A week has passed since the start of the listening and dialogue spaces traditionally known within our academic institution as University Assemblies. This strategy has been implemented to foster a direct connection between the administration and the faculty members of the Alma Mater.

On Monday, September 4th, the University of Cauca, as an institution committed to the active participation of its community, commenced an engaging series of University Assemblies with Professors. These gatherings aim to strengthen communication and collaboration between the administrators and professors from different faculties. The inaugural assembly took place at the Jorge Eliécer Carrera auditorium within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. During this session, administrators addressed two central topics: they provided a detailed explanation of the institution's situation regarding the Free Education Policy and presented a comprehensive report on budget execution up to July 2023. Additionally, time was allotted within the agenda for teachers to share their concerns, contributions, and perspectives.

Martha Almansa, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, expressed her satisfaction, stating, "The space provided very informative insights into the financial, student-related, and faculty aspects. It offered precise information about the administrative and academic management of the University." Similarly, Lenin Alonso Muñoz, a faculty member in the Agricultural Engineering program, highlighted the significance of this space, commenting, "The Professor's Assembly with the rector was a crucial event. It established a direct line of communication that energized the conversation and allowed us to reach agreements and contemplate innovative solutions." The Professor's Assembly unfolded in an atmosphere of great respect and openness to dialogue, strengthening communication and collaboration ties between administrators and professors, while addressing topics of interest and analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the university, a collective entity shaped by each individual who, through their daily work, makes this place a transformative hub.

Continuing on the planned path, Wednesday, September 6th, marked the turn for the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences, and Education. Thus, the Aula Máxima Auditorium hosted this Assembly where the same themes from the first session were discussed. Similar to the initial dialogue exercise, administrators graciously received valuable contributions from professors, acknowledging their vital role in the institution's mission responsibility to pursue dreams through education. From this administrative commitment, an invitation extends to the faculty members of different Alma Mater faculties to attend these meetings, which, through listening, dialogue, and participation, aim to collectively generate strategies that propel the progress of the University of Cauca.

These Assemblies not only represent a critical space for collaborative construction but also a historical stage where wisdom and experience converge from those who have dedicated their lives to knowledge generation and teaching. This holds particular relevance as the University approaches its bicentennial and faces the challenge of continuing to shape excellent and compassionate professionals.

If you are not yet aware of the process, we invite you to attend the following Professor's Assemblies:

 

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Law and Political and Social Sciences.

Date: September 13, 2023.

Location: 'Francisco José de Caldas' Auditorium.

Time: 2:00 pm.

 

Faculty of Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications, along with the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Accounting, Economics, and Administrative Sciences.

Date: September 20, 2023.

Location: 'Francisco Lemos Arboleda' Auditorium.

Time: 4:00 pm.

 

Faculty of Health Sciences.

Date: September 27, 2023.

Location: 'Antonio José Lemos Guzmán' Auditorium.

Time: 4:00 pm.

We appreciate your willingness to participate, reiterating that for this administration - in line with its Institutional Development Plan - its people are the most valuable asset, making it impossible to progress without the commitment of everyone. Together, we continue to advance in strengthening the University we envision; a University where we can speak and work together to provide the best public education for the region.