Portrait of a Graduate Competencies

Competency Definition

Demonstrated When Students...

Adaptability is the capacity to respond constructively to feedback, setbacks, and evolving circumstances by adjusting behavior, strategies, or perspectives. It involves resilience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving in the face of ambiguity, change, or challenge.

When demonstrating Adaptability, our students…

  • Respond productively to feedback and persevere through difficulty.

  • Demonstrate flexibility and creativity when navigating changing roles or expectations.

  • Balance diverse perspectives to reach effective solutions.

Communication is the effective exchange of ideas, information, and perspectives through multiple modes—including oral, written, and nonverbal expression—adapted for context and audience. It entails active listening, critical awareness of bias and assumptions, and a collaborative approach to dialogue and feedback.

When demonstrating Communication skills, our students…

  • Clearly articulate ideas using oral, written, and nonverbal communication.

  • Seek out and consider diverse perspectives in discussions.

  • Use feedback to refine their communication for intended outcomes.

Critical Thinking is the disciplined process of analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to solve problems and generate original ideas. It involves logical reasoning, reflective judgment, and the ability to question assumptions, assess evidence, and refine one’s thinking over time.

When demonstrating Critical Thinking, our students…

  • Identify and evaluate solutions to complex problems.

  • Apply clear, open-minded, evidence-based thinking.

  • Demonstrate originality and engage with new ways of thinking about things.

Curiosity is the intrinsic motivation to explore, inquire, and pursue understanding across disciplines and contexts. It reflects a learner’s mindset characterized by intellectual risk-taking, creative thinking, and the application of knowledge to new and meaningful challenges.

When demonstrating Curiosity, our students…

  • Actively seek new knowledge, ideas, and understanding.

  • Embrace intellectual risks and learn from mistakes.

  • Engage with new experiences and ideas.

Empathy is the ability to understand and value the emotions, experiences, and perspectives of others. It includes demonstrating integrity and accountability in interactions, resulting in meaningful, respectful relationships.

When demonstrating Empathy, our students…

  • Recognize how their actions impact others beyond themselves.

  • Act with integrity and accountability in both individual and group settings.

  • Value and understand a situation from someone else’s point of view.