A micro-certification is one that represents a specific skill or knowledge area acquired through focused, often short-term training or learning. Micro-certifications emphasize practical skills and competencies, and the micro-certifications below are exclusively offered by the Student Success Team to enhance your skills in serving students.
Student Development Theory Micro-certification
This certification course will explore how foundational theories of student growth and development can enhance advising practices. You will learn to recognize developmental stages, tailor advising strategies to individual needs, and foster holistic student success. You'll gain insight into how theory informs real-world advising decisions.
Whether you're new to advising or seeking to deepen your impact, this information can equip you to support students with empathy, intentionality, and evidence-based approaches.
Facilitated via Canvas, the modules cover why theory is important, cognitive-structural theories, psychosocial theories, and person-environment theories. Upon enrollment the modules can be completed asynchronously at your own pace.
This micro-certification is most relevant for individuals that work directly with students in a student success or advising capacity. You can expect to spend approximately four to six hours to complete the four modules and earn the micro-certification.
Pathways Micro-certification
This certification will provide you with a comprehensive overview of multiple areas of functionality in the Pathways platform. Whether you are an academic advisor, faculty mentor, program advisor, or other category of staff, become certified as a Pathways user to support students while maximizing use of the platform.
Facilitated via Canvas, the modules cover availability and campaigns, documentation, referrals, searching and reporting. While the course is offered as a four-week cohort, the modules can be completed asynchronously and in any order.
This micro-certification is most relevant for faculty and staff who currently have access to the platform, beyond the level of access that is provided to all instructors. You can expect to spend approximately four to six hours to complete the four modules and earn the micro-certification.
Registration is open for the next Pathways cohort.
- When: March 9–30, 2026
- Where: Canvas
- How: Once you fill out the registration form, we will provide you with further details closer to the start of the course.
If you are interested in registering for a future offering of the Pathways Micro-certification, please fill out this form and we will contact you when the next session is scheduled.
The insights and strategies I gained from the course have significantly strengthened my ability to support our students more effectively. With a deeper understanding of key concepts and practical tools, I feel better equipped to help guide students along their educational journey.
Thank you once again for investing in professional learning opportunities like this. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned.
—Angelica