The proposal to create a new district at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) has been discussed since 2014, when the proposal was made by the Faculty of Economics at the Seventh Conference of Universities, in accordance with the democratic procedures and broad discussion that defines the statutes of our university.
In this presentation, for administrative and organizational reasons, the possibility of creating the area of economic sciences, without the disappearance of any of the other areas that exist today, was raised.
If the initiative is approved, a district with six majors, four schools, an institute, two centers (soon three) for research, six postgraduate programs and four paid external projects that significantly impact Costa Rican society from teaching, research and social work will be established in seven different locations and universities of the institution, Which serves more than 7,500 students, without taking into account the population of continuing education programs.
This proposal received support from the Association of the College of Economics and at a session of the Student Council of Excellence in 2017. In 2021, the four school associations that make up the college, once again, endorsed their support for the proposal.
At this time, the University Council is discussing the possibility of raising the query to the more than 2,300 people who make up the General Assembly, a collegial body with the power to amend the statutes.
The current university structure, dating back to the Third Conference of the University, has sought greater integration between the various disciplines, among others. This goal has been achieved. Now, our proposal is driven by the belief that our university must change to meet the challenges posed by reality.
The proposal will allow a better view of the voices of the authorities and representatives of economic sciences. Of the 26 people who make up the current Social Sciences District Council, only six belong to economic sciences. This is a clear discrepancy in representation if one takes into account that the economic sciences receive 46% of career students in the region.
In addition, the creation of a new district will allow the creation of a new office of the Student Advisory Center (CASE) to better serve 7,500 students in economics disciplines. This, in turn, will allow satisfaction in services of interest to students of other professions in the field of social sciences.
He constantly questions the epistemological argument that supports the proposition. The answer is simple: it is an administrative, organizational and representative decision.
Another frequent question is the cost of establishing this new area. The amount is 102 million yen, which is equivalent to 0.03% of the university’s budget for 2020. If necessary, the resources already allocated to the college can be used to cover 100 million of the cost, which is 98% of the investment.
We are pleased to know that our university is pluralistic and respects dialogue. Even when there is opposition, we can come to an agreement. But the agreement will not be visible until after the necessary multiple talks it requires to address this problem.
In 2021, there was a public consultation with the entire university community. In addition, we have spoken with people from the university community, from other academic, administrative, and student areas, as well as the Social Sciences District Council and University Council Statutes Committee.
Obviously, this discussion has only just begun. It should be discussed broadly and collectively, about what are the organizational requirements of the university, in order to achieve our humanitarian mission in the best possible way.
