Recent survey results published by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) revealed that employers favor hiring graduates who possess abilities best provided by a liberal educationcritical thinking, problem solving and communications skills, all of which are emphasized in UD's Core curriculum. The AAC&U, a national association that promotes the quality and public standing of liberal education, reported that 93 percent of the 318 business and non-profit leaders surveyed indicated that these skills are more important to them than a candidate's undergraduate major. Employers also favored candidates with ethical judgment and integrity, as well as intercultural skills.
"Employers are not just seeking candidates with static technical skills and a specific 'major'," said Julie Janik, director of career services. "Instead, they are seeking versatile candidates who can identify and solve problems, candidates who can imagine and execute innovative strategies and who can work within a team, understanding the points of views of others."
The report also found that 74 percent of employers would recommend a liberal education to a young person as a way to prepare for long-term professional success. Approximately the same percentage also indicated that colleges should place more emphasis on these skills.
"Liberally educated students can reason and communicate, skills which are universally desired by all employers seeking to increase efficiency and to improve performance," said Janik.
The full survey results are available here.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, several members of the university community gathered to celebrate the completion of Course II of the Studies in Catholic Faith and Culture program, the first component of UD's Liberal Learning for Life initiative. The course is titled "The Person: Tradition and History."
+ Read MoreTo found the famous Core curriculum of the University of Dallas, as an education "best for the individual," Donald and Louise Cowan looked to John Henry Newman's The Idea of a University. He unapologetically promotes the Western classics -- precisely because so few know our own culture well enough to appreciate the depth of any other.
+ Read MoreThis summer, the University of Dallas invites students, alumni, faculty and staff to join its first-ever tour abroad of Russia, led by Professor of Physics Richard Olenick and Affiliate Instructor of Spanish, French and Italian Irina Rodriguez. From June 8 to June 16, 2020, Olenick and Rodriguez will guide participants through the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, taking them on a cultural and literary tour of the "Russian soul."
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