Universities have increasingly recognized the importance of establishing campus-wide competencies for all students, a trend driven by the evolving demands of the global workforce and the necessity for graduates to be well-rounded, adaptable individuals. These competencies, which often include critical thinking, effective communication, ethical reasoning, and collaborative skills, are not just academic ideals but real-world necessities. By embedding these competencies across various disciplines, universities ensure that students are not only experts in their chosen fields but also possess a versatile skill set that enables them to thrive in diverse professional environments. This holistic approach to education aligns with the needs of employers who seek graduates capable of complex problem-solving and innovative thinking. Furthermore, such competencies foster lifelong learning attitudes, preparing students for the continuous adaptation required in an ever-changing world. Therefore, the establishment of campus-wide competencies is a strategic response to the dynamic landscape of higher education and the broader demands of society, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the skills essential for success in the 21st century.

What is a competency?  A competency, particularly in the context of the University of Saskatchewan's mission "to be what the world needs," is a dynamic combination of skills, knowledge, and attributes. It equips individuals to effectively address and contribute to solving real-world challenges. This concept extends beyond academic proficiency, encompassing the ability to apply learning in practical situations, think critically, and engage ethically, aligning personal development with the broader goal of societal advancement and global well-being. Many USask professional programs have professional competencies that their programing is aligned to as a part of accreditation.

Skills vs Competencies

Skill: A skill is a specific learned ability or proficiency in a particular area. Skills are often more technical and task specific. For example, writing, mathematical calculation, or programming in a certain computer language are skills. They are the basic building blocks or components that are necessary to perform certain tasks effectively.

Competency: A competency, on the other hand, is broader and more integrative. It encompasses a combination of skills, knowledge, and attributes. Competencies are about how individuals use their skills and knowledge effectively and responsibly in various contexts, like choosing a method of communication that suit the audience and context. It's not just about what you know or can do, but how you apply that knowledge and skill in the real world. In the USask framework, a competency is seen as a blend of practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical understanding, aimed at contributing to societal and global well-being.

There are six USask Student competencies drawn from the pursuits in Our Learning Charter, that are the backbone of what students at USask can do when they graduate. Click on the competencies below to explore how to teach the competencies and learn how to embed them in programs.

1

Engaging in Our Intercultural Society

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.

2

Nurturing Successful Relationships

Students who nurture successful relationships describe who they are and can embrace diversity of interpersonal strengths and weaknesses to support positive outcomes with others. They are accountable for their actions, manage conflict, successfully prioritize, and negotiate for successful results.

3

Leveraging Technology

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

4

Adaptive Design and Problem Solving

Students who effectively employ adaptive design and problem solving 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.

5

Communicating Meaningfully

Students engage in meaningful communication when they exchange ideas, facts, and perspectives with others. They are effective when they purposefully select and use strategies for communicating in response to context and audience.

6

Cultivating Well-Being

Students effectively engage in cultivating well-being when they reflect on what they are doing, how it is working, 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, and they deliberately engage in healthy persistence in the face of change.

Contact the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning for information about the USask Student Competencies and how to integrate them into your course or program.

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