In 2024, we started off strong: with great excitement and positive energy, we welcomed the new students entering their first semester at the Universidad del Cauca. Several days in advance, we prepared special events across various venues on our campus, aiming to ensure that their initial contact with university life left them with unforgettable memories for years to come.

Although each of our welcomes is unique, this time we worked together to make it even more special. In this first semester of 2024, we are deeply joyful to welcome new students from the Colombian Pacific region. They have benefited from institutional efforts aimed at ensuring that young people from the most remote areas of the Cauca department have increasing access to higher education.

Regarding this, the rector, Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, to commence this important occasion, expressed: "Welcome to your institutional home, also to your grand home: to the city of Popayán, to the city that is welcoming you. Welcome to your faculties that will be from now on a space where you will live a transformative experience. I have always thought that when one arrives at university, one should feel fortunate because the university gives us an opportunity that very few have. But we are working so that many people have this opportunity, and in that sense, I want to send a very special greeting to our students from the North Campus, to the girls, boys, and non-binary individuals who come from the Pacific region. We are very happy that you are here, starting this important period of education.

To warmly welcome the new students, the Office of Culture and Welfare, with support from other university departments and several days in advance, carefully designed each of the activities that comprised the induction week agenda for this new generation of Unicauca students. One of the most interesting proposals was the #FestiU scavenger hunt, held over two days, where all freshmen were grouped into teams. They earned points while getting to know the university, and at the end, the winning team received exciting prizes.

What filled our hearts the most was how receptive and participative the students were as they moved through each station, completing the tasks they were assigned while getting acquainted with their new home," expressed Natalia Hoyos Velázquez, part of the PermaneSer Program. "It was a process where our team gathered beforehand to plan how the welcome would unfold, what activities we would organize—always aiming for dynamism and engaging the students' attention. We also provided them with information about what they will find at their university and how they will start this journey within the university. So, it was a team effort that involved meetings to prepare activities, create materials, and have crafts ready.

María Salomé Fernández Velasco, who hails from the municipality of Silvia and is studying Physics Engineering, commented on the activities: "I think the exercises organized by the university were very dynamic. We met more people, learned about more cultures, and got to know more about the university. It was a really cool and well-organized activity." The scavenger hunt took place on Monday and Tuesday, during which students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with various spaces on campus. They visited the university radio station, Unicauca Estéreo, where they showcased their best voices in the university karaoke to earn points. They also learned about what ORII offers, the office responsible for mobility processes available to Unicauca students.

In addition to activities for the students, in the afternoon, the iconic Paraninfo Francisco José de Caldas hosted the School for Parents, organized by faculties. Many parents had the opportunity to have their questions answered and meet some university executives and administrators who will be part of their children's educational journey. We understand this stage is crucial for families who believe in and invest in education. Therefore, we wanted to welcome them in a special space—a place emblematic of our alma mater and the city of Popayán. It's a venue where they entrust their children to us, and where 5 or 6 years later, we will return them as professionals contributing to the region.

Photo: Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Welfare

But that wasn't all. To mark the end of the induction week and to kick off activities within each faculty, a concert was held at the University Sports Center on the last day. This event also served as the venue for awarding prizes to the freshmen who excelled in the scavenger hunt, courtesy of the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Welfare. Laughter and dancing were abundant during this fun-filled day, reflecting that the new students are ready to enjoy this memorable stage of their lives to the fullest.

From this University of Excellence and Solidarity, we welcome you once again: we are thrilled that you are part of this great institution and family where together we will fulfill our greatest dreams!

For more information:

Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Welfare

 Email: vicecb@unicauca.edu.co