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In the context of a new plenary session, held for the first time in the Ñuble Region, the CRUCH reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and the joint construction of public policies for higher education.
The event also included an emotional farewell to the rectors Carlos Saavedra (University of Concepción) and Carlos Torres (University of Talca), acknowledging the important contributions made by each of them to the Council.
In its role as the main advisor on public policy in higher education, the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) agreed on a joint work agenda with the Ministry of Education within the framework of the plenary session held this Thursday at the University of Bío-Bío (UBB) in Chillán.
The day was highlighted by a conversation with the Undersecretary of Higher Education, Fernanda Valdés, who spoke about the sustainability of the higher education system, the CAE student loan collection mechanisms, curricular flexibility, and the relevance of academic programs. In this regard, the Executive Vice President of CRUCH and Rector of the University of Tarapacá, Emilio Rodríguez, praised the tone and content of the meeting: “It was a very valuable conversation because the Undersecretary gave a very comprehensive presentation, including comparative evidence, and this has allowed us to open a significant and important debate. Of course, the topics and their depth are not exhausted today; rather, we are just beginning to discuss them.».
For her part, Undersecretary Valdés highlighted the importance of this direct link with universities to address the challenges of the system, emphasizing that to move forward it is essential to have the collaboration of the Council, noting that "we need that intelligence that exists within each university.".
Another topic addressed was university coexistence and security, regarding which both CRUCH and the Undersecretariat expressed their willingness to work and delve deeper into its causes.
In general terms, Rector Rodríguez emphasized that institutional collaboration is the way to address critical issues. "On each of these issues, CRUCH has positioned itself to collaborate as the main advisory body to the Ministry of Education, advising on the design and implementation of public policies," Rodríguez noted, affirming that "a top-priority work agenda has been established that we will carry out and develop together.".
The UBB: A milestone in decentralization and participation
The University of Bío-Bío (UBB) marked a milestone by convening the Council for the first time in the Ñuble region. At the event, Rector Benito Umaña emphasized the importance of decentralization and institutional outreach, stating that “it is very important for the university to convene discussions, to bring together the region, and to engage with such important bodies as the Council of Rectors, and therefore what the university has done is fulfill its duty.”.
In this vein, the session included a presentation by the president of the UBB Student Federation, Matías Solís, on the challenges and importance of university participation. Regarding the host university, Rector Rodríguez highlighted that “we have been able to see and appreciate the growth of UBB, the excellent work that has been done in recent years, and how it has been developing qualitatively.”.
Recognition of outgoing rectors
The Plenary dedicated an emotional space to bid farewell to the rector of the University of Concepción and Alternate Executive Vice President of CRUCH, Carlos Saavedra, and to the rector of the University of Talca, Carlos Torres, who will conclude their terms as rector in the coming weeks.
Regarding Rector Torres, Rector Rodríguez highlighted that his administration “has been marked by a strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to quality and decentralization,” being a key technical reference in the Economic Commission.
He also expressed his gratitude for Rector Saavedra's leadership, acknowledging his fundamental role as Alternate Executive Vice President, and highlighting his work "that transcended our sessions," which leaves an important legacy, especially with the creation of the Community Engagement Commission, which he consolidated as one of the most active.
Finally, the Research Commission's work initiative, aimed at addressing the costs of scientific development, was approved, and the date for the next meeting with the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) was confirmed for October 19 and 20 in Tenerife.
Text: CRUCH Communications
Photos: Communications University of Bío-Bío.
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