Core Competencies

Through each of your courses, your work's quality will be assessed using a set of eight Core Competencies that serve as a standard for assessing academic, interpersonal, and professional preparedness as well as a guide for continued growth. Your academic standing will be culled from traditional grades, however you will also be evaluated and graded on more than a percentage of coursework completed or attendance in class.

You will evaluate yourself on the Core Competencies every term in each course and take that evaluation to the course professor who gives the final ratings during a brief interview at the end of the term. During this interview, your areas of strength and weakness can be discussed as well as goals for improvement.

You will be evaluated by faculty members at the completion of each academic course, Practicum, and Internship, to assess your ability and capacity to perform the functions of a professional psychologist according to the following Core Competencies:

  1. To act in an ethical, legal, and professional manner according to the current code of ethics and conduct of the American Psychological Association and the laws of the State of Colorado.
  2. To think logically and critically in the manner of a professional psychologist.
  3. To communicate effectively in both written and oral presentation form according to the current professional standards of the American Psychological Association.
  4. To display the ability to evaluate and modify one's decisions and behavior, as appropriate, through self-assessment and reflective practice.
  5. To display intellectual and professional curiosity in pursuit of knowledge and learning.
  6. To provide, receive, and utilize appropriate feedback in peer, faculty, and staff relationships for purposes of personal, interpersonal, and professional growth.
  7. To integrate prior learning with newly acquired knowledge and to demonstrate the desire to become a lifelong learner.
  8. To value the diversity and unique context of each individual.

You will be rated on a four point scale:

  • 1 = Serious Concern
  • 2 = Mild Concern
  • 3 = Standards Met
  • 4 = Strength

Scores of 4 are reserved for exceptional signs of strength and outstanding performance. If you receive a score of 1 on any measure, you are automatically referred to the Academic Standing Committee.