The first CoVRA CRUCH Seminar on University Coexistence and Academic Integrity was held at UMCE

Through presentations, a round table discussion, and an afternoon of collaborative work, the meeting sought to foster a deep understanding and promote a culture of coexistence and academic integrity within university communities based on practical tools and strategies.

«"It was a space where challenges were raised, diagnoses were shared, but above all experiences, ideas and strategies were shared to address the construction of more favorable climates for the development of academic projects and well-treated spaces," explained Rector Elisa Araya Cortez.

Representatives from 26 universities across the country met on Thursday, August 8, to participate in the First Seminar on University Coexistence and Academic Integrity, organized by the Commission of Vice-Rectors (CoVRA) of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH).

The meeting, held at the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences (UMCE), sought, through presentations, a round table discussion and an afternoon of collaborative work, to foster a deep understanding and promote a culture of coexistence and academic integrity within university communities based on practical tools and strategies.

The Rector of UMCE, Elisa Araya Cortez, who is also the Rector in charge of CoVRA, welcomed participants to the event. "It was a space where challenges were raised, diagnoses were shared, but above all, experiences, ideas, and strategies were discussed to address building more conducive environments for the development of academic projects and welcoming spaces for everyone who comes to the different universities—students, faculty, and staff. We are very proud to host and facilitate these opportunities, and that people felt at home in our University Park, a unique space. Those of us who work here should be very proud of that," the university's highest authority emphasized.

Nelson Fernández Vergara, president of COVRA and Academic Vice-Rector of the Catholic University of the North, emphasized the importance of collaborative work on these topics: «This is the first time CoVRA has organized an activity like this, which also coincides with the CRUCH's 70th anniversary celebration, making it even more relevant. We believe that the topics addressed are essential for the successful development of the work we must do within our institutions. And there is nothing better than these being spaces where coexistence, respectful treatment, and relationships are based on respect and values, fostering a culture of academic integrity.».

Angélica Bosch Cartagena, Secretary General of CRUCH, echoed these words: «What better venue than UMCE for this meeting? We at CRUCH are confident that this seminar will be a platform for exchanging experiences that will strengthen our understanding of coexistence and integrity, thus enabling us to move forward with concrete plans.».

Exhibitors

The day included the presentation "University Coexistence," given by the presidents of the CRUCH University Coexistence and Mental Health Commission, Rosa María Olave, from Alberto Hurtado University, and Bertha Escobar, from the Catholic University of Temuco. This was followed by the presentation "Academic Integrity," with Francisco Suárez Poch, Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Faculty of Engineering of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

Subsequently, the round table "Challenges and opportunities in the promotion of university coexistence and academic integrity. Three perspectives: coexistence, integrity (from the perspective of respect for daily interactions) and good treatment" was held, moderated by Gonzalo Pizarro Puccio, Director of Teaching at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and with the participation of Rosa María Olave, Cristhian Pérez Villalobos, Bertha Escobar and Francisco Suárez.

During the afternoon, the attendees organized themselves into 8 working groups, made up of representatives from different universities and cities in Chile, to work in teams to design action plans to address coexistence/integrity in each institution.

The final plenary session highlighted the existing consensus and points of agreement among the CRUCH universities. In general, the potential of networking as a space for reflection and the design of a cross-cutting framework for university policies was valued, one that integrates the full range of changes the system is undergoing. Aspects such as shared conceptual definitions, the limits and scope of universities, and their relationship with the State regarding coexistence, well-being, and academic integrity were identified as fundamental challenges for developing comprehensive, cross-cutting, and multi-level strategies for the entire university community.

Watch the seminar video HERE

Text and photos: UMCE Communications.