Ideal Graduate | OSU Portfolio
Ideal Graduate
Rooted within Cowboy Culture are foundational attributes that we strive for in the
ideal Oklahoma State University graduate. In addition to a degree, our students develop
specific competencies during their time at OSU, enabling them to serve as impactful
leaders in their communities and career. OSU is committed to prioritizing the development
of these competencies university-wide, recognizing the significance of professional
preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility
in shaping well-rounded individuals.
The Four Competencies
Professional Preparedness
- Works effectively as a member of a team
- Solves problems through critical thinking
- Communicates effectively in writing and verbally
- Gets things done through a diligent work ethic
Engaged Citizenship
- Welcomes and includes global citizenship
- Respects and esteems the value of dignity and healthy discourse
- Exercises service to the community
- Maintains respectful citizen qualities in the digital sphere
Ethical Leadership
- Makes decisions with integrity
- Exercises empathy
- Embraces accountability
- Demonstrates moral courage
Personal Responsibility
- Exhibits tenacity, adaptability and persistence
- Demonstrates financial literacy
- Carries a commitment to continuous learning
- Handles ambiguity with dexterity and creativity
Ideal Graduates in the Workplace
Oklahoma State University is known for its strong academic programs and commitment
to excellence in education. Beyond the classroom, experiences such as internships,
study abroad, leadership opportunities and industry partnerships enhance OSU students’
readiness for the workforce, laying a solid foundation for success in their field.
The four ideal graduate competencies go beyond academic knowledge, emphasizing practical
competencies essential for success in the modern workplace and society.
OSU Portfolio
The OSU Portfolio documents students’ participation in competency-based activities
both inside and outside the classroom. This innovative approach to capturing competency-related
experiences prepares students to showcase the skills they have developed as they transition
into their careers and allows them to articulate their skills to potential employers
and industry leaders. Each student is equipped with a digital portfolio allowing them
to manage their achievements, skills, projects and qualifications.
Understanding the Model
Do.
- Students participate in a wide variety of meaningful experiences, including undergraduate research, leadership roles, internships, community involvement, group projects, analyzing case studies and so much more.
- The ‘Do’ step of this model represents the actual experiences in which our students are participating.
Reflect.
- Through meaningful reflection, students are processing their experience and recognizing the value they gained from it.
- Further, this reflection allows them to articulate the skills they developed and the personal or professional growth that it fostered in them. Through these observations, students recognize how the experience prepares them to successfully navigate future opportunities.
Apply.
- The final step of the experiential learning model encourages students to connect their experience and the development it brought them to the larger world and allows them to apply their new knowledge and skills in a broader way.
Additional Resources
OSU's Land-Grant Commitments
Explore more about the University's commitment to its land-grant roots.
What is career readiness?
Learn more about career readiness and how students are prepared for the workplace.
We're here to help
Get answers to commonly asked questions about the OSU Portfolio and the Ideal Graduate experience.