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INSTITUTIONAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA PARTICULAR DE LOJADirección General de Relaciones Interinstitucionales VIA Comunicaciones
GENERAL DIRECTIONPadre Luis Miguel Romero Fernández Fanny Aguirre de Moreira
EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONAbel Suing Ruiz
EDITION AND COORDINATIONCarlos Granda Tandazo
DESIGNYesenia Yomara JiménezAna Catalina Burneo
WRITERSPatricio Barrazueta, Mayra Gonzáles, Carlos Granda, Catalina Mier, María Isabel Punín, Claudia Rodríguez, Ana Lucía Unda, Karina Valarezo, Nayda Valarezo, Andrea Velásquez, Jenny Yaguache
PHOTOGRAPHY Patricio Barrazueta, Yomara Jiménez, Daniel Ortega, Fanny Paladines, Rodrigo Solano PRINTEREditorial UTPL
Information updated until March 2007All rights reserved.
Introduction
Loja
A brief History
Mission, Vision and Values
Idente Spirit
The University today
The University Government
Institutional Self-Evaluation
Academic Life
Statistics
Continuing Education
Academic Offering
Postgraduate Offering
Student Life
Open and Distance Modality
Centers for Research, Technology Transfer,
Extension and Services (CITTES)
Area of Technology
Area of Administration
Area of Socio-Humanism
Area of Biology
Honoris Causa
University Missions
Cultural Management
Internationalization
Testimonials
Events
Appendix
CONTENTS
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The development of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja over the last five years has been the fruit of the spirit that informs its life as a Catholic University. Its roots, the solid foundations set by the Marist Brothers, are now being enriched with the new contributions of the Idente charisma and testament of its founder Fernando Rielo Pardal, who wished universities, through attentive obedience to Jesus Christ, to be “cities of love”. Love that shapes the essence and actions of the university: love of truth, of science, of education and service, dreaming always of the highest aspirations of human beings in their personal and social dimension, living a collegial, humble and prudent leadership, whose operative translation within the university universality may then be a benefit for so many human beings in the community outside. The most fruitful achievement of the university in the twenty-first century will depend on how one lives in it with spirit and values, and then from this dimension develops science and its effective contribution to society, enriches education through the aspect of the experimental and the experiential, and strives for the furthest horizons and the greatest dignity for human beings, as proposed by the open and universal dimension of Christian Humanism.
The Centers for Research, Technology Transfer, Extension and Services (CITTES), as incubators of applied research, have made it possible to give
Luis Miguel Romero Fernández, Ph. D.Rector-Chancellor
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
Partial view of UTPL campus and the City of Loja
Introduction
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new impetus to the classical university dimensions of teaching, research and extension; through them the young professor-researchers are educated in part-time Masters or doctoral programs at the more developed universities of Europe and America. The pioneering and innovatory impulse of distance education is making it possible for us to broaden accessibility to higher education, even beyond our own frontiers, as we are currently the site of the Institute for Quality in Higher Distance Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (CAL-ED). The emphasis that we place on maintaining open relationships with our environment and the world has allowed us to move towards integrating the universal with the richness of the local. And flexible and collegiate management enables us, despite the economic and operative difficulties of our environment, to multiply the values and possibilities of our people.
May this document be a testimony of recognition and thanksgiving to all those who made possible everything gathered in its pages, the love that they sowed has now borne fruit, including our University’s many friends, inside and outside Ecuador. The integral growth of authentic youth is, in any case, the best testimonial to our university dream, the promise of a better Ecuador and a better world. To all those who have helped, and are helping to construct it, thank you.
Jipiro Recreational Park
Podocarpus National Park
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Loja, in Ecuador’s south
Loja
Panoramic view of the City of Loja
Located at the “center of the world”, Ecuador is one of the countries with the greatest biological diversity on the planet. It lies in the northwest of South America and is bisected by the equator. To the north it borders on Colombia, to the south and east on Peru, and to the west lies the Pacific Ocean. It has a population currently standing at about 13 millions, and in geographic terms it goes from the Amazon basin – the last great lung of the planet – across the mythic mountains and snow-covered volcanoes of the Sierra, and extends to the coast and the Galapagos Islands, which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In the south of the country, where the Andes seem to dip down, lies the city of Loja, founded by the Spanish captain Don Alonso de Mercadillo on December 8th, 1548. It is the capital of the province of the same name and enjoys a spring-like climate throughout the year (average temperature 18 °C). It is the main urban, historical and cultural center of the southern region.
Loja lies at 2100 meters above sea level and has about 150,000 inhabitants. Also known as the “music capital of Ecuador”, it has been the cradle of great artists, poets, writers and scholars. The hospitality and cordiality of the people of Loja continue their best traditions and more.
The city has six museums that preserve its history. The splendid and historical churches seem to hold the continuous presence of God. These churches, built by Ecuadorian craftsmen, are remarkable in their splendor.
In the year 2001, Loja was awarded third place for “World’s most ecological city” and first place for “Citizens’ Participation”.
There are natural reserves close by, such as the Podocarpus National Park, which is estimated to contain 3,500 species of plants and 600 species of wildlife.
In this city of exceptional places and the riches historical tradition, there are two universities: the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja and the National University of Loja.
City gate
Nangaritza River, Zamora
Church of “El Valle”
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Islands
Cathedral Facade
Mist in a Podocarpus forest
Cathedral Altar
Park of San Sebastian
Colonial Lourdes Street
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The Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja was founded by the Ecuadorian Marist Association (AME) on May 3rd, 1971, in response to the local need for a technical and humanist education supported by Christian precepts and values.
UTPL was officially recognized by the State of Ecuador under Executive Decree 646, published in the Official Register Nr. 217 of May 5th, 1971, in which it was constituted as an autonomous legal entity on the basis of the “Modus Vivendi” Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Ecuador, following the Church’s regulations in its organization and government.
The mentor and first Chancellor of the University was the Marist brother Santiago Fernández García, who was assisted in his task by the support of Padre Oscar Jandl and Lady Virginia Riofrio, and others from Loja and elsewhere. The first rector of UTPL was the engineer Alejo Valdivieso, who was installed on October 3rd, 1971.
UTPL is an autonomous institution, with social and public purposes, empowered to impart teaching, carry out research with scientific and administrative freedom, and participate in the development plans of the
St. Marcelino Champagnat
A Brief History
Aerial view of campus - 1979
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country, to give, recognize and validate academic degrees and professional titles; and in general, carry out activities appropriate to the achievement of its aims.
On October 27th, 1997, the Diocese of Loja transferred indefinitely to the “Idente Association of Christ the Redeemer, Idente Missionaries” the operation of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, to be conducted with total autonomy and in accordance with Idente charisma.
In the 35 years since it was established, we have seen the rise of a small university which began with three faculties: Economics, Civil Engineering and Agricultural Industries, in the buildings of the Daniel Álvarez Burneo Higher Technical Institute, to the present institution that has two study modalities, Traditional or Face-to-face and Open or Distance Education, and where more than 23,000 people study in 25 programs.
Some milestones in the history of the UTPL
• In 1973 two new units were added to the existing ones: the School of Fine Arts and the Institute of Languages.
• In 1976 the UTPL inaugurated the Distance Education Modality, the first in Latin America, which began its work with the program of Science of Education, thus opening access to Higher Education to everyone in the Republic of Ecuador, regardless of where they might be.
Construction of the Distance Modality Building – 1980
“Let us go to meet young people
wherever they are. We have the courage to enter unexplored territory, where the
hope of Christ is manifested in the midst of material
and spiritual poverty.”
St. Marcelino Champagnat
Benjamin Carrión Library – 1980
LChemistry Laboratory - 1980
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• At that time programs were offered under the new system in the Faculties of Science of Education, Languages and the Institute of Human and Religious Sciences.
• In 1979 the University added computer courses to the programs offered, for which a Computer Center, which was very well equipped for that period, an Institute of Computer Science and a degree in Electronic Data processing Technology were created.
• In March 1985 the university authorities decided to add the School of Accounting and Auditing to the Traditional Modality.
• On January 1987, the Accounting and Auditing Program was created in the Open and Distance Education Modality.
• In March 1994 the School of Law was added, and in August 1998 the program offerings were extended to include all the programs that the university offers to this day.
Partial view of University Campus in 1979
Animal feed plant 1979
A Brief History
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• The current statute, approved by the National Council of Higher Education, CONESUP, on January 30th, 2002, established that the institution would offer higher education at undergraduate and graduate levels through the following modalities: Traditional, and Open and Distance, with its variants: a) Traditional Distance; b) Mixed Mode; and c) Virtual.
Animal feed plant - 1981
“To introduce people to Jesus Christ and make
them love him, this is your vocation and the purpose of
the Institute.”
St. Marcelino Champagnat
Construction of UTPL laboratory buildings – 1979
Computer Center 1980
Construction of “Octogono” Building – 1981
Completing the main square – 1981
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Mission, Vision and Values
Life in our university flows towards the fulfillment of the ideals that
first gave rise to the universities. Our grand vision is “Christian Humanism”, our mission is:
“To seek the truthand educate men and women
through knowledgeto serve society”
- Truth conceived as a vector towards which to direct our most profound cognitive, active and vital dimensions.
- An integral education, with innovative educational proposals, that unites scientific and technical quality with humanistic and spiritual dimensions.
- A spirit of research that contributes to the development of science and culture with a human heart, giving effective support to universal knowledge.
- Teaching, research and extension all converge in a productive arrangement in which the student is both subject and protagonist of his or her professional development, in order to serve the society of which he or she is a part with creativity and practical actions.
Taking the historical Christ as teacher, and the development of his thought in the tradition of the Catholic Church, we wish to be a university that, based on the dignity of human beings as “children of God”, empowers them to welcome, define, reflect on, and make use of all human experience in society.
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“The University must undertake the communal search for the most profound keys to human reality in all its dimen-sions and relationships. This is the teaching in Christ’s uni-versity.”
Fernando Rielo
Institutional Values:
The life of the university community requires all its members to share fundamental values that enable us to reach our proposed aims together:
• Vision (aspirations) • Team spirit • Management and leadership • Humility •Operationalflexibility
“Universities are cities of love.”
Fernando Rielo
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The Idente Spirit
On October 27th, 1997, the Diocese of Loja transferred the operation of the University to the Idente Missionaries, directing them to lead it with total autonomy and in harmony with Idente charisma.
The Idente Missionaries of Christ the Redeemer
This is a religious institution founded in Tenerife (Spain) by Fernando Rielo Pardal in 1959, which today possesses a large international projection with more than seventy mission houses in twenty-one countries, and close collaboration with the Dioceses where they are located.
The name “Idente” is a neologism constructed from the imperative “id” of the Spanish verb “ir” and the ending “ente” from the Latin participle “-ens, -entis”. The word “Idente” is, therefore, a Spanish neologism and a Latin neologism (idens, identis) signifying “to walk continuously in union with the divine filial consciousness of Christ”.
The goal of the institution is to live a communal life of evangelical perfection, for which purpose its members form communities where they share their spiritual life and missionary task. Perfection consists in the progress of filial love, which unites men and women with the Eternal Father.
Charisma
““I try to found all my acts, all my lectures, my intellectual activity, and my communication with my neighbor on the Gospel, at the same time keeping in mind the corroboration of the Magisterium” (Rielo).
Idente charisma is practiced by following and identifying with the living and testifying Christ, effected by the Holy Spirit, with a filial consciousness that considers the Father as a model of sanctity.
Specific spheres of charisma
• To foster and strengthen the Catholic faith, especially among youth alienated from Christ.
• Apologetic dialog with intellectuals for the propagation and defense of revealed truth, wherever the church or society need it most.
The motto of the institute is “Believe and Hope”, which signifies that faith and hope, based on charity, nourish the apostolic lives of its members.
Missions
The evangelizing activity of the members of the Rielo Institute is carried out in a variety of missions depending on specific requests from local churches, and in accordance with the needs of the times. They take the form of social works
Father Fernando Rielo PardalFounder of the Idente
Missionaries
The Idente spirit is, in accordance with three evangelical principles: • The commandment “Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5.48)
• The promise “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18.20)
• The apostolic imperative “Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16.15)
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and collaborations with associations or foundations pursuing humanitarian aims.
“The social sensitivity of the Rielo Institute – says its founder – welcomes, in all their aspects, the frustrations of human indigence: infirmity, lack of education, injustice and, in general, life’s sorrow. Your purpose, beloved children, is the same as Christ’s: to go through this life doing good to all”. The social plan thus embraces all dimensions of human life: education, health, teaching, administration, arts, and literature. Working in homes for abandoned children and offering integral assistance in physically, economically, culturally and spiritually deprived environments are also emphasized. In addition, the missions promote international cooperation in the most disadvantaged countries.
We aspire to a new evangelization that, with genuine experience and commitment, struggles on behalf of the spiritual and cultural restoration of individuals, mentalities and environments that, in today’s society, may be immersed in materialism, hedonism and the anomie of life.
Examples of the Institute’s missionary work, in addition to teaching, spiritual retreats, vocational activities, and catechizing, are seen in the dedication to children and unemployed youth, and the significant university and academic presence in the countries where they work.
The Fernando Rielo Foundations
In the Rielo Institute different entities have been set up to foster intense apostolic activity. Among these foundations are the “Idente Family” of lay people who follow the spirit of the Institute but are not members.
• The Idente School of Theological and Philosophical Studies, which fosters spiritual and intellectual education through group studies where, in collaboration and continuous dialog with science and culture, participants study the revealed truth and its implications in the world of today.
• The Fernando Rielo Cultural Foundation endeavors to project cultural and spiritual values in society; man is seen as having a profound sensitivity towards transcendent reality, and the Foundation promotes meetings of different cultures and traditions. • The following are other civil foundations of Fernando Rielo that are especially important for their presence in the university world: Idente Youth, whose aim is to unite youth from different countries, races and beliefs in the highest cultural and moral ideals to form a Universal Youth Parliament; the Fernando Rielo University Foundation, based in Rome, whose specific mission is dialog with the intellectual world; and the Chair of Spanish Language, Literature and Thought at the University of Manila, for the diffusion of Hispanic culture in the Philippines.
• Another of the humanitarian characteristics of Fernando Rielo is reflected in foundations focusing on medical aid: the Fernando Rielo Health Association, established in Rome in collaboration with Caritas International, for medical and civil assistance to immigrants, and the Fernando Rielo School of Biomedicine for graduates in the field of medical practice and research. Idente missionaries living in Loja.
Mary, Mother of the Mystic Life.
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Mary Mother of Wisdom, Icon deliver from Juan Pablo II to the
Catholic Universities.
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The University today
Over its 35 years of existence, inspired by Christian Humanism the Universidad Católica de Loja has become a fundamental pillar of regional and national development.
3,200 future professionals are taking courses in the Traditional modality, and more than 23,900 in the Open and Distance Modality, at undergraduate and graduate level, and in special programs.
23 Centers for Research, Technology Transfer, Extension and Service (CITTES) make an ideal complement for the professional training of the students in our 25 programs, both in the Traditional Modality and in the Distance Modality: and in these centers applied research and the transfer of science and technology to society converge in genuine “Research Incubators” making possible the development of extension activities and services.
UTPL is part of the World Bank’s Global Development Learning Network (GDLN); it is the only university with a videoconferencing system in 21 cities across the country each with their own satellite link, and this is one of the many services to which students in both modalities have access.
Thousands of Ecuadorians, and Latin Americans in general, choose the UTPL as a place to continue their professional training through the 87 university centers in Ecuador and the three overseas: in New York, Madrid and Rome.
Currently UTPL is the Ecuadorian university with the highest number of instructors working on doctoral degrees at first rank universities in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Germany; moreover, it is one of the four top universities in the country by number of students in both modalities, and the largest in distance students alone.
This experience has caused it to be selected to be the location for the executive secretariat of the Institute for Quality in Higher Distance
The University generates more than 85% of its resources
thanks to the contribution made by
entrepreneurial production in the
CITTES
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Education in Latin America (CAL-ED), in addition to its being the model in distance education for a number of universities in America and Europe. More than 300 academic, cultural and sports events of different sizes are held annually at UTPL, which bring thousands of visitors, as well as tourism and socio-economic development, to southern Ecuador.
AREAS OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
The continuous growth and human development require the university to define certain action steps for the future, the implementation of which combine our basic goals and priorities, for example:
Technology:
IIndispensable in the university environment as a tool for the development of the country: Internet, software development, automated systems, electronic publications, geographic information systems, computer-assisted education, multimedia, virtual classrooms, on-line education, amongst others. The Projects and Information Systems Unit (UPSI) is the hub for this area.
Distance Education:
This modality is the “expertise” of our University, with which we continue to facilitate the dream of higher distance education of high quality for people who, for various reasons, are unable to access traditional universities, overcoming the high fees of the globalized and competitive world in which we live.
Development Economics
This unites a whole range of academic potential with a common objective: to help realize ideas and projects for the benefit of society. Administrative, technical, biological and socio-humanist sciences work together as a team for the socially and ecologically sustainable economic development of the country.
Areas of Strategic Development
TechnologyDistance EducationDevelopment EconomicsNatural ResourcesHumanitiesBiomedical Sciences
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Humanities:
The search for the most profound keys to our humanity has led us to undertake rigorous research in this field and to set in motion projects intended to be a means of social transformation and an effective contribution to humanity.
Biomedical Sciences
This is a field where humanism can branch out, especially the area of biotechnology. With the advances in genetic engineering, our task will be to develop its potential in the service of humanity.
Natural Resources:
Ecuador’s greatest wealth lies in its natural resources. Our focus on the global village begins with the earth sciences, so as to guarantee an ecologically and economically sustainable future, through tourism, watershed management, reforestation, in-vitro micro-propagation of native species, chemistry of natural products, biodiversity studies, environmental impact evaluation, ecotourism, etc.
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The University today
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Working group of the Office of the Rector
Director of Office of Academic Affairs Director of the Open and Distance ModalityDirector of Inter-Institutional Relations Director of Administration and Finance Director of University Missions Director of Human Resources and Workforce Development Director of Research and Technology Transfer Secretary General
The Government of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja is structured as follows, in hierarchical order:
The Board of Regents and the University Council The Rector – Chancellor The Vice-Chancellor The General Directors The Commissions for Internal Evaluation and Links to Society
BOARD OF REGENTS Charged with defining the vision and larger institutional goals
Rector – Chancellor Bishop of the Diocese of Loja Representative of the President of the Idente Association of Christ the Redeemer, Idente Missionaries Vice-ChancellorDirector of Office of Academic Affairs Director of the Open and Distance Modality Director of Inter-Institutional Relations Secretary General
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL Highest responsibility for the administration, legislation and policy of the university
Rector – Chancellor Vice-ChancellorDirector of Office of Academic Affairs Director of the Open and Distance Modality Director of Inter-Institutional Relations Director of Administration and Finance Director of University Missions Director of Human Resources and Workforce Development Director of Research and Technology Transfer Director of Technology Area (*) Director of Socio-Humanism Area (*) Director of the Quito Regional Center Representative of the Virtual Dimension of the Open and Distance Modality Director delegated by the Centers for Research and Technology TransferPresident of the Students’ Union Representative of the Students of the Open and Distance Modality President of the Association of Professors President of the Association of Administrative and Service Personnel Secretary General
( * ) Two directors represent the four Academic Areas, alternating every six months.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
University Government
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Hitherto the quality of higher education has been determined by the interaction between the university system and society, in the economic, technological and cultural sphere of the programs and institutions; which may utilize a variety of perspectives on university activity, and involve a number of different internal and external variables.
The need for a system of self-evaluation to assist in improving institutional effectiveness and attaining academic excellence led the UTPL to the decision to create the “Institutional Self-Evaluation” Project, which was approved by the National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEA).
Several projects have enabled the university to link up with the most important leaders in distance education in Latin America, Europe and North America, for example:
- “The Virtual Center for the Development of Quality Standards for Higher Distance Education in Latin America and the Caribbean”, initiated by the Inter-American Consortium for Distance Education (CREAD) and the Ibero-American Distance Education Association (AIESAD).
- Proyecto Alfa Rueda “Evaluation of Distance Education Programs”.
- Congress on Quality and International Accreditation in Higher Distance Education”, which led to the founding of the “Latin-American and Caribbean Institute for Quality in Higher Distance Education (CAL-ED)”, for which the UTPL currently administers the Executive Secretariat.
Joint meeting of the Academic and Higher Councils
Directors of Schools and CITTES together with members of the Higher Council. 2006
Institutional Self-Evaluation
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BE A BETTERYOU
Institutional Self-EvaluationA commitment from everyone
- The postgraduate course “Evaluation and Administration of University Quality” in a strategic alliance with the University of Seville (Spain).
The results of these initiatives, and the commitment to create others, are the reason why the University is carrying out its Institutional Self-Evaluation Project, in order to generate continuous improvement processes for academic quality and entrepreneurship, offering relevance and opportunities.
Institutional Self-Evaluation
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The whole university community is actively involved in achieving objectives: directors, instructional and administrative personnel, students, graduates and cualified advisors, are charged with supplying relevant data for the global analysis and improvement of the University.
The Self-Evaluation process is implemented with a model that comprises four basic functions: Teaching, Research, and Linkage with the Community, plus Productive Entrepreneurship which constitutes the support for the other three; under this aspect the UTPL also includes university internationalization. These functions are followed through eight areas of evaluation, twenty-one criteria, one hundred new quality standards and one hundred sixty-seven indicators.
A number of activities are carried out to achieve the planned objectives, such as the preparation and compiling of records for each project, the use of interviews, surveys, observation logs, information processing, and the preparation of final reports.
The implementation of this project has enabled us to foster a culture of evaluation at all levels of the university, thus improving the quality processes of learning, administration and entrepreneurship at UTPL, with the principal aim of contributing to the scientific, cultural and humanist development of Ecuador, which is a responsibility that began in the year 1999 with the creation of the Centers for Research, Technology Transfer, Extension and Service (CITTES), whose specific function is research and extension, or service to society.
The other phase is that of external evaluation, which is an assessment of the integral activities of the University carried out by the National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEA) to verify that the work of the university complies with quality criteria and standards, and that its activities are in concordance with its institutional mission, vision, aims and objectives.
The basis of the external evaluation, which is carried out by external evaluators, or peers, is the self-evaluation report.
On the basis of the self-evaluation and external evaluation reports, CONEA grants accreditation to the University, certifying its academic quality and institutional integrity.
Accreditation is temporary, and has to be renewed every five years, in accordance with the Fourth General Disposition of the General Regulation of the National System for Evaluation and Accreditation in Higher Education.
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The instructors, administrators and students have a guaranteed role to play in their distinctive areas.
The UTPL educational model is centered on “Productive Entrepreneurship” in which the students and the professors take part in real projects in the CITTES.
Productive Entrepreneurship is an essential part of professional development, translating leadership into a spirit of service and practical creation, in which professors and students become agents of social development.
The CITTES point the way for the University towards new achievements; working in cooperation with a university whose management style is based on pluralism, solidarity, ethics, tolerance for diversity and academic excellence. This is what in UTPL we call the “City of Love”, in reference to a university world with an environment of spirituality and values.
In the research context of the CITTES, as well as in the social service projects, the students involved in productive entrepreneurship become part of interdisciplinary work teams and lead real-world projects.
The various academic areas of UTPL offer their
programs in either the traditional or distance
modality depending on the particular technical and didactic circumstances of
each one.
SOCIETY
Schools CITTES
TECHNICAL AREA
ADMINISTRATIVE AREA
BIOLOGICAL AREA
SOCIO-HUMANIST AREA
NATURAL PRODUCTS PLANT
CBCMCETTIA
IDAMEDICAL SCIENCES
BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMSAGRICULTURE
UMV
DAIRY PLANT
LAW
CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
RESECLENG. LITERAT
VIA. COMUNICACIONESEDUCITTES
I-UNITACILFAMIIEPAZ
UCGCERART
UDIA
UPSI
ART & DESIGN
ADE
SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY
BAR-CAFETERIA
CEITUR
PRESSCADES
“THE OLD MILL” INN
CONTINUING EDUCATION
ACADEMIC MODEL
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Instruction Research & Extension
DIST
ANCE
EDU
CATI
ON
Academic Life
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The function of the Schools is instruction, using a seminar type model, in which the student is required to review the particular material prior to the class in order to be able to understand the topics being discussed.
With the instructor acting as facilitator of knowledge, and the program director selecting appropriate curricular design, there is broad scope for learning to take place.
The instructor-researchers “reside” in the CITTES” and lecture in the different Schools in their specialized fields.
The Virtual Learning Environment (EVA), the videoconferencing System, the Internet and e-mail provide support for academics, administration and research.
Each and every semester more than 540 professors carry out the teaching and learning process in a framework of constant renewal and professional development.
In 2007, 78% of the instructor-researchers are working full-time in the Centers for Research, Technology Transfer, Extension and Service (CITTES) as well as in 23 Schools.
In the “quest for good science” UTPL has placed particular emphasis on the postgraduate education of its instructors at top ranked universities throughout the world.
More than 171 instructor-researchers are doctoral candidates in different fields at renowned German, Italian, Spanish, American and Mexican universities. In addition, they take part in regional, national and international networks of cooperation and academic exchange.
As a result of these activities, Loja has become one of the cities with the highest concentrations of Doctors of Science in Latin America, in relation to its population.
In summary, the academic life of UTPL combines all the dimensions of the university: the CITTES, the Schools, their programs in the Traditional and Distance Modalities, and service to society, with a strong humanist perspective.
The continuous interaction of these dimensions translates into an integral education for the student who, in the course of his or her period of attendance at the University, develops a project which focuses on life, spirit of science and service, and collegiate leadership.
INSTRUCTION RESEARCH
! Concepto integral, no sólo económico !
EXTENSION
PRODUCTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PRODUCTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Integral Educational Concept, not solely economical
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PERSONALDEDICATION
“Love”
CONCRETEACTIONS“Deeds”
PRODUCTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
!Adapt the spirit to the circumstances!
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StatisticsPARTICIPATION OF UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL IN DOCTORAL STUDIES AT FOREIGN
UNIVERSITIES BY ACADEMIC AREA AS OF DECEMBER 2006
Source: Posgraduate OfficeData current as of March 2007
ADMINISTRATIVE AREA
SOCIO-HUMANIST AREA
TECHNICAL AREA
BIOLOGY AREA
UNIVERSITY COUNTRY
COUNTRY
COUNTRY
COUNTRY
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS
TOTAL NUMBER OF DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Current Issues in Business Administration Economic Growth and Sustainable DevelopmentBusiness and Society Public Economics
Economics of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Economics Tourism
Fundamental Problems in Contemporary Legal Theory Basis of Political Law English Philology MIDE II Career Orientation Theory of Education and Social Pedagogy History of Art and Cultural Management of the Hispanic World
Political Thought, Democracy and Civics Peace, Conflict and Democracy Communication
Advanced Artificial Intelligence: Symbolic and Connectionist Perspectives Computer Languages and Systems Dynamic Calculus and Seismic Engineering Physics, Fluids and Dynamic Systems Advanced Technologies in Software Development Intelligent Systems and Distributed EnvironmentsInformation and Communication Technologies Architecture Information and Knowledge Society - Multidisciplinary Knowledge Management SIG Cartography and Remote Sensing Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering Construction Civil Engineering
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF TÜBINGEN
USA
Management of Phytogenetic Resources (Gp. 1) Management of Phytogenetic Resources (Gp. 2) Management of Phytogenetic Resources (Gp. 3) Agrarian Food Science and Technology in Rural and Environmental Development Agro-Ecology Animal Health and Medicine Environmental Biotechnology Biology Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Biochemistry Agricultural EconomicsSoil Management Biomedical Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF PAVIA
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DRESDEN
Germany
Germany
Italy
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2�
Source:Human Resources DirectorGraphics: Marketing – Via Communications
101122
111
171185
306
362
421435
237
182
114
344
394
341
252
107 106
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Full-timeGuest (hourly)
HISTORICAL TREND OF UTPL INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
0
2500
5000
7500
10000
12500
15000
17500
20000
22500
25000
NU
MBE
R O
F EN
ROLL
ED S
TUDE
NTS
20:6791
20:7791
20:8791
20:9791
20:0891
20:1891
20:2891
20:3891
20:4891
20:5891
20:6891
20:7891
20:8891
20:9891
20:0991
20:1991
20:2991
20:3991
20:4991
20:5991
20:6991
20:7991
20:8991
20:9991
20:0002
20:1002
20:2002
20:3002
20:4002
20:5002
20:6002
HISTORICAL TREND OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE UTPL OPEN AND DISTANCE MODALITY
Source: Department of Distance Modality ProcessesGraphics: Marketing – Via Communications
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2�
Source:Archives of Academic General DirectorGraphics: Marketing – Via Communications
OCTOBER 03 -FEBRUARY 04
OCTOBER 04 -FEBRUARY 05
SEPTEMBER 05 -FEBRUARY 06
SEPTEMBER 06 -FEBRUARY 07
2915
3096
3232
3545
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT TREND IN TRADITIONAL MODALITY
2�
Statistics
2�
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
Source: Office of Inter-Institutional Relations
Graphics: Marketing – Via Communications
ACCESS OF STUDENTS TO SCHOLARSHIPS
404
541 562
806 898
10741177
1461 1444
28701353
2890
18650
2130
186 850
17201
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
20000
Apr/2006 – Aug/2006 Oct/2006 – Feb/2007
Special Programs Continuing Education Postgraduate Undergraduate
Source: Department of Distance Modality ProcessesGraphics: Marketing – Via Communications
NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN UTPL BY TYPE OF STUDY
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
N
UM
BER
OF
STU
DEN
TS
OPEN AND DISTANCE MODALITY
TRADITIONAL MODALITY
MODALITIES
Degree
Non-degree
Source: Office of Inter-Institutional RelationsFuente: Base de datos Proyecto Ex Alumnos
HISTORICAL RECORD OF DEGREE AND NON-DEGREE STUDENTS AT UTPL 1971 – 2006
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30
Graphics: Office of Inter-Institutional RelationsSource: Office of Inter-Institutional Relations
ACADEMIC EVENTS ORGANIZED AND IMPLEMENTED BY UTPL
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Source: Office of Inter-Institutional RelationsGraphics: Office of Inter-Institutional Relations
HISTORICAL RECORD OF NATIONALAND INTERNATIONAL VISITS TO UTPL
0100020003000400050006000700080009000
10000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Total visits
Statistics
31
Continuing Education
This unit is directed by the Office of the CITTES. Its objective is to cover the training needs created by the rapid transformation of the socioeconomic structures and the explosive accumulation of human knowledge.
The unit has been designed to offer continuous service, including updating, with a set of organized educational processes that combine formal and informal knowledge, the further development of innate skills and the acquisition of new competencies, with a focus on integral practice, for professionals who have graduated from different universities and executives and employees of companies in the public, private and community sector.
Continuing education seeks to be a new kind of university interaction with the local environment. It offers various programs in the Economic-Administrative, Technical, Technological, Legal, and Health areas, with an academic program that includes certificates, courses, short-term seminars and workshops, designed with regard to the work requirements of professionals, on specific topics of current relevance, and representing a flexible educational modality in its programs, contents and methods.
Products:
• Special Professional Development – Certificates. Offered through courses and continuing education programs, this is “career-plan” training for professionals who need practical knowledge for their career path. The methodology integrates theoretical and practical aspects.
If participants choose to enroll in formal university education at a later date, these programs may be academically validated by the University at that time. • Tailor-made training. Working together with the directors of organizations, we aim to satisfy their needs through the design and implementation of individualized courses.
Training programs are implemented depending on the needs of the organizations.
• Updating courses and seminars. Working with strategic alliances adjusted to new market trends, these courses offer updating for executives and officials of public and private companies in the administrative, economic, political and management fields.
Modalities:
• Traditional, Mixed Mode, and Online.
PEOPLE TRAINED BY CONTINUING EDUCATION
7432
8548
5689
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
Series 1
2004 2005 2006
Source: Continuing EducationGraphics: Marketing - Via Comunicaciones
32
Academic Programs
Over 36 years of institutional life, the academic programs of UTPL have adapted to the needs of the region and the country, with the vision of contributing to their development responsibly. The Schools and their courses, together with the CITTES, are divided into four knowledge areas.
Technical Area
It includes two of the schools in which the University began working in higher education in Ecuador: Civil Engineering and Architecture. This area keeps current using the latest generation technology and infrastructure, with which it empowers the teaching – learning process.
Socio-Humanist Area
The programs in this area have a focus on study and research on the various dimensions of human society, with a strong sense of Christian Humanism.
32
33
Administration Area
This area focuses on educating professionals with an entrepreneurial vocation in disciplines and sciences relating to administration and economics.
Biology Area
Ecuador is one of the countries with the greatest biological diversity in the world, hence the importance and the potential of the programs in this area, which speak to the need to integrate development and research with humanity and the conservation of biodiversity.
The study requirements for each program are constantly being revised, in order to ensure that they stay abreast of social and situational changes in the country.
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Postgraduate Programs
The Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja offers programs of postgraduate studies through its academic units within a cooperative framework that complements the work of national and international institutions working to raise professional quality in this country.
Our program of postgraduate studies plays a fundamental role in the production of knowledge to resolve particular problems facing our country in all fields – from the scientific and technological to the economic, social and cultural.
All the programs offered by UTPL are approved by CONESUP, and are supported by the traditional and distance education systems, and taught by professors of excellence.
The postgraduate academic program is adapted to the needs of professionals interested in updating and expanding their education; it offers qualifications in various fields, so that they can effect changes in their environment with efficacy, efficiency, ethics and responsibility.
UTPL offers an innovative postgraduate program every semester that is adapted to the needs of the professional market, comprising diplomas, specializations and Masters degrees, and designed according to the parameters set by the national Law of Higher Education.
Students in postgraduate courses at UTPL can access a variety of university services such as the virtual library, Virtual Learning Environment, texts, study guides, etc.
Graphic: Office of International RelationsSource: Alumni Project Database
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000 5007
2795
1561
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS COMPLETING POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY UTPL
UP TO NOVEMBER 2006
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Postgraduate Program - 2007NAME OF PROGRAM MODALITY
DIPLOMAS: Duration one SEMESTER of study
Innovative Teaching Distance
Quality Management Auditing Distance
Fundamentals of Distance Education and Research
Distance
Financial Management Distance
Humanism and Spirituality Mixed
Taxation Distance
Pedagogy Distance
Editing Printed Media in the Twenty-First Century Distance
Strategic Market Management Distance
Local and Health Development Distance
Social Intervention Distance
Administration Skills Distance
SPECIALIZATION Duration: TWO SEMESTERS of study, including one
Intellectual Development Distance
Educational Administration and Leadership Distance
Quality Management Auditing Distance
Curricular Planning and Organization of Distance Education Systems
Distance
Pedagogy Distance
Health Administration and Strategic Planning
Distance
Business Law Distance
MASTERS Duration FOUR SEMESTERS of study, including diploma and
Administration of Health for Local Development Distance
Educational Psychology: Talent and Creativity Distance
Educational Administration and Leadership Distance
Development of Intelligence and Education Distance
Quality Management Auditing Distance
Distance Education Distance
Pedagogy Distance
Business Administration MBA Distance
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semester of diploma
specialization
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Student Life
Arrival at UTPL carries special significance for these future professionals. At the outset of their career, the students take their first steps in the achievement of their personal dreams and join a community that lives by Christian Humanist values in an environment of cordiality, respect and collaboration, and where research, learning and continuous interaction with society will be their formative scenario.
Together with their professors, the students form interdisciplinary work teams in which they share experience and knowledge, and where they acquire professional experience through an exercise called “Productive Entrepreneurship”, which involves the instructors and students in applied research activities where they not only gain practical experience, but also play an active role in the work of the CITTES in developing real projects that will benefit society.
In this way the “future professionals” acquire hands-on experience and, above all, discover their own talents, thus avoiding the problem of entering the job market after graduation without being able to document previous experience and, better still, they will be able to propose new projects on the basis of the acquired “know-how”; in other words, they will be agents of initiative.
Every semester there are sports championships, musical events, university mission camps and different kinds of competition, in which the personal aptitudes and talents of the future professionals are developed, as a complement to their integral education.
Moreover, UTPL has 12 cultural groups, consisting of students, professors and workers, who develop their artistic qualities to the fullest in theater, modern dance, folk dancing, “new age” music, contemporary music, choir, chamber music, folk music, and other areas.
Student Services
A number of services included in the UTPL fees are designed to complement the students’ education and, at the same time, facilitate integration and harmony among the individuals living together at the university.
UTPL professional soccer team
Modern Dance Group
Partial view of the Digital Library
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Services that may be accessed by the students include:
• Two up-to-date libraries with more than 55,000 volumes, and 21 virtual libraries •12 laboratories with the latest equipment for technical careers • Internet service • Transport to and from the university campus • Accident insurance • Medical and dental care • Face-to-face and satellite conferences with international professors • Student exchanges with foreign universities • Artistic and sports groups • Discounts at the student store • Cafeteria – Restaurant
They also have access to several different kinds of scholarship:
National Scholarship
The aim of this type of scholarship is to support outstanding young people from all Ecuadorian cities.
Its main objective is for young people to benefit from a full scholarship to study in the Traditional Modality (enrolled for the whole period of study) and to share in the experience of living in Loja and getting to know the city. Student transport
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The target group is third year degree students (sixth course) with a good academic grade average who wish to study in the Traditional Modality at UTPL.
Student Mobility at UTPL
Student Mobility is an action project that strengthens higher education and links the university to the internationalization process.
It has been in operation since the year 2003, through the Office of Inter-Institutional Relations, in collaboration with internationally renowned universities.
The first higher education institution with which this project began was the Pontificia Universidad Católica of Chile, and it was inaugurated with students from the Schools of Legal Sciences and Environmental Management.
As a result of this experience the project was expanded to all the UTPL programs, to the extent that a total of 103 students have participated in student exchanges to date.
Currently the UTPL has exchange programs with the Universidad Nacional Mayor “San Marcos” of Lima, Peru, the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, the State University of Londrina, Brazil, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Peru, the University of Florence, Italy, the Catholic University of Bolivia, and Wagner College, USA, amongst others.
Another of the exchange programs is the Degree Dissertation Extension Project “Chiquitos – Bolivia”, in which students work on real-world projects. Begun in 2006, with the School of Agricultural Industries; around 15 professionals in training have been involved in this program to date.
Student exchanges or study tours in which students may participate are based on agreements that are made with international universities. The process of selection of students who will take courses or seminars, or go on exchanges to different part of the world, is carried out by means of a set of parameters of which Productive Entrepreneurship has become an important and decisive element.
UTPL students in Brazil, 2003
Students from the Catholic University of Brasilia at UTPL
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Student Life
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The students spend a semester attending a whole program of classes, which include research, reading, printed guides, tests, etc. In addition they get to know other cultures and models of academic organization.
EXCHANGES WITH THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF CHILE
DATE SCHOOL
March – July 2003School of Law
School of Environmental Management
August – December 2003 School of Biochemistry and Pharmacy
March – July 2004 School of Architecture
August – December 2004School of Agricultural Industries
School of Business Administration
March – July 2005
School of Civil Engineering
School of Banking and Finances
School of Agricultural Engineering
February – July 2006
School of Agricultural Engineerin
School of Social Communication
School of Psychology
August – December 2006School of Economics
School of Law
March – July 2007School of Computer Science
School of Accounting and Auditing
EXCHANGES WITH THE UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA BOLIVIANA AT CHIQUITOS
15 graduating students in these fields are completing their dissertations in Bolivia.
Agricultural Industries
Agricultural Engineering
Computer Science
Architecture
Business Administration
Environmental Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Social Communication
Workshop with foreign students at UTPL
Source: Office of Inter-Institutional Relations
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