Competency model
A competency model describes the knowledge, skills and attributes employees demonstrate when successfully contributing to an organization’s strategic objectives. The UVic competency model offers a high-level view of what it means to work at UVic and is aspirational, recognizing that pursuing our strategic objectives will always require us to lean into the edge of learning, growth and discovery.
The model applies to staff and administrative leaders and is a foundation for many of the HR processes and systems used by managers. While the model has not been designed specifically to apply to faculty roles, it can be used by any employee at UVic.
For most employees, conversations about the competencies would occur as part of the annual performance and development cycle and associated goal-setting conversations. Supervisors may take advantage of the Supervisor's guide to using UVic Competencies for further ideas on incorporating competencies into their HR practices.
ʔETALNƏW̓ƏL̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL
Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things, we are equipped to uphold a community of belonging and accountability where Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing and being enrich education, research and service at the university.
Indigenous Acumen
I actively grow my understanding of the university’s location in Lək ̓ ʷəŋən territories and in a place important to W̱ SÁNEĆ Peoples. I demonstrate my knowledge of colonialism and Indigenous rights to self-determination in my role to align the work of the university with Indigenous laws and honour the priorities identified by Indigenous communities. I initiate and participate in learning opportunities that deepen my respect for Indigenous People and their teachings, protocols, languages, lands, waters and Knowledges.
- Accurately describing and appropriately acknowledging traditional territories where you live, work and visit
- Recognizing and challenging colonial assumptions and bias in policy, practice, systems and procedures in your work
- Familiarizing yourself with the resources and supports available to Indigenous students, staff and faculty at UVic.
- Respecting colleagues’ and students’ participation in Indigenous ceremonies and protocols on campus and in communities, demonstrating cultural understanding.
- Making changes in the way you do your work based Indigenous worldview, teachings, protocols and value systems
- Learning to correctly pronounce the Lək ̓ ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN language and teachings used in UVic’s plans, department names and building names
- Connecting the impact of historical and continuing Canadian policies and practices to current bias, obstacles and discrimination experienced by Indigenous people and communities
- Can you locate yourself on the traditional territories and speak about your connections with local lands and communities?
- How has your knowledge and awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures and rights grown over the past five years?
- What educational resources are available to you?
- What are some of the ways you can increase your knowledge?
- What is your unit/department/division currently doing to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members?
- How could you encourage others to increase their Indigenous acumen?
- What have you learned through your partnerships and work with Indigenous People?
- What gaps do you notice in your own knowledge and understanding of our shared history?
- Read UVic’s 2023 Indigenous plan Xʷkʷənəŋistəl WȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward and discuss the teachings and goals with colleagues
- Practice your pronunciation of the Lək ̓ ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN words and teachings that appear in the Indigenous Plan.
- Use the UVic Learning Inventory to search for courses related to Indigenous Acumen by filtering on the topic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Access the self-paced Pulling Together Guides through BC Campus and select the one appropriate to your work and role at UVic.
- Do your own research and exploration of learning resources, beginning with local learning and education resources.
Cultural humility
I practice self reflection to acknowledge my identities, biases, privilege and power. This helps me build awareness of how my social context, distinct experiences and self-image shapes my beliefs, feelings, thoughts and behaviour. I expand my perspective by actively considering different ways of knowing and being. I am willing to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable to do this work.
- Listening attentively and respectfully to others, especially when they share their lived experiences
- Identifying how your own perspectives differ from others and how that impacts the way you do your work
- Reflecting on how your work is structured and impacted by implicit values and beliefs Recognizing how your own biases, beliefs, and cultural identities influence your interactions with others
- Acknowledging and addressing how various forms of power imbalance impacts your interactions with others
- Recognizing gaps in knowledge and working to manage them Stepping into uncomfortable conversations with good intentions, trust and a sense of accountability
- What aspects of your own culture, upbringing and lived experience shape your values and perspectives?
- What local Indigenous values or teachings resonate with your own? How can you make space for honouring your values and respecting these teachings in your work?
- What strategies do you use to manage any personal discomfort that arises when you explore your own sources of power and privilege?
- Can you share an experience where your perspective was influenced or changed about an equity deserving group? How did that impact you?
- Can you recall a situation where you recognized your own bias? How did you address it?
- What strategies could you use to create an inclusive and accessible environment through your work?
- Use the UVic Learning Inventory to search for courses related to Indigenous Acumen by filtering on the topic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Seek out books, podcasts or films with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging topics or themes. Discuss with others and share recommendations.
- Develop a reflective practice such as journaling. • Attend campus or community events and celebrations hosted by various groups on campus.
Take responsibility
I accept the responsibility I have to other people, to future generations, to the lands and waters, and to upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples to selfdetermination. I actively prioritize cultivating a community of care, bringing a good heart and a good mind into my interactions with others. I demonstrate accountability for my words and actions, acknowledging mistakes and working together as learners and teachers.
- Learning about the impact of colonialism on Indigenous People so to deepen your understanding of provincial and national commitments to reconciliation
- Finding ways to incorporate anti-racist practices and demonstrate respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and learning in your work
- Listening and learning from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous partners and being accountable for change that is based on respect for teachings.
- Acknowledging and being accountable for actions that are disrespectful or inconsistent with Indigenous cultural practices and protocols.
- Providing space for Indigenous colleagues to offer honest feedback, prioritizing a collaborative and reciprocal working relationship
- What is your unit/department/division currently doing to support the UVic Indigenous Plan? Which priorities are meaningful to you and your work?
- In addition to the BC DRIPA Action Plan, the TRC and the MMIWG Report, which other provincial, national and international calls to action are relevant to your work?
- How do you show up with a good heart and good mind in your work? What everyday actions can you take to encourage and support other people to do the same?
- What actions can you take to uphold the rights of Indigenous People in your work?
- Think of a time when you made a mistake, used words or acted in a way that you now understand to be disrespectful of Indigenous teachings, protocols or people. How did you take accountability? What would you do differently now?
- How might UVic’s Purpose, Pledge and Principles guide you in your work?
- Familiarize yourself with the BC DRIPA Action Plan (2022) and the MMIWG Report’s Calls for Justice (2019), especially as these instantiates relate to post-secondary contexts.
- Read UVic’s 2023 Indigenous plan Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | WȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward and reflect on which priorities resonate with the work you do.
- Reflect on how the Purpose, Pledge and Principles of the Distinctly UVic Strategic Plan can guide your work and learning.
- Use Learning Central to register for the Indigenous Cultural Acumen Training (ICAT) course.
- Attend Indigenous events, celebrations and days of observance at UVic or in the community
People, Place and the Planet
From the campus to the global community, we support people’s wellness and ability to thrive, and are addressing sustainability, climate action and the systemic barriers affecting equity, diversity and inclusion.
Address barriers
I understand and value the diversity of UVic’s students, employees and the broader community. I work proactively to increase my awareness of systemic bias and barriers so I can be accountable for my own actions and provide appropriate support to those negatively impacted. I am thoughtful and proactive in identifying and removing obstacles to equity and accessibility so that UVic is a welcoming environment that is diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible.
- Initiating or participating in regular reviews of policies and practices related to your work to identify and address bias and barriers to services
- Exploring ways to communicate appropriately and accommodate a diversity of needs and preferences and being open to changing your approach
- Volunteering for student-related events such as Weeks of Welcome and Convocation or for initiatives that support the advancement of diverse social causes
- Familiarizing yourself with student well being initiatives (eg. Student Mental Health Strategy, Sexualized Violence Policy and Procedures, etc.) and your
- responsibilities as an employee
- Asking questions to remain aware of current and emerging student and employee centred initiatives and programs
- What is one thing you can do in your role to help create a welcoming inclusive environment for students, employees or community members?
- Think of a time when you experienced barriers to accessing a service in a way that met your needs. How does your reflection on that experience impact the
- way you approach your work?
- What potential barriers to service for equity deserving groups do you see at UVic? In your department? In your work?
- What do you see is the impact of not ensuring UVic is a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment?
- How might you go about ensuring the work you do and services you provide support UVic’s goals around equity, diversity and inclusion?
- Use the UVic Learning Inventory tool to search for courses by filtering on the topic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Use the Equity Action Plan Reflection and Action Guide that is most relevant to your role
- Register for the course "Support Student Success" to discover ways to support and connect with students and make a difference in their experience on campus
- Read the University Plans related to addressing barriers such as the Strategic Plan, Indigenous Plan, Equity Action Plan and Accessibility Plan
- Participate in 5 Days of Action 365 days of commitment
Commit to sustainability
I contribute to UVic’s climate and sustainability goals by integrating sustainability practices and leadership into my work and professional development. I support embedding Indigenous perspectives in my work by listening, learning and being accountable for change that is based on trust, respect, reciprocity, consent and responsiveness.
- Allocating time to support sustainability initiatives
- Creating or contributing to tracking and accountability of sustainability initiatives in your work
- Developing an awareness of personal environmental impact in terms of waste, energy, and transportation
- Embedding sustainability practices in program offerings (e.g. design, supplies, catering, printing)
- Participating in one of several annual campus sustainability campaigns or events
- Requesting sustainable options when making individual or departmental purchasing decisions
- Connecting sustainability initiatives to Indigenous teachings that relate to caring for the land, air and water
- How have your attitudes and practices regarding sustainability been formed?
- Who is a good role model for sustainability in your life?
- How do you practice sustainability in the workplace? What ideas might you have to further your practice or impact?
- What is one thing you can shift that would contribute positively to UVic achieving its sustainability goals?
- What does the Indigenous teaching ʔetal nəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things mean to you? How does this connect to UVic’s sustainability goals?
- Review the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan for connections to your work
- Join the UVic Staff Sustainability Network
- Access the campus sustainability fund to implement a project
- Participate in campus-wide sustainability campaigns and events such as Bike to Work Week
- Take a course or workshop (on or off campus) to learn a new sustainability behaviour such as bike maintenance or composting
Focus on Wellness
I remain responsive and empathetic by prioritizing wellness, sense of belonging, and lifelong learning for myself, my colleagues, my team, our student population and the broader UVic community. I take care of myself and recognize my role in a community that sustains one another as we take on the important work ahead.
- Anticipating change, exploring alternative outcomes and developing contingency plans for yourself and to support others
- Clarifying expectations and checking in regularly to confirm approaches, decisions and actions continue to be realistic and feasible
- Monitoring your own reactions to change and considering how others’ reactions may be different
- Taking proactive steps to maintain your personal well-being and build resilience
- Being aware of health and wellness related resources for students and employees and referring as appropriate
- What is your attitude towards change and how that has been shaped?
- When did a work-related change not go well for you? What happened? How did it feel? What could have made it better?
- How do you adapt to change? What do you need to do to let go of the old ways/patterns/beliefs and accept new ways of doing things?
- How would others know when you are experiencing stress? What do you need from others when things get tough?
- How do you look after yourself when experiencing stress and how do you know when you need to set boundaries or seek help?
- Use the UVic Learning Inventory to search for courses by filtering on the topic Health and Wellness
- Access the many services and learning resources available through UVic’s employee and family assistance program
- Access the Wellness Resources page for employees
Change and transformation
Through a culture of trust, curiosity, and flexibility, we will continuously re-imagine what we do, how we do it and why—being courageous and open to change helps us transform our communities and the world.
Manage conflict effectively
I continually grow my ability to listen to others, to engage in dialogue and to advocate my own views skillfully so that decisions can benefit from diverse perspectives. I work across differences with courage, skill, and empathy to create new and better outcomes and to deepen relationships based on trust, respect, and consent.
- Seeking input from others by inviting different people/groups to contribute ideas
- Listening attentively for diverse viewpoints and respectfully asking questions to understand different perspectives
- Inviting constructive feedback and differences of opinion to fully explore all sides of an issue
- Respectfully sharing opinions, insights and perspectives when asked by others
- Inviting those with less power or authority to speak first
- Acknowledging those who contribute ideas and input in proposals and decisions
- Providing clarity on how input will be used to make decisions
- What areas of your work might benefit from input by others?
- Who could offer new perspectives that you may not have explored?
- Who are the partners, collaborators or rights holders your team/unit works most closely with and how do you ensure their perspective is included?
- How comfortable are you in offering your perspective? How could you increase your confidence and ability to respectfully express your opinion?
- How comfortable are you in receiving differing perspectives from your own? How do you stay open and minimize defensiveness?
- How can you increase your skill/confidence in giving and receiving feedback?
- Use Learning Central to search for courses by filtering on the topic Communications
- Access UVic’s Conflict Toolkit for resources to navigate conflict for positive outcomes and to practice giving and receiving feedback
- Volunteer to chair a meeting, committee or working group to practice inviting diverse perspectives
- Attend focus groups and feedback forums to learn different ways to invite feedback and provide input
Engage with challenges and opportunities
I build the skills needed to think critically and creatively about challenges and opportunities. I seek out contrasting perspectives to disrupt thinking patterns and create space for other voices when problem solving. I use inquiry, analysis and data driven approaches to create transparency and accountability for change.
- Gathering information from others before making decisions (e.g. surveys, focus groups)
- Accessing, analyzing and integrating data from a variety of sources
- Assessing the credibility of sources
- Assessing and validating the problem or issue before developing solutions
- Proposing new methods, ideas or perspectives to challenge the status quo
- Regularly reviewing your thinking and decision-making processes to identify how you could broaden your perspective
- What data sources could you access?
- What quantitative and/or qualitative information could you use to make this decision?
- What metrics or reports have been used in the past? Are they still valid?
- What criteria should you use to make this decision? Where did those criteria come from?
- Who could you ask for feedback and support in your decision-making process?
- How do you shift your thinking to see a problem from a different perspective?
- Use Learning Central to search for courses related to complexity, innovation, project management or leading change
- Work with a peer, supervisor or team to develop a briefing note or business case for a new
- Process, product or initiative
- Read/review successful applications for funding, requests for resources or business case documents
Innovate courageously
I use courage and optimism to innovate and take strategic risks when existing systems no longer serve current needs. I work with others to generate a range of options and ideas, and remain patient and determined, even when efforts to create meaningful change take a long time.
- Being willing to take calculated risks after evaluating ideas
- Being open to learning from ideas or initiatives that might not be successful
- Working with others to test and refine new processes and bring different perspectives
- Asking thoughtful questions to generate new and different options
- Experimenting with new ideas before implementing them
- Persevering with your goals after setbacks and delays
- Being willing to not have all the answers (being vulnerable and modelling vulnerability for others)
- When do you feel most creative and how can you incorporate that in your role?
- What is one innovation you would like to make in your work right now?
- What support do you need to be more innovative? From your supervisor? from your peers?
- How do you generate new ideas when you are stuck on a problem?
- How do you remain positive when new ideas don’t work out the way you wanted them to?
- Who can support you when your optimism waivers?
- Use the UVic Learning Inventory to search for courses related to innovation, creativity or change
- Take courses or simply practice creative activities such as art, theatre, music or building things to strengthen your creative confidence
- Implement a reflection practice to celebrate learning from failed approaches (either on your own or with your team)
Partnerships and collaboration
We support collaboration among faculties, disciplines, and divisions; between academic and administrative units; between the campus and our community; and between UVic and our international partners, alumni, research institutions, industry and governments.
Cultivate partnerships
I promote collaboration, partnership and cross-organizational activities that share knowledge and pool resources to get things done. I share my resources, lift up other voices and champion other people’s ideas while trusting them to do the same for the good of our community, society and the planet.
- Reaching out across unit, department or university boundaries to connect with others
- Offering knowledge and sharing information freely
- Seeking out others on campus or externally who have common goals to explore ways to share resources
- Initiating cross-organizational projects or programs
- Highlighting and recognizing the accomplishments of others
- Seeking opportunities to build relationships beyond your immediate networks
- Who else is interested in or affected by your work? How can you connect more with them?
- Think about the connections you have on campus. Would any of these people benefit from meeting each other? How can you make connections
- between them?
- Think of a unit or department you would like to work with more closely. How could you initiate a deeper connection?
- How are you influencing change in your current role? Who else do you need to include in order to make this change work?
- How could you go beyond your existing network to collaborate with a wider audience?
- Nominate an employee or team for a UVic Award or an external award to recognize their contributions
- Attend or volunteer with a UVic event or program to connect with people from other areas of campus
- Engage in the Campus and/or President’s updates by attending, watching the recorded video or asking someone who attended to share their perspective
- Read the Campus Checklist delivered to your inbox to learn what’s happening on campus
See the larger systems
I understand UVic is a complex system and work across the organization to make connections between different parts. I recognize that actions I take may impact other parts of UVic and thoughtfully anticipate and consult to avoid unintended consequences. I take a big picture perspective when assessing challenges to see beyond my own needs to appreciate how we are all interconnected and strengthened by each other.
- Connecting individual successes to the success of the organization
- Maintaining line of sight from unit/department/divisional goals to the strategic objectives of the university
- Connecting with other departments to learn how they support UVic’s success
- Considering the impact of new projects, programs or systems on other units and seeking input on implementation
- Identifying mutual benefits and seeking support from other parts of UVic and offering support where goals are aligned
- How could you get to know more about UVic’s goals and objectives?
- How do you see your role contributing to the big picture?
- What possibilities do you see for UVic in the future and how would you like to contribute to those?
- How might you connect more with others on campus you don’t work directly with?
- What opportunities do you have in your daily work to learn more about the contributions and accomplishments of other UVic departments?
- Read the different University Plans to see how UVic’s diverse goals and priorities interconnect.
- Engage in the Campus and/or President’s updates.
- Subscribe to post-secondary specific blogs and newsletters such as Academia Group’s Top ten or Higher Education Strategy
- Read the Campus Checklist delivered to your inbox to learn what’s happening on campus
- Attend a Board or Senate meeting see how decisions are made
Connect to purpose
I see the part I play in our shared future and make connections through my daily work to the purpose, principles and pledge in UVic’s strategic plan and to the four Teachings of the Indigenous Plan.
I’m inspired in my work by the positive impact UVic has on students, our community and the world and am proud of my contributions to UVic’s distinct strengths and priorities.
- Connecting with the values of the university and identifying where personal and university values intersect to create a sense of purpose
- Applying the teachings from UVic’s Indigenous Plan to your work
- Adapting and aligning your goals or actions to respond to changes in university priorities
- Supporting others to develop a shared vision sense of purpose in their work
- What do you value? What beliefs do you live by? How do these connect to UVic’s values? Where do you see similarities and where might they diverge?
- What inspires you about UVic and connects you to our community?
- What gives you a sense of purpose in your work?
- What can you do to make a difference at UVic? What’s stopping you? Who can help?
- Read and reflect on the UVic’s purpose, pledge and principles in the Strategic Plan and the four teachings in the Indigenous Plan
- Subscribe to UVic in the News www.uvic.ca/home/about/campus-news
- Volunteer for Convocation or Week of Welcome events to support students to celebrate their accomplishments
- Attend a student performance, presentation or athletic event, such as a Vikes game, Phoenix Theatre production, music performance or the Three Minute Thesis competition