Meeting of Academic Vice-Rectors analyzed studies and defined strategies for the Council of Rectors

In Santiago, the Academic Vice-Rectors and representatives of the CRUCH universities met to take stock of the year, review the scope and conclusions of three studies commissioned by the Committee of Vice-Rectors.

The main objectives of the meeting of vice-rectors of the Council's universities, held on January 7 and 8 in Santiago, were to present the conclusions of three studies commissioned by the Committee of Academic Vice-Rectors and to discuss the pending challenges for the CRUCH universities.

At the event, the findings of three research projects were presented. The first, on Curriculum Innovation, was conducted by Roxana Pey and Francisco Durán from the University of Chile and Cenda. The second, on Teacher Training, was conducted by Andrés Bernasconi and Paula Clasing from Ceppe-UC, and the third, on Equity and Retention, was carried out by Lorena López and Paulina Pérez from the University of Santiago.

Furthermore, the Academic Vice-Rector of Usach, Fernanda Kri, reported on the progress of the SCT-Chile project. At the meeting, she indicated that by 2014, the 60% program for CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities) programs would be operating under this system.

The studies cited reflected how ministerial programs—stemming from a lack of clear guidelines, regulations, and policies—have generated fragmentation within the higher education system. Despite this fragmented landscape, it is acknowledged that the Council of Rectors must take ownership of its progress in terms of proposals, justifications, advancements, and joint tasks; developing a shared roadmap that is understandable to all and can be monitored and evaluated, ensuring an appropriate and sustained pace. It is imperative for everyone to recognize that there is a favorable environment for articulating higher education policy proposals. These assessments are shared when analyzing progress in curriculum innovation processes, initial teacher training, and equity programs.

The day was closed by the rector of the University of La Frontera, Sergio Bravo, who recognized the relevance of the contribution of the studies and debates of the vice-rectors to contribute to the design of the changes, stating that there are now spaces to build new proposals and assuring that as a Council of Rectors it is expected to contribute in these directions.