SET Competency Framework
Unlocking Potentials
What is This?
The Student Engagement and Transition (SET) Competency Framework is an in-house (ULeth) comprehensive learning guide designed to empower and lead students in their personal and professional growth journey. Doing so by encouraging purposeful reflection on the skillsets they cultivate through academic and experiential learning activities occurring in and out of the classroom (WIL/CBEL).
Framework Overview:
This powerful framework outlines 5 Core Competencies that encompass essential skillsets for success in academia and beyond.
- Thinking: Develop critical thinking, creativity and problem solving abilities to tackle complex challenges.
- Thinking about Thinking: Cultivate self-awareness, adaptability and metacognitive skills for lifelong learning.
- Personal Growth: Explore self-understanding, ethical reasoning, and creative expression for holistic development.
- Cultivating Relationships: Build meaningful connections through collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
- Global Citizenship: Embracing diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility to drive positive change/
By mastering these competencies, students gain a competitive edge, becoming well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in their chosen careers and contribute to their communities.
Core Competency Examples:
Courses and projects that require students to analyze complex data sets, interpret research findings, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Assignments that promote critical thinking skills by asking students to evaluate multiple perspectives, identify underlying assumptions, and formulate well-reasoned arguments.
Reflective journals, learning portfolios, or self-assessment exercises that encourage students to examine their thought processes, recognize strengths and areas for improvement, and adapt their learning strategies accordingly. Workshops or coaching sessions that teach metacognitive skills, such as goal-setting, time management, and self-regulated learning.
Experiential learning opportunities like community service projects, creative workshops, or outdoor education programs that allow students to explore their values, beliefs, and personal interests while developing self-awareness, ethical reasoning, and modes of creative expression. Courses or extracurricular activities that promote personal growth through practices like mindfulness, emotional intelligence training, or personal storytelling.
Group projects, team-based case studies, or collaborative research endeavors that foster effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to work productively with diverse perspectives. Leadership roles within student organizations, peer mentoring programs, or team-building retreats that develop skills in collaboration, emotional intelligence, and inclusive leadership.
Study abroad experiences, international service-learning projects, or cross-cultural exchange programs that expose students to different worldviews and broaden their understanding of global issues. Sustainability initiatives, human rights advocacy, or social entrepreneurship opportunities that inspire students to embrace diversity, think critically about their impact, and take action as socially responsible global citizens.