Monash Graduate Attributes Policy

“Adopt as your fundamental creed that you will equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community.” [1] Sir John Monash, 1923

The University’s statement of purpose, as articulated in Monash Directions 2025 and reflected in the Monash Passport, emphasises that Monash is a university whose graduates embody its distinctive approach and commitment to social justice.

The explicit claim is that “When they graduate they will be equipped to live, learn, work and contribute globally. They will have been inspired by our internationally-focused, research-led teaching and wish to use their talents to improve the world.”

The Monash Graduate Attributes expand on these aspirations and reflect the vision of Sir John Monash. They form the foundation for the discipline-specific attributes that Monash students develop in preparation for their future.

Monash University prepares its graduates to be:

1. responsible and effective global citizens who:

• engage in an internationalised world
• exhibit cross-cultural competence
• demonstrate ethical values

2. critical and creative scholars who:

• produce innovative solutions to problems
• apply research skills to a range of challenges
• communicate perceptively and effectively

In developing discipline specific attributes faculties may wish to consider the following.

Being responsible and effective global citizens includes, but is not limited to:

• sustainability
• social justice
• egalitarianism
• global justice
• equity
• openness and transparency
• compassion and empathy
• corporate and social responsibility
• advocacy
• ethical behaviour
• cross-cultural sensitivity

Being critical and creative scholars includes, but is not limited to:

• disciplinary knowledge
• critical analysis
• numeracy
• information literacy
• multi- and inter-disciplinarity
• oral and written communication skills
• presentation skills
• collaborative skills
• leadership skills
• applied learning
• knowledge creation

Approved by Academic Board 6/2008 (item 12), 8 October 2008.

Endorsed by Education Committee 5/2008 (item 15), 3 September 2008.