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Core Competencies

Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited institutions are expected to provide their undergraduate students with a course of study that prepares them for work, citizenship, and life-long learning (CFR 2.2a). Such studies ensure the development of core competencies including, but not limited to, written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and critical thinking. 

2021 OIE Summary Report

  Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is a habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.

  Information Literacy

Information literacy is the ability to know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand.

  Oral Communication

Oral communication is a prepared, purposeful presentation designed to increase knowledge, to foster understanding, or to promote change in the listeners’ attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors. 

  Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning is a habit of mind, competency, and comfort in working with numerical data.

  Written Communication

Written Communication is the development and expression of ideas in writing.