Professional Development Framework Knowledge Areas

Each professional development session will fall under one or more of the following areas. Areas were adapted from NASPA’s professional competency areas and the Division of Student Affairs strategic plan pathways.

• 1. Student Advising & Support - Possessing in-depth knowledge of the students we serve and their developmental needs in order to serve, support, and retain them.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • the impact of diverse identities and worldviews on student development
  • student resources and support systems on and off campus
  • the role of staff regarding students’ sense of belonging, growth, and retention

• 2. Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills - Providing intentional opportunities to build and nurture relationships within your department, the Division, campus community, and with community partners.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • skills needed to provide customer service, guidance, and support to the campus community
  • building and maintaining relationships
  • shared vision and collaborative communication

• 3. Leadership Competencies - Developing mindful leaders to effectively build teams, support individual development, provide resources and services, and generate positive change within our community.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • knowledge and proficiency to be an effective leader in varying environments
  • theories and principles of leadership
  • opportunities to explore and reflect on one's identity as a leader

• 4. Personal & Career Development - Commitment to personal growth, well-being, and professional development to effectively reach individual goals.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • dimensions of wellness
  • knowledge and skills needed to create a career plan and effectively reach individual career goals

• 5. Productivity & Problem Solving - Demonstrating authentic professional presence through setting and accomplishing goals, being solution-focused, and producing high-quality results.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • skills needed to enhance productivity and self-management
  • problem-solving and decision-making

• 6. Global Perspective & Worldviews – Fostering and promoting an institutional culture that supports the free and open expression of ideas, identities, and beliefs, where individuals have the capacity to respectfully negotiate different standpoints.

  Offering in this area will address:

  • self-awareness within the areas of diversity and inclusion
  • skills needed to create environments that foster inclusion and participation of all groups
  • education and skills needed to combat oppressive ‘isms’

• 7. Digital Fluency & Assessment - Using current and emerging technologies and assessment tools to enhance quality, improve productivity and communication, solve problems, and streamline processes effectively and appropriately.

  Offerings in this area will address:

  • current technology and its uses within Student Affairs
  • understanding and applying planning principles
  • skills to collect, analyze, and inform decision-making through data