Learning Everywhere

Learning without limits

At Iowa State, learning can happen anywhere and everywhere. We offer places, programs, and opportunities that allow students to step outside the classroom and continue to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies that will serve them while they are enrolled at ISU and beyond.

  • Students sitting outside

    Via Out-of-Class Experiences Today

    The Division of Student Affairs developed the Student Learning Framework to describe the learning that occurs through our co-curricular programming, employment, and services. The ten competencies provide a common language across all our departments, programs, and services. The framework also reflects the values shared by the division and the Iowa State University Strategic Plan.

  • Male student mowing area of grass.

    That Prepare You for Tomorrow

    Whether it’s leading fitness classes, serving meals, or tutoring, every job a student does within the Division of Student Affairs can help prepare them for a career after college. 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 while working within the Division of Student Affairs.

Learning in unconventional spaces

On campus, around town, or across the ocean, students can expand their education and explore new opportunities in ways that can’t be captured in a textbook at Iowa State.

  • Students in dorm room

    As part of a community

    Students who call campus home learn to be part of a larger community while gaining valuable life skills, like time management, relationship building, and organization.

  • traveling

    When traveling to new places

    By participating in the National Student Exchange, students can experience diverse perspectives while continuing classes and pursuing research, field study, or internships.

  • Male employee making a sandwich and smiling.

    While on the clock

    For students who work within the Division of Student Affairs, the experience means more than just a paycheck. ISU Dining, the university’s largest student employer provides on-the-job training and leadership opportunities. 

Stretching your legs and your mind

Staying healthy and strong is important to achieving academic success—and a happy life. The Division of Student Affairs takes a holistic approach, supporting students and teaching them how to be well physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

  • Two women smiling at each other with food in front of them inside a dining hall

    When developing healthy habits

    Students can learn to improve old habits or create new ones. Student Wellness offers programs and services that focus on sleep, nutrition, sexual health, substance use prevention, and other areas that could cause concern.

  • Group of people in a fitness class lifting weights.

    As you try something new

    Whether an experienced athlete or just starting out, students of all abilities can take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities and more than 50 programs and activities offered by Recreation Services. There’s even something for gamers and esports enthusiasts!

  • Student painting pottery

    While practicing self-care

    Life can be tough, especially when you’re in college. Group and one-on-one counseling, training, and workshops meet students’ individual needs and help them develop knowledge and skills to enhance their life.

Student Learning Framework

Professionalism

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Career Development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s professional strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Self-Development 

Cultivating self-awareness by defining one’s beliefs, values, strengths, and personal ethical code. Aligning personal actions with purpose and taking responsibility for both positive and negative outcomes associated with one’s actions.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Citizenship

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to engage and include people from different local and global communities. Recognize the interconnectedness of global societies and local communities, and the importance of contributing meaningfully to society.

Leadership

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to develop team members and achieve organizational goals.

Teamwork

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating multiple viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Innovative & Critical Thinking 

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences and apply academic and job-based learning in novel and innovative ways.

Technology

Understand, learn, and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Wellness

An active process through which people cultivate a well-rounded and satisfying life by engaging in meaningful work, maintaining physical wellness, managing emotions, finding purpose, fostering positive relationships, continuously learning, supporting the natural environment, and making responsible financial choices.