Program Competencies

The following competencies describe what is expected of our students as they enter the student affairs profession. These competencies provide the foundation for SAA program planning and assessment.    

  • Applied Research: The design and implementation of program evaluation, assessment, and applied research using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.

  • Critical Analysis and Problem Solving The ability to examine multiple perspectives and draw reasonable inferences that are accurate, applicable, and justified in making decisions to solve a problem.

  • Effective Communication: The ability to converse expressively and receptively in a clear and accurate manner in oral, written, interpersonal, and electronic communications.

  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility: The understanding and application of ethical standards and legal issues to work environments and relationships; the ability to act ethically and to conduct university business as a person of integrity and contribute to the profession and the university community.

  • Global Connection and Human Diversity: The awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work effectively with others who are culturally different from self both locally and internationally as well as gain insight into a global perspective of student affairs and higher education.

  • Higher Education Knowledge :The knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles and practices of higher education as they relate to leadership, technology, management, and administration in both a historical and current context.

  • Student Characteristics and Effect of College on Students: The knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles of student development theory, traits of the current college generation, and ability to apply theory to improve student affairs practice.