Multicultural Awareness
The knowledge and cognitive skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a multitude of cultural contexts. Students who have developed this competency demonstrate awareness of, and respect for, human differences and apply diverse perspectives to complex subjects
A few examples of, but not limited to, activities that can help develop multicultural awareness:
- World in Conversation discussion facilitator
- proficiency in a foreign language
- study abroad/study away
- resident assistant
Ethical Reasoning
Reasoning about right and wrong human conduct; being able to assess ethical values and the social context of problems, recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings, think about how different ethical perspectives might be applied to ethical dilemmas, and consider the ramifications of alternative actions.
Students who have developed this competency have a clear sense of integrity and can articulate their professional, educational and/or personal values. In addition, they can apply knowledge and abilities to address professional and/or societal problems in ethical ways.
A few examples of, but not limited to, activities that help develop ethical reasoning:
- participation in professional student societies
- maintaining academic integrity
- volunteer service with the Office of Student Conduct
- teaching assistant for a course.
Systems Thinking
The cognitive process to understand how systems constituent parts influence each other and how they behave over time within the context of larger systems.
Students who have developed this competency demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize ideas, apply theories, and evaluate information to answer questions or solve problems. In addition, they demonstrate competence in the creation and interpretation of works of arts and design.
A few examples of, but not limited to, activities that help develop systems thinking:
- undergraduate research
- laboratory teaching assistant
- participation in a student professional society, especially in a society competition
- participation in CAUSE, and extended field studies.
Professional Development
The ability to clarify career goals while demonstrating the skills necessary to meet professional expectations. Students who have developed this competency demonstrate skills aligned with the expectations of their profession and/or today's global workplace and have clear career goals.
A few examples of, but not limited to, activities that help promote professional development:
- an internship or co-op related to future career plans
- participation at a professional forum
- extended field studies
- unique life experiences such as military service, peace corps, and living abroad
Civic Engagement
The duty to make a difference in the life our communities and the development of necessary knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference. Students who have developed this competency identify and describe their personal civic identity and demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, effectively, and creatively within community contexts and structures to achieve a civic aim.
A few examples of, but not limited to, activities that help develop civil engagement:
- volunteer service (Habitat for Humanity, food banks, Big Brother/Big Sister, blood drives)
- educational outreach (EMEX, EMS museum docent, Campus Weather Service)
- participation in local, state or federal government