WAU Graduate Blog
February 2012
At a recent strategic planning committee meeting the question was asked, “Have we identified what behavior and traits a graduate of Washington Adventist University should exhibit?”
In other words what is distinctive of a WAU graduate? This certainly was a timely and relevant question as the committee debated the president’s Vision 2020 presentation for the institution. It is essential that we not only identify the desired behaviors and traits of the WAU graduate, but also in the administration of our daily responsibilities model, teach, mentor, and coach these behaviors in order to fulfill the vision of producing graduates who demonstrate competence and moral leadership to their communities. It is exciting to note and report to parents and students that the faculty, staff and trustees are united about the identified desired outcomes of our graduates. We agree that the preparation of a WAU graduate begins with a supportive and a committed faculty, staff and trustees. Our commitment is that the WAU students upon graduation will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Spiritual Identity
They will understand the basic spirituality that is the heart of the university’s mission statement of community ethos. They will be committed to a belief and value system that results in responsible moral choices and the care of the body, mind, and spirit.
Communication
They will be able to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening and bee proficient in the use of electronic modes of communication.
Analytical Skills and Information Literacy
They will be able to find, evaluate, absorb, and synthesize information and solve problems through interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-awareness.
Effective Citizenship
They will be aware of the characteristics and needs of a diverse community, l understand the value of contributing time and effort to achieve community goals, and accept responsibility for personal actions. Their behavior in the community will reflect the importance of creating and maintaining a safe, orderly, healthy, and attractive environment.
Team Work
They will be able to participate either as a member or leader of a committee, task force, board, or other group project in generating and achieving its collective goals.
Aesthetic Appreciation
They will be able to recognize and understand the value of fine and performing arts, as well as the aesthetic heritage found in a variety of cultures.
Discipline-specific Competence
They will be able to show competency in a major field of study and understand the relationship of their particular discipline to the general education core of their liberal arts training.
This is Washington Adventist University.
– THE SCHOOLS –
School of Arts & Social Sciences
The School of Arts & Social Sciences offers a curriculum focused on fostering the development of the skills essential to be successful in the global service economy of the 21st Century: writing, critical thinking, debate, analysis, and an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.
School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness
The School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness employs a philosophy that balances practical training and theory in approaching education for future health sciences professionals. We bridge the gap between concept and practice.
School of Graduate & Professional Studies (SGPS)
For more than 30 years, WAU has been a leader in providing career building undergraduate degree programs for working professionals. WAU has continued to expand those offerings by adding graduate programs. This provides undergraduate students the opportunity to transition into graduate programs and continue to enhance their skills and competitive marketability.
