KNOWLEDGE COMPETENCIES
Demonstrate an understanding of:
A: individual, group and organizational and leadership theories and their relevance to student affairs practice.
B: assessment and evaluation, methodology, and interpretation as it applies to student affairs practice.
C: basic legal, contractual, and liability issues involved in college student affairs practice.
D: cross-cultural and diversity related issues within the context of higher education.
E: higher education systems, history, and how student affairs roles, responsibilities and systems are infused into the larger educational picture.
F: how diverse student learning, developmental theory and research are relevant to students’ education and development.
G: students’ diverse characteristics, demographics and attributes and how they influence students’ education and development.
H: student affairs standards of practice and professional ethical standards.
I: current issues and practices in the student affairs profession.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE COMPETENCIES
I. Administrative Functions and Processes
Demonstrate the ability to:
A: perform administration functions and services in selected student affairs functional areas (at least two distinct areas).
B: develop, implement and evaluate educational and student service based programs
C: utilize various forms of technology for data collection, analysis, communication and presentation of information.
D: formulate goals; implement strategies for achieving goals through efficient and effective use of resources and evaluation of goal attainment.
E: meet deadlines and produce quality results.
II. Managing Self
Demonstrate:
A: adherence to and value for personal and professional ethical standards through ethical practice.
B: personal and professional confidence.
C: inquisitive, self-motivated commitment to learning and self-development.
D: a commitment to personal and professional growth in the area of diversity and social justice.
E: ability to work with others within a team context.
F: ability to make appropriate modifications to behavior based on self-monitoring and constructive
feedback.
III. Communication
Demonstrate:
A: ability to teach and model a respect for shared community values, including establishing and
maintaining an inclusive community promoting civic education.
B: a willingness to engage in sustained dialogue in order to reach an understanding of the issues
presented.
C: the ability to use sound, effective written and oral communication techniques and strategies within
student affairs practice.
D: the ability to communicate in an inclusive manner.
IV. Working Relationships with Others
Demonstrate the ability to:
A: relate effectively to a wide range of people and appreciate individual differences, with cultural sensitivity.
B: build rapport, show compassion and understanding for others, and establish and maintain mutually satisfying relationships.
C: supervise and train diverse student affairs staff, students and/or professionals.
D: advise student groups and organizations.
E: apply student learning and developmental theory to student affairs practice in a specific context.
V. Mobilizing Innovation and Change
Demonstrate:
A: the ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems and see opportunities where others see obstacles.
B: the ability to engage in the process of change instead of defend against it.
C: the belief that personal actions can make a difference.
D: the ability to engage in systematic inquiry, research, analysis and interpretation.
Revised 10/2009