College Student Educators International (ACPA) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) identified ten professional competencies that are essential to the work of student affairs educators.  The competencies are dynamic and reflect the current environment of higher education and anticipated future needs while allowing for variations in individual approach.  Graduate students, new student affairs professionals, and seasoned professionals are advised to seek proficiency and continued learning in each of the competency areas to be successful in their roles.

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Competency areas

The ACPA and NASPA (2015) competency areas include: assessment, evaluation, and research; advising and supporting; law, policy, and governance; leadership; organizational and human resources; personal and ethical foundations; social justice and inclusion; student learning and development; technology; and values, philosophy, and history. Each area requires learning, continued skill development, and ongoing application in order to advance one’s level of competence.  The descriptions and professional development considerations for each area serve to unify a group of professionals while recognizing there are unique and varied approaches in practice.

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Knowledge levels

The three levels of knowledge are foundational, intermediate, and advanced (ACPA & NASPA, 2015).  At the most basic or foundational level, each competency is an independent idea or theme with unique skill outcomes.  Outcomes for each competency area expand and intersect with other competencies as one advances in knowledge and practice.  According to ACPA and NASPA (2015), “it is important to distinguish between meeting the outcome in a singular setting and mastering that outcome in multiple contexts and situations” (p. 8).  In order to successfully achieve a higher level of competence, one must build upon existing knowledge, adapt as outcomes evolve over time, and gain experience applying theory to practice in new situations.  For this reason, ongoing professional development is important for maintaining and expanding knowledge.  

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Use the Competency drop-down-menu to select a specific area to read more.

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References:

American College Personnel Association and National Association of Student Personnel

      Administrators. (2015, August).  Professional competency areas for student affairs educators. Retrieved from           

      http://www.naspa.org/images/uploads/main/Professional_Competencies.pdf

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American College Personnel Association and National Association of Student

      Personnel Administrators. (2016, August). ACPA/NASPA professional competency rubrics. Retrieved from

      https://www.naspa.org/images/uploads/main/ACPA_NASPA_Professional_Competency_Rubrics_Full.pdf​

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