News
Strengthening the national research system, working towards Academic modernization of the university system and the design of public policies are the three CRUCH commitments highlighted by the executive vice president of the Council of Rectors, Emilio Rodríguez.
The Secretary General, Angélica Bosch, announced the milestones of the institutional management of the last year and highlighted the progress in different areas.
“In the coming years, CRUCH has an unwavering commitment to the country’s research system, to academic modernization, and to the design of public policy proposals,” stated Dr. Emilio Rodríguez, Executive Vice President of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities and Rector of the University of Tarapacá, during the CRUCH Public Account carried out on-line This Wednesday, May 31st.
Rodríguez emphasized that “at the Council of Rectors, we are working with great commitment and energy to fulfill our role vigorously and with academic rigor. We seek to contribute to the generation and dissemination of advanced knowledge, to our country's integration into a society where social demands are increasingly high, and therefore, we understand that we have a role to play, and we will play that role within a framework of unity and quality, because our country deserves a cohesive CRUCH that contributes to the development of the territory.”.
Along with the commitments and future challenges, the Secretary General of CRUCH, María Angélica Bosch, announced the milestones of the last year's management and highlighted the progress in different areas.
The event was attended by rectors from the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), academics from university communities, and higher education authorities. Among them were the Superintendent of Higher Education, José Miguel Salazar; the Undersecretary of Higher Education, Víctor Orellana; and the president of the National Accreditation Commission, Andrés Bernasconi.
Management 2022
The Secretary General revealed that the Council is made up of the rectors of the 30 most prestigious universities in Chile (See members and universities) and that “it constitutes a collaborative network with a national presence and a strong public role, which is expressed, among other aspects, in the formation of citizens and the promotion of values, the generation of knowledge and advanced human capital, in scientific research and innovation, in the arts and humanities.”.
Regarding the 2022 administration, Bosch highlighted that one of the significant milestones of the period was the name change to the Council of Rectors. “For the first time in the Council's 68-year history, a name change was approved, incorporating a gender-inclusive designation. This decision aims to make women's role in the higher education system more visible and send a message to the country about women's participation in leadership, management, and decision-making positions.”.
On the other hand, three new collaborative work bodies were created to address issues of relevance to universities: the Coexistence and Mental Health Commission, the Strengthening of Pedagogies Commission, and the Community Engagement Commission.
These three committees join the 13 others coordinated by the Council and the General Secretariat, covering the following areas: Postgraduate Studies, Research, Academic Vice-Rectors, Internationalization, Quality, Libraries and Documentation, Admissions and Enrollment, Economic Affairs, Legal Affairs, and Gender Equality. Academics and experts from various universities participate in these committees, according to their respective areas of expertise.
The report also highlighted CRUCH's willingness to engage in dialogue, which translates into discussions on topics of interest to the higher education system with various stakeholders. These included the Undersecretary of Higher Education; the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation; the President of the National Accreditation Commission; and the Superintendent of Higher Education, among others.
Furthermore, CRUCH is represented in various public bodies and consultative bodies for national development and the strengthening of citizenship, in areas focused on national policies that address future issues and highly complex problems, as well as education, arts, culture, disciplinary development, participation, democratization of public policies and citizen access.
CRUCH commitments towards 2030
Regarding the work priorities projected for 2030, Rector Rodríguez mentioned the national research system first. “We value the work of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (CTCI) and, in particular, Minister Aisén Etcheverry, regarding the need to coordinate and strengthen CTCI efforts so that the country can advance toward a knowledge society.” In this context, “it is necessary for the country's universities, and particularly our Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), not only to join, but to be deeply committed to the national research system, since the collaboration of all stakeholders—Ministry, universities, businesses, and society—is essential to creating a path of progress for the country and each of its regions,» Rodríguez stated.
Regarding the academic modernization of the university system, the vice president pointed out that although CRUCH universities have made progress in the last decade, "the digital transformation, the difference between the gross and net coverage rate in higher education, as well as the demands and requirements of society, undoubtedly highlight the need to continue deepening academic modernization.".
Regarding the commitment to public policy design, Rector Rodríguez stated that “the CRUCH university system constitutes a network of high intellectual value for the country, home to the most reputable and experienced academics, and universities with the highest accreditation.” Consequently, “generating public policy proposals on crucial issues is an unwavering commitment and a moral obligation for our CRUCH system, which we will address decisively based on our 2030 strategic management system.».
Spanish 
English