Outlined below is a description of the student learning outcomes or competencies that should be considered when developing portfolio entries for classroom, work, or other life experiences. You must be able to demonstrate the competencies described in the following categories in order to meet the portfolio requirement necessary for graduation.

Leadership

• Ability to take initiative in individual and group projects
• Ability to apply academic leadership principles and concepts in group work
• Understanding of ethical issues and responsibilities in communication

Presentational Speaking

• Ability to present various topics in a professional manner
• Communication skills that invite transformation such as:
• researching, planning, and organizing
• presenting with visual aids and/or multi-media technology

Interpersonal Communication

• Knowledge of and/or competency in one-on-one and small-group relationship skills
• Competencies in active listening and other behaviors that promote the understanding of interpersonal communication, including:
• assertiveness
• self-disclosure
• conversation management
• adaptability
• conflict resolution

Written Communication

• Ability to communicate effectively through clear, concise prose in light of the occasion, audience, and purpose
• Ability to develop aesthetic and organized documents
• Outstanding grammar and mechanics, editing and revising skills

Communication and Culture

• Understanding of how communication influences culture
• Understanding of how culture influences communication
• Ability to accommodate those influences in daily cultural situations

Communication History

• Knowledge of the history and development of communication as a field of study
• Understanding of the development of theories and methods
• Fundamental background in the literature and chronology of communication studies as well as historical figures in the field

Use of Technology

• General PC and Mac computer literacy
• Ability to use software programs, online databases, and Internet resources
• Ability to present ideas professionally through media including:
• word processing and presentation software (i.e., PowerPoint)
• creation of website or web-based software
• photography
• audio-video-film production

Group Communication

• Practical and theoretical knowledge needed to communicate as a group, such as:
• problem-solving
• coordination
• feedback
• roles
• decision-making
• networking
• goal-setting
• performance measurement

Theoretical Perspectives

• Conceptual understanding of the communication process
• Knowledge of various genres and major theories, including:
• Mass Communication
• Nonverbal
• Group
• Cultural and Gender
• Rhetorical Criticism
• Interpersonal
• Persuasion
• Research Methods

Professionalism

• Apply professional communication skills in a work setting
• Meet schedule deadlines and manage time
• Maintain a good attitude and be dependable
• Handle pressure and criticism
• Take initiative and direction