The challenges faced by public universities, particularly our own institution, have been significant. In the past year, our cherished goal of contributing to this country with a project that bets on excellence and solidarity has led us to continue bringing together various stakeholders so that, as an educational community, we can continue transforming lives.

Our University, which is approaching its 200th anniversary, has traditionally had the financial stability that has allowed it to fulfill its core missions of teaching, research, and outreach; and has ensured the well-being of its educational community. This financial stability has depended on the prudent and transparent management of public resources and a prioritization exercise that has allowed us to meet some commitments while postponing others. However, the need for resources has become increasingly urgent, as the funds allocated are insufficient to meet all the requirements.

Thus, these financial challenges place us at a crossroads between addressing the most urgent needs and simultaneously meeting the demands of an accredited institution of high quality. A large portion of our resources is spent on payroll, which already exceeds 80% of the annual budget, while the remaining funds are invested in crucial areas such as student and faculty mobility (both incoming and outgoing), improvements to plans, maintaining existing infrastructure, investing in new infrastructure required for our academic work, calls for research, culture and well-being, and other transversal expenses.

In addition to this financial situation faced by public universities, our beloved University of Cauca is also affected by disruptions to public order in our department, especially considering the significant presence of our institution in the territory.

As our University is, above all, a University for Peace, this commitment has always been unwavering, and we have moved forward with the conviction that our educational mission addresses some of the structural causes of war. We have reiterated this commitment in various ways, including signing agreements with several municipalities in Cauca so that young people have differential access to our University and can experience a reality different from marginalization and violence. We have also signed agreements with Normal Superior Schools to strengthen our regional presence. Through the Peace Commission, we have honored our commitment to share the Peace Commission Report and participated in spaces working toward the collective call and desire for political influence, among other tasks.

However, 2024 has been a year in which, unfortunately, the war in our department has intensified, with the consequences this has for the territory. It has once again created an environment of unease, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, which our beloved institution is not exempt from. Some members of our student community have been direct victims of violence, and incidents have occurred that are indicative of how violence permeates our campus and our ways of relating outside the classroom.

Despite these challenging situations that we have faced this year, which is now coming to an end, we are also supported by the social and academic commitment to remain steadfast in our goals. Although our path is not easy, it is truly moving to see in our professors, students, and staff the willingness to continue building our country despite adversity. When the purposes we are pursuing are clear, each day becomes an opportunity to continue achieving great things.

It is in the face of difficulty that we become more creative, more sensitive, more supportive, and more resilient. It is in this complex scenario that we are compelled to be more supportive, more open to others, more perseverant, and more imaginative.

As this year comes to a close, I would like to share with every Unicaucano and Unicaucana, and with everyone who feels this university as their own, the images and moments that will remain in posterity from academia, research, and social outreach. Moments when we proudly carried the name of the University of Cauca to the nearby and regional territories, even transcending borders to conquer international stages. These moments feed the spirit and are very hopeful. These efforts, which reflect multiple ways of thinking, show us that we are neither defeated nor resigned to violence. Our commitment to rebuilding the social fabric and contributing to peace is based on doing what we do best: working from a nearly bicentennial, excellent, and solidary University! This commitment aligns with the pride we feel and the fortune of being part of an institution that transforms lives and realities.

I close my message with a toast to a 2025 full of shared achievements, learning, and with the confidence that we are doing well. I wish you happy holidays, surrounded by your families and loved ones, and invite you to continue strengthening, with our work, this unique and diverse space where we make dreams come true.

Written by: Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, Rector of the University of Cauca