According to established standards and as part of our commitment to Institutional Reaccreditation, a journey we have already begun, 10 academic programs received High Quality Accreditation, while 11 programs renewed this recognition awarded by the Ministry of National Education.

In 2013, through Resolution No. 3218 dated April 5th, the Universidad del Cauca obtained its Institutional High Quality Accreditation, renewing this recognition for another eight years on June 13th, 2019. This demonstrates that the Ministry of National Education 'acknowledges that Universidad del Cauca has made progressive efforts towards the optimal strengthening of quality related to the comprehensive education of its professionals and academic community through processes of knowledge creation, development, and transmission,' as stated in Resolution 6218 of 2019.

Therefore, Dr. Alexander Buendía, Director of the Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation, expresses that "The challenge is great and complex because we all need to continue working together. We know that our goal is to re-accredit ourselves by 2027, which is when our current accreditation expires. However, in order to reaffirm this High Quality Accreditation, we need to start working on it now. Accreditation involves two extremely important pillars: on one hand, having a number of accredited programs, and on the other hand, conducting a serious and thorough institutional self-assessment. So, it's an important and significant challenge.

Our 196 years of university history, combined with the recognitions for our High Quality awarded by the Ministry of National Education, constitute not only a legacy but also a fundamental motivation to continue consolidating ourselves as one of the best public institutions of higher education in the country. Our main aspiration is to offer future generations of professionals the best possible educational experience, which drives professors, students, executives, and administrators to work tirelessly to maintain these high standards of quality and strengthen what can be improved every day.

Therefore, the balance for the year 2023 is highly positive: 21 programs (both undergraduate and graduate) saw the fruits of their efforts by obtaining or renewing High Quality Accreditation. This strategic commitment is part of the institutional reaccreditation process of our Alma Mater, which will also take place in 2027 on the road to our bicentennial. In this context, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate once again and especially highlight the value of the programs that achieved High Quality Accreditation for the first time, as well as those that renewed it during 2023. This achievement is only possible thanks to the commitment and tireless work of the individuals who make our dream of being a University of Excellence a reality

Programs that obtained High Quality Accreditation:

• Band Direction
• Instrumental Music
• Graphic Design
• Nursing
• History
• Master's in Continental Hydrobiological Resources
• Doctorate in Education Sciences
• Civil Engineering
• Doctorate in Electronics Sciences
• Master's in Computer Science
• Master's in Automation

Programs that renewed High Quality Accreditation:

• Music Education
• Economics
• Physiotherapy
• Modern Languages Teaching with emphasis on English and French
• Literature and Spanish Language Teaching
• Anthropology
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences and Environmental Education Teaching
• Primary Education Teaching
• Chemistry

And while the results from the previous year are a source of great pride, they also present a significant challenge for 2024. 'We simply have to continue working along the path we have already begun, not veering off course, keeping our main objective in sight, and working together as a university community towards the common goal of Institutional Reaccreditation,' emphasized Dr. Alexander."

As the Universidad del Cauca, we recognize and commend the efforts aimed at meeting the most demanding quality standards, as these efforts ensure significant progress towards our goal of Institutional Reaccreditation. This progress will allow us to continue offering transformative education to our entire community, ensuring that in 2027, when we hand over a Bicentennial University to a new administration, we uphold our commitment to providing life-changing education.

We are now calling upon each of you to take on a leading role and become the best team players in this process, as it undeniably requires teamwork. Soon, we will share more details about what lies ahead.

For further information:

Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation

Email: acredigral@unicauca.edu.co