SMU's Class of 2025 to get transcript listing skills gained during CCAs

Initiative shows university's commitment to developing holistic graduates, says don

- Sandra Davie

In a first among universities here, Singapore Management University's (SMU) graduating class of 2025 will receive in July a transcript recording their co-curricular activities (CCAs) on top of their academic transcript.

The co-curricular transcript will go beyond a simple listing of activities that the student has participated in. It will indicate the skill sets the student has developed in the process, and the extent to which he has developed these skill sets through three progressive levels.

At the highest level, a student's involvement in the activity has led to profound growth or a major shift in values, beliefs and perspectives.

Information for the transcript is drawn from an online platform where students document their learning experiences through their CCAs, and reflect on their learning and growth.

Their instructors provide further guidance and feedback.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Professor Paulin Straughan, SMU's dean of students, said the initiative is a first in Singapore and shows SMU's commitment to developing holistic graduates with career and life-ready skills.

"The job market is evolving, and employers are now placing a greater emphasis on skills acquired outside the classroom, skills such as intercultural understanding, problem-solving ability and leadership skills," she added.

Prof Straughan noted that SMU was the first local university to introduce both internship and community service as graduation requirements — 25 years ago at its inception.

All its undergraduates are required to complete at least 10 weeks of internship and a minimum of 80 hours of community service, and the vast majority do more than that.