Competencies Overview

Your USask experience will empower you to Be What the Word Needs and achieve success through the following competencies:

Students who thrive as members of a diverse society handle diversity in perspective, position, and approach adeptly. They communicate and collaborate effectively within diverse groups and an increasingly global society.

  • Understand your own cultural norms and values and respect differences in others
  • Learn about and experience different cultures
  • Understand the value of diversity for collaboration and promote inclusivity
  • Navigate cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication

Students who nurture successful relationships can describe their values and beliefs while embracing diversity in others. they are accountable for their actions, manage conflict, successfully prioritize, and negotiate for successful results.

  • Build and maintain authentic relationships, both personally and professionally
  • Navigate conflict for mutual success
  • Promote healthier and more inclusive communities
  • Treat others, including the land and animals, with respect

Students who can leverage technology are able to use digital/technological tools and systems ethically, appropriately, and effectively to complete tasks and accomplish goals.

  • Use or leverage digital tools and technologies for increased efficiency and productivity
  • Consider the ethical implications of different digital tools and technologies
  • Evaluate digital content for credibility and relevance
  • Adapt to emerging technologies with agility and foresight

Students who effectively solve problems and create work that is adaptable are strong and creative thinkers. They exercise innovation, critical thinking, and risk taking in the design, implementation, and evaluation of an approach to achieve a desired goal or outcome.

  • Evaluate various factors, perspectives, and outcomes to understand problems
  • Leverage critical thinking, collaboration, and technology to solve problems
  • Be flexible and creative when addressing unforeseen challenges

Students engage in meaningful communication when they exchange ideas, facts, and perspectives with others. They use different strategies to communicate depending on the context and audience.

  • Using different approaches and tools for communication for different audiences and purposes
  • Navigating complex conversations with empathy
  • Find evidence to support ideas

Students effectively engage in cultivating well-being when they reflect on what they are doing and on their personal and academic needs and make appropriate adjustments to be successful. They engage in thoughtful decision-making and are self-aware and reflective, so they can purposefully navigate adversity. Students respect personal limits and boundaries of themselves and others and persist in the face of change.

  • Create and practice a personal well-being plan to support mental, emotional, and physical health
  • Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence through self-reflection and empathy
  • Recognize signs of stress in oneself and others and which supports are available
  • Destigmatize mental health challenges and model resilience in the face of change and adversity

What can I do to develop my competencies?

Explore your interests, values, strengths and skills!

  • Join a learning community and get involved on campus
  • Sign up for workshops for skill development through the library, FUSION, or student wellness
  • Participate in experiential learning opportunities such as FYRE, SURE, and others

Find opportunities to align your academic and career goals!

  • Continue experiential learning through mentorship, community engaged projects, internships, co-ops, and study abroad
  • Meet with a career educator to develop your career plan
  • Join LinkedIn and attend networking events to make connections
  • 'Explore Major Maps' to find Opportunities

Your preparation and planning will help make inevitable change and transitions into the workforce or graduate school easier!

  • Find professional development opportunities to continue expanding your networks, skills, and career possibilities
  • Meet with a career coach to practice articulating your competencies and prepare for job interviews
  • Get involved in your community and give back!

 

Student Supports for Competency Development