal Connections Planner

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 as verification of their learning, which can be shared on various social media platforms, as well as on resumes and job applications. This digital badge is embedded with metadata that includes 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.

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. Some resources highlighted in this experience will be the Cardinal Connections planner, ISU Career Services offices, and ISU Academic Advising. We plan to launch this badge in late Spring 2026.

Foundations of Leadership -- Coming Soon!

Offices from all across the Division of Student affairs provide leadership opportunities and have come together to provide some foundational information for those looking to gain leadership knowledge and experience. This badge is set to be launched Summer of 2026!

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 Soon!

This badge will provide those in a peer leader or peer mentor role within the Division of Student Affairs a way to showcase the skills they've developed through that experience. Look for this badge in summer of 2026!