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UC San Diego Competencies

The twelve competencies are incorporated into Experiential Learning initiatives - Co-Curricular Record (CCR), Academic Internship Programs (AIP), Biology Research Internship (BISP), UC Washington (UCDC) and the Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) portal -  to promote reflection on student success and development at UC San Diego.

The framework and definitions were created to align with the learning outcomes and competencies of:

  • Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) Value Learning Outcomes
  • Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Learning & Development Outcomes
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission Core Competencies.
  • National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies

The competencies are reviewed on a four-year cycle by the UCSD Education Initiative Workgroup.

 Find out which competencies you best align with through our competencies quiz!

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Accesses information and opportunities for career exploration, and understands and articulates the importance of transferable skills in the job search process.

 


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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT/SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Participates in service/volunteer activities characterized by reciprocity, engages in critical reflection, and appropriately challenges unfair and unjust behavior to make a positive difference in the community.

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CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING

Identifies important problems and questions and gathers, analyzes, evaluates information from a variety of sources before forming a strategy, decision, or opinion.

 

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DIGITAL INFORMATION FLUENCY

Demonstrates technological literacy and skills, and ethically and effectively uses technology to communicate, problem-solve and complete tasks.

 

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INNOVATION/ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING

Synthesizes existing ideas and concepts in innovative and creative ways to develop new ways of thinking or working, and engages in divergent thinking and risk taking.

 

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LEADERSHIP

Takes initiative, demonstrates effective decision making and informed risk taking, and motivates and encourages participation from others to work towards a shared purpose and vision.

 

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ORAL, WRITTEN, & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

Conveys meaning and responds to needs of diverse audiences through writing and speaking coherently and effectively, and develops the expression of ideas through written, oral and digital mediums.

 

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PROFESSIONALISM/INTEGRITY

Demonstrates integrity, honesty, dependability and ethical responsibility, and accepts direction and personal accountability.

 

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RESEARCH ABILITY

Accesses and evaluates multiple sources of information, including text and images, and synthesizes information to solve problems and create new insights.

 

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SELF-REFLECTION

Assesses, articulates and acknowledges personal skills and abilities, and learns from past experiences and feedback to gain new insights and understandings.

 

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TEAMWORK/CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION

Works with and seeks involvement from people and entities with diverse experiences towards a common goal, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, respect and dignity for others.

 

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UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL CONTEXT

Demonstrates an understanding of complex global issues and systems, and how issues and actions have local and global implications for the future.