Graduate Attributes Policy Document Control

Document Information

© Information

Document ID AC16

Document Owner Divine Word University

Issue Date December 1, 2012

Last Saved Date November 11, 2012

File Name Graduate Attributes Policy

Document History

Version Issue Date Changes

1.0 1.12.2012 New policy

Document Approvals

Role Name© Signature Date

President

University Council

For approval Prof. Pam Norman 1.12.2012

Academic Board

For acceptance Prof. Pam Norman 8.11.2012

Vice President Academic

Sponsor Prof. Pam Norman 8.11.2012

Policy AC16 Graduate Attributes Policy 1. Intent

The purpose of this policy is to articulate graduate attributes which should be common to all DWU programs and provide faculties with guidance to incorporate and implement graduate attributes within their programs.

2. Policy 2.1 Statement

Graduates from DWU will be distinguished by their approach to scholarship and their attitudes and actions as responsible citizens. As a result of their involvement in university life and with the teaching and learning experiences of their disciplinary courses, DWU graduates will be recognised as responsible, ethical and positive citizens through their lives and work.

2.2 Details

As reflective lifelong learners acting on strongly developed Christian ethical principles, DWU graduates will display personal qualities of scholarship and citizenship at local, national and international levels as evidenced through the following eight attributes:

Scholarship 1. Professional knowledge – achieve levels of knowledge and skill appropriate to

entering and maintaining employment and to continuing career development in their chosen professional area through their commitment to lifelong learning.

2. Analysis and problem solving – apply their abilities with academic integrity to identify and define problems, exercise informed critical judgement and acknowledge their own limitations in understanding and solving problems.

3. Research – demonstrate independent analytical, critical, logical and creative thinking in systematically identifying and solving problems to establish or to create appropriate new and ethical solutions.

4. Information technology – have experienced the use of archives and libraries and the application of a range of computer software, particularly software appropriate to their disciplinary area, and established receptiveness to the expanding opportunities for electronic technology

Social awareness 5. Personal development – have been assisted to develop a philosophy of life based on

the absolute human dignity of all persons, particularly the disadvantaged, through a commitment to Christian personal and professional ethics

6. Communication – have excellent communication skills, in written and oral language, and understand and use English as the language of international scholarship as well as respecting the linguistic diversity of PNG.

7. Social Responsibility – accept the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of an education and display willingness to serve the needs of society through application of their disciplinary knowledge and professional skills

8. Social interaction – demonstrate the ability to work productively, both autonomously and co-operatively, with tolerance, respect and valuing for human diversity, but also with a passionate commitment to truth.

3.0 Procedures

Graduate attributes are to be explicitly incorporated into unit outlines as relevant for the subject being studied and the intended learning outcomes for the unit.

4.0 Related documents, legislation or statutes

Strategic Plan, Teaching and Learning Policy, Research Policy 5.0 Applicability

The University recognizes that the details of these attributes will be interpreted and contextualised specifically for different disciplinary fields. Appropriate curriculum design within discipline areas provides the foundation for the development of graduate capabilities as part of the learning outcomes for a program. Faculty Boards are responsible for monitoring implementation and assessment.

6.0 Definitions

Graduate attributes are the qualities, skills and understandings a university community agrees its students should develop during their time with the institution. These attributes include, but go beyond, the disciplinary expertise and technical knowledge that are part of academic programs. They are qualities that also prepare graduates as agents for social good in an unknown future.