Core Competencies

Core Competencies Core Competencies

Getting involved in a student organization offers many benefits, including the development of leadership, communication, and other valuable career skills. It’s also a great way to explore your academic interests outside the classroom, connect with peers who share your passions, and build relationships with mentors, faculty, and staff who support your involvement. The domains below, adapted from the National Association for Campus Activities' Student Leadership Competencies, are just some of the skills students learn as a result of being engaged on campus.

Belonging and Accessibility

  • Inclusive Communication: Use inclusive language and accessible formats tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Accessible Practices: Leverage institutional resources and technology to ensure accessible events.
  • Cultural Engagement: Plan programming that reflects, respects, and involves diverse identities and perspectives.
  • Identity and Self-Awareness: Develop emotional intelligence, recognize bias and privilege, and integrate inclusive practices into your leadership style..
  • Welcoming Leadership: Create welcoming environments, recruit a variety of members, and ensure everyone is meaningfully included in organizational life.

Programming and Event Management

  • Planning and Execution: Design events that meet campus needs, follow institutional policies, and engage a variety of audiences.
  • Assessment and Data Use: Collect and use feedback to improve events and organization effectiveness.
  • Technology and Marketing: Use digital tools, social media, and accessible marketing to promote programs effectively.
  • Budget and Risk Management: Manage resources wisely, understand contracts, and mitigate risks through planning and policy adherence.
  • Collaboration and Advocacy: Build relationships with partners and advocate for student interests and needs through programming.

Organization Development

  • Team Building: Cultivate welcoming, collaborative teams and recognize member contributions.
  • Member Training and Transitions: Support growth through onboarding, education, and leadership transition planning.
  • Meetings and Governance: Run efficient meetings, understand organizational structure, and uphold constitutional practices.
  • Sustainability and Strategy: Set goals, align with mission, manage budgets, and make data-informed decisions to sustain the organization.
  • Representation and Image: Recognize how individuals represent the organization and foster a positive public image.

Individual Leadership Development

  • Self-Understanding: Explore personal values, identity, and emotional intelligence.
  • Decision-Making: Make ethical, informed choices individually and with teams.
  • Professionalism: Communicate clearly, behave responsibly, and represent self and organization with integrity.
  • Civic Responsibility: Advocate for communities, model leadership, and engage in civic life.
  • Career Readiness: Translate leadership experiences into skills for future education and employment.

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