UPDATE: Regents make slight changes to draft of ‘Abilities and Attributes of a CU Graduate’ document

The University of Colorado Board of Regents made slight refinements to a draft list of the desired attributes and abilities of a CU graduate and has asked the faculty and other constituent groups to add their insights to the document, which will serve as a guidepost for further discussion on student learning outcomes and core curriculum. The board considered the draft at its annual summer retreat on July 22 and 23.

Most of the board’s revisions were wording changes, but it also added two attributes: “demonstrate civic literacy” and “master relevant technologies.”

The board asked that the faculty be the first stakeholder group to review and further refine the list. The board stressed that it wants the full Faculty Council and campus assemblies to have full discussion on the list and provide feedback. That process will occur over the course of the fall semester. The list will then be shared with other stakeholder groups, including students, alumni, staff and community members.

Faculty Council’s Educational Policy and University Standards (EPUS) committee drafted the original document. Members of the Board of Regents expressed their thanks to the faculty and said the draft is on the right track. The current iteration of the list of desired attributes and abilities is:

• Understand and practice ethical standards in all endeavors.
• Think critically, analytically and creatively.
• Identify, evaluate and apply appropriate information, evidence and technologies to solve problems.
• Master relevant technologies.
• Apply independent rational inquiry and self-directed learning to create new ideas.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for varied audiences.
• Possess knowledge and understand current conventions and modes of inquiry in disciplinary areas of study.
• Work collaboratively while respecting professional and individual differences.
• Serve and be actively engaged in local and global communities.
• Demonstrate civic literacy.
• Appreciate and respect diverse experiences, perspectives and realities.
• Pursue learning with enduring curiosity.