Can you improve emotional intelligence in higher education? This controlled study explores the impact of a 16-week semester course utilizing a social and emotional learning curriculum (SEL) for undergraduate students, faculty, and staff members at the University of Dubuque.

Overview

Situation: Recognizing the critical role emotional intelligence plays in creating a thriving campus community, the University of Dubuque wanted to explicitly teach social and emotional development to its students, faculty, staff and administrators – and measure the results.

Solution: The University of Dubuque partnered with Six Seconds to embed the Six Seconds Model of Emotional Intelligence in its Personal Empowerment program and measure the program’s impact with pre- and post- assessments.

Results: Students, faculty, and staff who completed the course showed significant growth in core emotional intelligence competencies compared to control groups, and reported significant increases in the ability to connect with self and others.

Situation

In the midst of a global youth mental health crisis that impacts millions of university students every year, research shows that emotional intelligence leads to increased academic achievement, student retention, better mental health, and greater career success. And yet, explicit, meaningful, campus-wide social and emotional development is missing from many institutions’ core curricula. The University of Dubuque committed to change this reality by implementing an SEL curriculum (KCG program) into its Personal Empowerment program. This program supports undergraduate students, administrators, faculty, and staff to grow social and emotional skills and develop a common language across campus.