Blackhawk Technical College's core abilities were developed to define the expectations of all graduates from Blackhawk programs, unifying all academic divisions and contributing to student success. Not only are core abilities expected outcomes for students, but they also reflect the expectations of all College staff as well. 

Blackhawk has identified five core abilities that are crucial to success both during school and after graduation. These core abilities, based on input from faculty, employers, students, and other members of the community, are skills and competencies that will enable students to be successful in the workplace. These essential skills are taught across all programs and departments. Everyone at Blackhawk works toward improving and applying these critical skills.

Listed below are Blackhawk's five college-wide core abilities and their indicators. 

Demonstrate Effective Communication 

Definition: Communication is the purposeful exchange of ideas and information through interpersonal, interpretive and presentational formats.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to engage in effective communication strategies through a variety of mediums.

Criteria:

• Employ effective communication practices. 
• Adapt communication to engage diverse audiences.
• Use technology to effectively communicate.

Demonstrate Professional use of Relevant Technology

Definition: Professional use of technology (computers, equipment, devices, software, etc.) is a crucial component of success.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate the appropriate use of occupationally specific technology resources.

Criteria:

• Demonstrate proper selection of equipment, tools and resources to produce desired results.
• Demonstrate safe and secure use of technology.
• Use occupation-specific technology in appropriate ways.

Demonstrate Diverse and Inclusive Practices

Definition: Diversity refers to the traits and characteristics that make people unique while inclusion refers to the behaviors and social norms that ensure people feel welcome, accepted and validated.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to identify and respond with adherence to diversity and inclusion as it applies to people and society today.

Criteria:

• Respond appropriately to diverse situations.
• Model respectful and inclusive interactions.
• Acknowledge the contributions of a diverse society.

Demonstrate Professional Work Behaviors

Definition: Professionalism is an individual's adherence to a set of standards, code of conduct, or collection of qualities that characterize accepted practice.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to apply methods of continuous personal, academic and professional improvement.

Criteria:

• Manage time effectively.
• Adhere to policies, procedures and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate accountability.

Demonstrate Critical Thinking

Definition: Critical thinking is a habit of mind characterized by the exploration of evidence before formulating a conclusion.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking.

Criteria:

• Define problems clearly and precisely.
• Utilize relevant information from diverse perspectives.
• Evaluate potential solutions using relevant criteria and standards.