The University of Cauca has, for the first time, achieved a score above the national average among public universities in the Institutional Performance Index (IDI), marking an increase of nearly nine points compared to the 2023 period. This milestone, which represents a significant step forward in strengthening public university management, is the result of coordinated efforts led by the Office of Planning and Institutional Development, in collaboration with the various departments of the Alma Mater of Cauca.

The appearance of the University of Cauca in the IDI, with a performance that surpasses previous years, reflects the progress made in fulfilling the 2022–2027 Institutional Development Plan, “For a University of Excellence and Solidarity”, particularly in relation to the fifth strategic axis concerning the modernization of administrative and functional processes. The improvement in this index takes on even greater importance considering it is concrete evidence of the current administration’s commitment to more efficient, transparent governance aligned with national quality standards. It demonstrates that the strategic goals set forth are being rigorously pursued.

“Surpassing the national average in the IDI for the first time not only positions us as a benchmark in public higher education, but also proves that institutional modernization is no longer just a project on paper—it is a reality that transforms and strengthens our University. A modern management model is a necessary condition for a university that transforms lives,” stated Deibar René Hurtado, Rector of the University of Cauca.

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So, what are the concrete results? During 2024, all evaluated policies improved their scores, exceeding 85 points, with special distinction for the Procurement Policy, Legal Defense Policy, Transparency and Access to Information Policy, and Institutional Planning Policy. Moreover, remarkable increases of more than 15 points were achieved in the Rationalization of Procedures Policy, Citizen Service Policy, and Digital Government Policy.

“Executing the provisions of the Institutional Development Plan in its component of Modernization of Administrative and Functional Processes has been key. In that regard, we have carried out various improvements and optimizations of processes and procedures, enabling us to focus on three fundamental areas: Rationalization of Procedures, Digital Transformation, and Citizen Service. These three components have significantly increased their percentages, which has allowed us to improve this index and meet the objective of becoming more efficient in university management,” explained Administrative Vice Rector, Jorge Adrián Muñoz Velasco.

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The strong performance in the IDI is closely tied to the implementation of the Integrated Planning and Management Model (MIPG), which has strengthened institutional processes and enabled more efficient, transparent management. “We developed various activities under the framework of the policies that make up the MIPG, and this is what propelled these results. For instance, in the Institutional Planning Policy, the Action Plan format and Strategic Matrix were updated in line with the requirements of the Single Management Progress Report Form (FURAG). In the Transparency Policy, we designed, implemented, and monitored the Anti-Corruption Plan. Additionally, by keeping the Unicauca en Cifras modules up to date and providing real-time information, we strengthened the Digital Government Policy,” stated Andrés Felipe Rivera Fierro, Head of the Office of Planning and Institutional Development.

As a result of the work carried out by the Office of Planning and Institutional Development, in coordination with all University of Cauca departments, a work plan has been projected to further strengthen each of the policies evaluated in the Institutional Performance Index. The goal is clear: to achieve better results that contribute to the fulfillment of the current Institutional Development Plan, always with a focus on the well-being of our people, the most valuable asset we have.

Without a doubt, this achievement consolidates the University of Cauca as a beacon of excellence in public university management, reflecting the commitment of an administration that has responsibly safeguarded public resources in its mission to transform lives and make dreams a reality through education. More than just a result, it is a testament to the collective effort to strengthen transparency and lay the foundation for a long-term sustainable institution that responds to the needs of its territory. As it approaches its bicentennial, the Alma Mater of Cauca continues to make notable progress in its management indicators, directly contributing to the goal of remaining #PatrimonioDeTodos.

 

Written by: Center for Communications Management