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CAS ADVANTAGE

Your Path to Academic & Career Success

Earn Graduation Cords & Badges 

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Advantage program is designed exclusively for CAS students to develop essential academic and professional skills. Through a combination of workshops, online modules, and real-world activities, students will earn badges in Critical Thinking, Career & Life Design, Collaboration, Communication, and Community—five key areas that support personal and professional growth throughout their college journey.

Each badge represents a core competency that enhances students’ readiness for careers, graduate study, and lifelong learning. Throughout the program, students will document their learning and achievements in an ePortfolio, which will include reflection papers for each badge earned. CAS Advantage also provides structured opportunities to enhance resume-building, interview techniques, networking strategies, and professional etiquette.

Successful completion of the program allows students to earn all five digital badges and may qualify them for CAS Advantage graduation cords.

Graduation Cords

� Graduation Cords

Showcase your success with a CAS Advantage cord for each badge earned at graduation.

Badges

� Digital Badges

Boost your resume with verified achievements. Each badge represents a key competency and can be displayed on LinkedIn, resumes, and professional portfolios. The five available badges are:

  • Communication
  • Community
  • Critical & Creative Thinking
  • Career & Life Design
  • Collaboration
Career Readiness

🚀 Career Readiness

Develop skills for interviews, resumes, and workplace success. Each CAS Advantage course builds on previous knowledge, ensuring continued skill development.

Course Schedule

CAS Advantage Course Schedule

Plan your academic journey with CAS Advantage courses.

  • Fall: CAS 1000, CAS 2000, CAS 3000, CAS 4000
    • Earn badges in Communication and Community.
  • Winter: CAS 1001, CAS 2001, CAS 3001, CAS 4001
    • Earn badges in Critical & Creative Thinking, Career & Life Design, and Collaboration.

Successfully completing a CAS Advantage course allows you to earn a badge and qualify for a graduation cord. Each course builds on previous skills, helping you refine and expand your professional toolkit. Students can earn badges in designated courses but may continue taking advanced sections to further develop their skills and enhance their portfolios.

College of Arts and Sciences Advising

100 Fitzgerald House
614 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-4567

 

College of Arts and Sciences
Dean's Office

Varner Hall, Room 217
371 Varner Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4485
(location map)
(248) 370-2140
Fax: (248) 370-4280
[email protected]

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