Opening of the 2022 Academic Year

“Without you, we would not have been able to respond adequately and instantly during the most difficult moments of the pandemic.” This is how Dr. Adriano Muñoz Barrera, rector of the University of Cundinamarca, began his presentation.

His presentation was divided into two parts. The first focused on the most relevant events of 2021, and the second on the challenges of 2022.

The rector highlighted that the 95% courses offered in the last two years have been online, achieving significant progress in accreditation, quality assurance, and the redefinition of most programs. "Today, the curricula reflect the institutional design and the needs of the 21st century," he noted.

In line with the above, he highlighted the creation of the Translocal Observatory of Educational Quality, which will allow for the monitoring of good practices at the university's different campuses.

He also commented on the boost given to the Postgraduate Institute. “With this commitment, we are entering the competition at the departmental, national, and international levels in this area.”.

Regarding the Saber Pro exams, he emphasized the positive results achieved and took the opportunity to congratulate the students, who received equipment and internet access from the university during the pandemic. “The care they took with these resources is commendable, even though the institution was initially somewhat hesitant. Due to the excellent results obtained, the Academic Council decided to continue these initiatives.”.

Dr. Muñoz also explained how the university increased the number of places in its internationalization and academic mobility program, fulfilling the premise and consolidating translocal dialogue.

Regarding the research groups, he stated that “it is important to highlight that very good results were obtained in this area and took the opportunity to congratulate the researchers.

Regarding the challenges for 2022, he commented that one is successfully carrying out the faculty hiring process, which will be structured by the National University. “Seventeen new positions will be offered. We hope it will be as successful as the previous process.”.

Regarding quality assurance, the rector stated that it is important to finalize the process of redefining the programs and to present the conditions for the nursing program. “We also plan to launch the social innovation laboratory, which will use the local area as its research base.“.

Regarding Science, Technology, and Innovation, he explained that the Third Internal Call for Proposals will be launched in March. “University researchers will be invited to submit projects with two phases: one in the second half of 2022 and the third in 2023. The Science and Technology Fund has approved the transfer of the necessary resources for this purpose.”.

Regarding the constitutive element of life and freedom, the rector stated that the model of academic success must be worked on, the organizational climate must be addressed, and a shift from a model of functions to one of product must be made.

Regarding cross-border dialogue, he highlighted the progress that has been made with Mexico, while also speaking about Brazil and how progress is already being made in this area with the South American giant in the field of psychology.

He concluded his remarks on the inauguration of the new Zipaquirá campus, which will benefit a thousand students. “We aim to deliver this project in 2022, as it is a commitment we made.”.

The event also featured an inaugural lecture by Dr. Olga María García Norato, research director of the University of Cundinamarca, who spoke about Translocal Development in Science, Technology and Innovation.

In addition, teacher Wilson Ricardo Pinillos participated and gave an interesting presentation on Research Processes with a Translocal Perspective.

Subsequently, Dr. Aida Lucía Toro Ramírez, Director of Institutional Planning, reviewed the 2021 action plan, highlighting that of the 1,387 goals set, only 48 were not met, thus confirming the good management under Rector Adriano Muñoz Barrera.

More institutional news from the News Agency