We celebrate the High Quality Accreditation

By: Alejandro García Suárez – Advisory Office of Communications

The Emilio Sierra Baquero auditorium at the Fusagasugá campus was the setting for the official ceremony of the Institutional Accreditation in High Quality, a recognition that marks a new chapter in the history of the University of Cundinamarca and that is the result of years of commitment, transformation, teamwork and continuous improvement of its entire university community.

The event brought together senior management, members of the Higher Council, deans, program coordinators, Knowledge and Learning Managers, Opportunity Creators, administrative staff and representatives of the university community, who celebrated an achievement built collectively.

During the meeting, Rector Adriano Muñoz Barrera presented the strategic roadmap for strengthening and maintaining institutional excellence standards. He emphasized the role of the Transmodern Digital Educational Model (MEDIT) as the central axis for quality and transformation processes. “MEDIT is the driving force behind accreditation, quality processes, and institutional presence, enabling us to transform lives in Cundinamarca and throughout the country,” the Rector stated.

The rector also highlighted the University's commitment to the realities and needs of the territories that make up the department. "This university belongs to Cundinamarca, and as such, we are here to transform and solve the problems of these territories, which are the seven provinces of Cundinamarca, because the model prioritizes learning based on real-world experience," he stated.

The Comprehensive Route to Excellence brings together seven strategic axes aimed at consolidating High Quality, including the redefinition of regulations, with policies and guidelines adapted to current dynamics; the strengthening of Integrated Quality Systems; the recognition of accredited programs such as Bachelor of Social Sciences, Electronic Engineering, Zootechnics and Music; and the institutional presence in the territory.

This impact extends from the main headquarters in Fusagasugá to the branches in Ubaté and Girardot, and the extensions in Zipaquirá, Chía, Soacha and Facatativá, strengthening the University's commitment to the needs and opportunities of the territories.

For Wilson Ricardo Pinillos Castillo, Director of Self-Evaluation and Accreditation, this recognition represents the result of the coordinated work of the academic and administrative teams, who have consolidated the factors and aspects necessary to achieve this important recognition.

The executive explained that the Institutional Accreditation in High Quality has three major meanings for the University, the first being the external and independent recognition granted by the National Accreditation Council and the Ministry of National Education, for compliance with high quality standards in its substantive functions.

The second corresponds to the consolidation of an institutional culture of quality assurance and continuous improvement, understood as an ongoing commitment. The third represents societal recognition of a public institution that develops relevant and rigorous training processes aimed at contributing to the transformation of the region. “Accreditation is not a goal; it is a way of working at UCundinamarca,” Pinillos Castillo emphasized.

For her part, the Academic Vice-Rector, María Nancy Garzón Soche, emphasized that this result demonstrates the coherence between the institutional mission and the actions the University has developed over more than a decade to strengthen its processes. “It is a great achievement through collective work, and we can demonstrate to society that we are fulfilling what we say in our mission,” stated the official, who also highlighted that the MEDIT program, implemented since 2019, has been recognized during peer review processes.

An achievement that transforms opportunities

Institutional Accreditation in High Quality also has a direct impact on those who are trained and work daily at the University.

For Paula Andrea Tocanchón, an eighth-semester Opportunity Creator in the Business Administration program, graduating from an accredited institution strengthens her profile and expands her opportunities in the workplace, professionally, and personally.

In turn, Diego Méndez, Knowledge and Learning Manager of the Agronomic Engineering program, highlighted that this recognition represents the sustained effort of directors, administrators, Knowledge Managers and Opportunity Creators to guarantee quality training and contribute to building better people for life.

A look towards the next decade

Institutional Accreditation for High Quality is not an end point, but a new starting point for the University of Cundinamarca. The institution is already planning new challenges related to strengthening its campuses and consolidating standards that will allow it to broaden its recognition in national and international arenas.

“We hope to continue achieving this goal. We are currently discussing the new Strategic Plan, Cultivating the University We Are and Dream Of, for the next decade, so that we can meet the accreditation requirements for our campuses and obtain international certifications, allowing us to compare ourselves not only locally but also internationally,” stated Rector Adriano Muñoz Barrera.

Institutional Accreditation in High Quality recognizes the progress made, but also poses new challenges to continue strengthening an excellent public education, close to the territories and committed to social transformation.

Along this path, the Transmodern Digital Educational Model (MEDIT) continues to be the driving force behind learning, quality, innovation, and institutional presence. More than just an educational model, it represents a commitment to learning from reality, responding to the needs of the communities, and transforming lives, consolidating a University that evolves alongside its community to continue building the University of Cundinamarca that we are and that we dream of.

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