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Certified Student Leader Program

Certified Student Leader (CSL) Badge Program

Develop Your Leadership. Showcase Your Experience. Graduate with Distinction.

The Certified Student Leader (CSL) Badge Program recognizes students who intentionally develop leadership skills through co-curricular involvement at Florida International University. By participating in leadership experiences both inside and outside the classroom, students gain transferable skills that prepare them for future careers and graduate school.

Students who successfully complete the program earn:

  • A Certified Student Leader Digital Badge
  • Eligibility to apply for the Certified Student Leader Graduation Medallion
  • Recognition of leadership competencies that can be shared with employers through a verified digital credential

How the Program Works

  • Step 1: Build Your Leadership Experience

    Participate in co-curricular experiences throughout your time at FIU that help develop the 8 FIU Student Leadership Competencies.

    Examples include:

    • Student organizations
    • Leadership programs
    • Campus employment
    • Community service
    • Professional development
    • Civic engagement
    • Research
    • Peer mentoring
    • Other approved leadership experiences
  • Step 2: Document Your Involvement

    Before completing the program, make sure your leadership experiences are documented.

    Students should:

    • Record involvement in PantherConnect
    • Save certificates and documentation
    • Keep records of leadership positions and participation
  • Step 3: Enroll in the Canvas Course

    Students must complete the Certified Student Leader Badge Canvas Course before applying for the graduation medallion.

    Canvas Enrollment Request

    Enrollment into the Canvas course is not automatic.

    Students must submit a Canvas Enrollment Request Form.

    Important Information

    • Canvas enrollment is a multi-step administrative process.
    • Submission of the request form does not provide immediate Canvas access.
    • Enrollment requests should be submitted at least 14 business days before the semester's Certified Student Leader Medallion application deadline.
    • Processing times may vary because of:
      • University closures
      • Federal holidays
      • High-volume registration periods
      • Administrative processing timelines
    • Students are responsible for requesting enrollment early enough to complete all required coursework before the published deadline.
    • Submission of the request form does not extend program deadlines.
    • Register via panther connect here https://fiu.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/416975
  • Step 4: Complete the Badge Requirements

    Within the Canvas course, students will:

    • Complete required learning modules
    • Reflect on leadership experiences
    • Demonstrate proficiency in the eight FIU Student Leadership Competencies
    • Submit required assignments

    Once all requirements are approved, students will earn the Certified Student Leader Digital Badge.

Claim Your Digital Badge

After successfully completing all Canvas requirements:

  • Your badge will be awarded through FIU's Digital Badge platform.
  • You will receive an email with instructions for claiming your badge.
  • Share your badge on LinkedIn, your resume, or professional portfolio.

Questions?

Email microcred@fiu.edu

Resources

  • How to Claim Your Badge
  • How to Manage Your Digital Badge (Video)

Apply for the Graduation Medallion

Students who have earned the Certified Student Leader Badge may apply to receive the Certified Student Leader Graduation Medallion.

Application Requirements

Students must submit:

  • Medallion Application (PantherConnect)
  • Current Resume
  • Screenshot of earned Digital Badge

Applications are submitted through the Center for Leadership & Service Forms Library in PantherConnect.

Recipients will incur a $20 fee to cover the cost of the graduation medallion and official certificate.

Important: Students should request Canvas enrollment at least 14 business days before these deadlines.

Information Sessions

Interested in learning more?

Attend a Certified Student Leader Information Session to learn:

  • Program requirements
  • Leadership competencies
  • Canvas course overview
  • Graduation medallion process
  • Frequently asked questions

One is held at each campus once each semester. Check back here for dates and times!

Can't make it? Check out the presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

Any currently enrolled FIU student who meets the program requirements.

Is Canvas enrollment immediate?

No. Canvas enrollment requires administrative processing and is not automatic.

When should I request Canvas access?

At least 14 business days before the semester application deadline.

Can deadlines be extended because I submitted my Canvas request late?

No. Students are responsible for allowing adequate processing time before the published deadline.

How do I know when I have access?

You will receive a notification once your Canvas enrollment has been processed.

Can university holidays delay processing?

Yes. University closures, federal holidays, and high-volume periods may extend processing times.