TheÌýÌýare six Universitywide learning goals for undergraduate students to accomplish while at Syracuse University. The Shared Competencies are:
- Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
- Civic and Global Responsibility
- Communication Skills
- Information Literacy and Technological Agility
Each of these Shared Competencies play a unique part in the academic and career developments of all Syracuse University students. Starting this spring, classes for Fall 2023 will be tagged on MySlice with the competencies that correspond with the course. To ensure all students receive a well-rounded education, it is highly encouraged that students aim to take classes that cover each Shared Competency within their undergraduate years. Read on to learn more about each competency!
Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is the reflection on the dynamic relationships among power, inequality, identities and social structures. This competency helps you develop critical reflection skills, not only on the diverse world around you, but also on your own identities and experiences.
Critical and Creative Thinking
Critical and Creative Thinking is the exploration and synthesis of ideas, artifacts and issues. This competency encourages you to think outside the box, be innovative and problem-solve using creative methods.
Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills is the application of scientific inquiry and problem-solving in various contexts. This competency is one that does not necessarily need to be practiced in a lab, but can be practiced through researching topics for papers or conducting interviews, primary research or field experiments.
Civic and Global Responsibility
Civic and Global Responsibility is the knowledge, exploration and analysis of the complexity surrounding interdependent local, national and global affairs. This competency encourages you to engage in political and social processes and conceptualize your civic identity, as well get involved in your community.
Communication Skills
Communication Skills are crucial for individuals to be able to properly articulate themselves and their ideas through oral, written and other forms of expression. Proper communication skills transcend any classroom and are a crucial part of daily interactions.
Information Literacy and Technological Agility
Information Literacy and Technological Agility focuses on the ability to interpret information properly and ethically apply technology in academic, creative, personal and professional endeavors. In the digital age, a competency like this will continue to benefit undergraduate students long after graduation.
These six Shared Competencies are meant to enhance undergraduate education and create learning experiences in courses that will transfer to all aspects of life and career readiness. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss which elective or liberal arts requirements might provide opportunities to take courses tagged with competencies you are interested in developing. And be on the lookout during spring registration for each of the competencies in your MySlice schedule builder! Check out the to learn more.
Written By Naimah Rahman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications