As a result of an institutional strategy implemented since 2022, one that has strengthened the preparation of undergraduate students throughout their academic journey, the University of Cauca consolidates its academic leadership and excellence by ranking above the national average in all competencies evaluated by the Saber Pro tests.

At this house of thought, where we transform lives and make dreams come true, since the very beginning of the current administration we have charted a course under the motto “For a University of Excellence and Solidarity.” Its second strategic axis calls for consolidating our institution as a place where education generates opportunities and unlocks potential. Today, as we approach the end of this great journey, we are beginning to see the fruits of our collective efforts. With deep pride, we share them through #InBicentennialKey, a series of contents designed, within the framework of our first two centuries of history, to spotlight the achievements born from the commitment of each and every person who feels the University of Cauca as #HeritageForAll.

Photograph: Academic Vice Rector, Aída Patricia González Nieva

In line with this vision, since the start of the current rectoral term, which will deliver the bicentennial University, and under the leadership of Academic Vice Rector Dr. Aída Patricia González Nieva, the Alma Mater of Cauca has promoted strategic actions to strengthen the performance of our students in the Higher Education Quality State Exam – Saber Pro. But let us begin at the beginning: although many have heard of this, do we truly know what it is? It is a standardized evaluation tool for external measurement of the quality of higher education. How does it work? It assesses the competencies of students nearing completion of their undergraduate programs, becoming almost a thermometer of the training received and the skills developed by those about to earn their degrees.

With this framework in mind, let us revisit the details of how we have supported this commitment to high-quality education from this region of the country, positioning ourselves among the best institutions. Highlighted actions include: workshops focused on strengthening critical reading and quantitative reasoning, offered by the Retention and Graduation Program – PermaneSer; the incorporation of Saber Pro-style questions in various courses as a training tool; incentives such as a 5% discount on graduation fees for students achieving high performance; an agreement with the National Open and Distance University (UNAD) for access to online preparation modules; and coordinated work with each faculty to raise awareness about the importance of taking this exam with excellence. All of these have enabled the University of Cauca to achieve, by 2024, a global score of 162, compared to the national average of 146.

Photograph: Global Results – University of Cauca

“In general terms, our average shows consistently higher performance than the national average, both in overall scores and in generic competencies. Moreover, the lower standard deviation in most modules indicates greater homogeneity in our students’ results at the competency level,” stated Dr. Aída Patricia González Nieva, Academic Vice Rector, based on the analysis of the report from the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES).

Another key factor in improving results has been adherence to the academic calendar since 2022, avoiding interruptions and ensuring that students take the test under optimal conditions. Thanks to this, our house of thought has not only maintained its academic rhythm but has also enabled its students to demonstrate competencies above the national average in all evaluated areas, clear evidence of the university community’s commitment to quality and excellence.

Photograph: Student – University of Cauca

Looking ahead, the University of Cauca plans to reinforce the actions that have proven successful and identify academic programs where specific competencies must be further strengthened. At the same time, we aim to raise awareness among students about the importance of taking these exams, which not only provide individual benefits but also have an impact on the accreditation processes of programs and the institution as a whole.

With these achievements, we reaffirm that academic quality is the heart of our management and the compass that guides every one of our actions. They are the outcome of constant work, the commitment of our university community, and the conviction that education transforms lives. This collective effort leaves as a legacy a stronger, more competitive, and nationally recognized University of Cauca, one that prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial with pride, honoring its history, strengthening its roots, and projecting itself with excellence toward a future that will continue to create opportunities for new generations.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center