In a participatory and inclusive dialogue, the Rector of the University of Cauca, Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, along with his team of vice-rectors, shared how, through collaborative work, they overcame challenges and achieved successes during the year 2023. The event took place on Thursday, April 25, at the Francisco José de Caldas Auditorium.

After extensive preparatory work to ensure every detail was attended to, the day arrived to share with the Unicaucan community, the various oversight bodies, and all interested parties, the balance of the management carried out by the university administration during 2023, through the Public Accountability Hearing: ‘Transforming Together, Challenges into Achievements’. The event, which began with a masterful performance by talented musicians from the Alma Mater, who performed the National Anthem and the University of Cauca Anthem live, quickly became a space of transparency and trust. It was enhanced by various communicative elements (such as audiovisuals and on-site graphic documentation), allowing attendees to feel immersed in a unique experience.

Thus, the rector of the University of Cauca, Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, had the honor of opening this accountability session with his intervention, presenting a summary of the achievements reached during his first year of management. It is important to remember that 2022 was marked by the transition from the previous rectorial plan to the current one, titled ‘Towards an Excellent and Supportive University’, which will be in effect until 2027. In this context, among the data shared with the attendees, he highlighted a 23.1% advancement in the implementation of the Institutional Development Plan, representing over 90% of the goal set for 2023. Additionally, the rector emphasized the recruitment of 19 tenured professors through Merit Competitions, as for Unicauca, its people are the most valuable asset. Furthermore, as a result of the previous year, 21 programs (both undergraduate and graduate) received their High Quality accreditation, while 40 programs renewed their Qualified Registration.

Dr. Deibar René also highlighted the implementation of the Immediate Transition to Higher Education Program (PTIES) and the agreements made with the Superior Normal Schools of Cauca, among many other actions aimed at impacting the territories. As he mentioned, ‘A university that walks and inhabits the territories is a university that understands the needs of its context and thus transforms lives.’ Finally, to close his intervention, the rector emphasized the approval of the University of Cauca Stamp, through which resources are increased to continue transforming lives and making dreams come true—a milestone in the recent history of our Alma Mater. Although it was officially signed this year, all the work that made this a reality was accomplished during 2023.

Next, the presentation was given by the Academic Vice-Rector, Aída Patricia González Nieva, who highlighted the update and approval of the new Institutional Educational Project (PEI), developed in a participatory manner with the involvement of various university stakeholders, aiming to address the university of today, which is plural, diverse, and heterogeneous. The vice-rector also emphasized that among the faculty at the University of Cauca, there are 263 professors with doctoral degrees and 665 with master’s degrees, stating that ‘Excellence in education demands educators of the highest level and extensive experience,’ as she proudly expressed in her speech. Additionally, Dr. Aída reminded the audience of the achievement of providing Unicauca graduates with a 5% discount on the tuition fees for graduate programs, among many other actions that demonstrate the commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

For his part, the Vice-Rector for Research, Dr. Francisco Pino, highlighted the execution of the Quality Promotion Plan (PFC) during his presentation. This plan includes two major projects: the 'Implementation of the Science, Technology, and Research Ecosystem,' which is 94% complete, and the 'Implementation of the Excellence in Research Program,' which is 48% complete. Additionally, he noted the 18 research projects that are part of the General Royalties System, which are present in the 42 municipalities of the Cauca department. These territories receive administrative and financial support from this Vice-Rectorate, further strengthening Unicauca’s presence in the region.

In terms of Culture and University Well-being, the process leader, Master Cesar Alfaro, reminded the audience that the project 'Artistic Schools for Peace and Reconciliation in the Cauca Department' was included in the National Development Plan 2022-2026. Additionally, within the framework of the City Book project and as the realization of a great dream, the first edition of Timbiquí City Book was held, a significant opportunity to promote reading and the arts and culture in various municipalities of the department. He also highlighted the participatory creation and approval of the Protocol for the Attention and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Violence, as well as the creation and establishment of the Gender-Based Violence Committee. These two important milestones, among many others, bring us closer to becoming an increasingly safe institution for everyone.

The final speech by the university officials was delivered by the Administrative Vice-Rector, Dr. Jorge Enrique Barrera. He highlighted that various administrative and functional processes were carried out in 2023 to achieve a more effective, efficient, and innovative university management. Processes such as the University Ordering Plan (POU), which guides the physical development of the institution and the use of land, as well as digital transformation through the development of technological modernization products, which aim to facilitate processes to ensure the timely execution of activities, garnered significant attention. With these concrete actions, it is clear that we are indeed on the path to the bicentennial.

After the interventions from the university officials, a space was opened for the participation of attendees, who raised their concerns in an orderly and respectful manner. Once these were addressed, the Head of the Internal Control Office, Lesly Sahur Garzón Daza, objectively shared the general conclusions of the 2023 Public Accountability Hearing.

Thus, from the University of Cauca, we thank everyone who joined us in this important exercise of transparency; an exercise that allowed us to share with joy and pride the challenges that, thanks to joint efforts, we transformed into achievements. We remind you that this institution is a Heritage for All and that its daily work aims to transform lives and make dreams come true.