After a process of strategic reflection, the UIC chose
a skill management and development model with the idea of highlighting the
values the university aims to transmit, while specifying and developing the
most suitable behaviour. It represents a major step forward towards achieving
the mission of providing personalized attention and helping people make comprehensive
growth.

Along these lines, a set of cross-disciplinary skills
was defined in keeping with the university's values. These skills are currently
considered important by society: teamwork, communication, innovation and
creativity, an orientation towards people and service to society.

Specifically, one of the priority skills established for
academic year 2012-2013 was working with the entire university community on
communication. This skill was chosen as a continuation of last year and to
facilitate teamwork. It is also a basic tool for promoting leadership and
commitment to the teams of any organization.

Training for this new skill will begin with the
counsellors, given their essential role in comprehensive student training. Evaristo Aguado, the Director of the
Training, Counselling and Coaching Office, said, "We're aware of the
important role counsellors play and we want to ensure these professors receive
training that equips them with specific skill development tools they need and
will then have to transmit to the people they advise throughout their years at
university".

The specific sessions planned will last for a day and
a half. One part will be spent on conferences and roundtable discussions about
experiences and different topics that can help counsellors do their job. The
other part is more specific and will focus on skills. The sessions will be
taught in groups on different days from 16 to 19 July and from 23 to 24 July.