What Turns NACE Competencies into Real-World Capability
The National Association of Colleges and Employers competencies have become the gold standard for career readiness. Communication. Teamwork. Critical thinking. Leadership. Technology. Professionalism. Career and self-development. Universities have embraced them, mapped them across curricula, and built programs designed to help students demonstrate them. On paper, it all works. However, in practice, they fall short.
A Hidden Financial Risk to Universities: Graduates Without Durable Skills
Universities pride themselves on preparing students for the future. Our course catalogs are packed with opportunities to gain specialized knowledge, cutting-edge research, and technical mastery. Students graduate knowing how to analyze data, write papers, and solve complex problems. On paper, they look ready. But step outside the classroom, and a different picture often emerges.
The Tangible Cost of Not Helping Students Build Cultural Agility
Universities talk a lot about global readiness. Employers do too. Yet many programs still treat the six cultural agility competencies (curiosity, resilience, humility, tolerance of ambiguity, perspective-taking, relationship-building) as optional enrichment rather than core capabilities. That choice carries a real price tag.
Track & Measure Students’ Cultural Agility Over Time
Universities worldwide are investing in courses, experiences, and co-curricular activities to cultivate cultural agility—the ability to adapt and succeed in diverse environments. But how can educators know if these efforts are truly effective? Many universities are finding answers with myGiide, a digital platform offered by Skiilify, designed to develop and track cultural agility.
Five Ways for International Students to Thrive on Campus
Studying in another country offers an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt to a new culture. However, it can also be challenging for international students to navigate an unfamiliar environment. Here are five actionable ways international students can thrive on campus by enhancing their cultural adaptation skills.
Building Student Resilience: Problem vs. Symptom-Focused Strategies
Resilience is a vital skill for university students as they navigate academic challenges, social pressures, and personal growth. Core to building resilience is understanding how to cope effectively with stress.
Universities can do more to help students build resilience. In addition to teaching students about the strategies discussed below, universities can encourage students to use myGiide to further develop resilience. myGiide offers self-awareness and personalized insights and tips to strengthen students’ ability to manage the novel situations they are facing.
Students should also learn the difference between two key coping strategies and when to use them.