Welcoming 1,556 new students in Popayán and 161 in Santander de Quilichao, the University of Cauca commenced the second academic semester of 2024. The reception took place during FestiU, 'Getting to Know Your Home,' a celebration organized by the Vice-Rectory of Culture and Wellbeing, held from July 29th to August 2nd.

At this house of learning, we understand that change is not easy. Facing a new stage in life, adapting to urban environments, moving to a new city, distancing ourselves from our families and parents, opening ourselves to establishing new relationships, and seeking friends is a challenge. However, it is a journey worth undertaking, as it will help us achieve our greatest dreams and offer more opportunities to transform our lives, those of our families, and even the reality of the small towns we left behind. For this reason, the University of Cauca organized very special days, aiming to make them unforgettable because there is no better way to welcome you to this institution, which will be your home for the coming years.

“We have planned a welcome celebration for you. We are thrilled because we have realized the dream of you becoming Unicaucan@s; the dream that you will have the opportunity to enrich your lives and transform realities through this formative experience,” said Rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, welcoming the new undergraduate students who gathered on Monday, July 29th, at the University Sports Center in Tulcán, the capital of Cauca, to begin this new adventure. Dr. Aída Patricia Gonzales Nieva, Academic Vice-Rector, also shared a brief but inspiring speech: “Do not waste this opportunity, do not miss a moment to enjoy the university because when you enjoy the university, it transforms you, changes your personality, and gives you a unique vision of reality. Let's make this University a home that revitalizes us, guarantees a space free of all kinds of violence, and where we build and rethink this society, because it can be better and must be better. So, welcome, girls, boys, and everyone, to the University of Cauca.”

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Similarly, Maestro César Alfaro Mosquera, Vice-Rector of Culture and Wellbeing and host of #FestiU, offered welcoming words to this new generation of dreamers, emphasizing the services provided by this vital Vice-Rectory. As one of the most important allies in this educational process, the Vice-Rectory, through its various divisions and programs, “seeks to ensure that students feel good so they can develop their abilities and perform well during their studies.” Student representatives and various collectives also joined the celebration, offering a warm welcome to the new Unicaucan@s, reminding them that many have been in their shoes and that, during this process of change, they can rely on these spaces to continue developing their leadership and unity skills.

As part of the packed agenda, the Vice-Rectory of Culture and Wellbeing launched the 'Wellbeing Circuits,' integration spaces where students engaged in dynamic and playful activities to learn in detail about everything our institution offers.

“I really enjoyed the welcome. I had been to another university and didn’t see anything like this, so I found it very pleasant, especially since the campus where we were welcomed is very beautiful. I also liked the various groups and what’s planned for the rest of the week; for instance, there will be games tomorrow, and I’m excited to participate,” said Valentina Ordoñez Torres, a new student in the Forest Engineering program from Barrancabermeja, who has decided to continue her life project at this nearly two-centuries-old university in southwestern Colombia.

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Additionally, a welcoming space was organized for parents, a tradition we have cultivated for a long time, recognizing the importance of family support in our students' educational journey. It is an excellent way to involve parents and keep them informed about each stage of their children’s educational path.

However, since there is another vital part of our Alma Mater in northern Cauca, Thursday, August 1st, marked the welcome for those who will inhabit our Santander de Quilichao campus. This semester, we welcomed 161 students who have seen this institution as an ally in fulfilling their greatest dreams. As in Popayán, the Vice-Rectory of Culture and Wellbeing was responsible for providing the warmest induction to the new students.

The university leaders offered words of encouragement and assured them that they would not be alone in this process. Thus began a two-day event where the institution, its services, and available opportunities were presented, all through distinctive activities that culminated in the awarding of the gymkhana and a grand concert that filled this new generation of students with joy and excitement.

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In this way, once again, this house of thought opens its doors to its students with the hope that, semester after semester, more will join us in building great dreams. We aspire to train professionals who not only contribute to social transformation and the construction of an inclusive society but also drive the pursuit of the much-desired peace. Our commitment is to foster an academic community dedicated to working tirelessly for a more just and equitable society, where every contribution is a step toward a better future for our region and our country.

Welcome once again to this, your home, the University of Cauca: we are thrilled to have the opportunity and fortune to walk this path together!

Written by:

Center for Communication Management