Four years ago Sterling College began to develop a competency curriculum. This document presents a working definition and basic assumptions about this curriculum. The curriculum includes 9 college-wide competencies that are required for graduation and that are predicted on several basic assumptions: (1) The curriculum includes the total program of the college: academics, extracurricular, and general campus life. (2) Competency leads to accountability through a clearer statement of institutional objectives. (3) Competency also leads to wholeness because broadly-based objectives bring academic programs, student services, and extracurricular activities together into an integrated and meaningful relationship. (4) Competency also leads to relevance for a broader clientele. (Author/PG)