The College of Arts and Sciences of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is committed to ensuring that its graduates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to function as educated individuals, life-long learners, and responsible citizens. To these ends, the College fosters the development of the following characteristics and capabilities:
Communication: Organize and express ideas clearly and appropriately; master standard use of written and oral communication; appreciate alternative forms of expression, including art, dance, music and literature; distinguish between the medium and the message; listen, observe, interpret, and understand others.
Critical Thinking: Employ independent, objective, and rigorous reasoning; identify and integrate the elements of a task or problem; seek, organize, assimilate, synthesize, and use information; maintain a healthy skepticism; recognize the value of creativity, the limits of reason and the legitimacy of intuition.
Problem Framing and Solving: Appreciate the complexity of problems; go beyond conventional assumptions; understand parts of systems as well as the whole; recognize patterns and generalize; search and test solutions using analytical and intuitive skills; evaluate and monitor outcomes; work effectively and creatively in diverse groups.
Knowledge: Master basic facts, concepts, and literature of the arts and sciences; acquire knowledge of diverse ethical traditions and contemporary issues; develop competence in the use of technology, instrumentation, and research methods; develop expertise in a major; understand the evolution and trends of that major; acquire knowledge of career opportunities.
Integration and Application of Knowledge: Recognize and value the interconnectedness of knowledge; learn creatively from practice and experience; apply knowledge in innovative ways; appreciate, use, and promote multidisciplinary and culturally diverse perspectives; foster connections wherein knowledge serves as a bridge to new levels of understanding and insight.
Self Development: Assess personal strengths, weaknesses, and potential; develop individual goals and persevere to achieve them; build self confidence and motivation; identify and respect diverse backgrounds and viewpoints; deal effectively with change; recognize and tolerate ambiguity; develop a well-considered personal ethic that includes responsibility for actions; assume responsibility for decisions and their results.
Citizenship: Participate in the local, national, and global community; be sensitive to the welfare of others; appreciate democratic values; acquire a sense of personal and collective responsibility for the social and natural environment.
Life-long Learning: Maintain a sense of curiosity; appreciate and master the process of learning; recognize that learning is a means of fulfillment and success in one's personal and professional life.
