In his speech, Mr. Sánchez highlighted the main achievements of the past year, and also commented on important issues, such as the need to review the 2018 higher education reform, which is affecting the financial sustainability of the system. He also underlined the role the university has had in the fight against Covid-19, stating that “the pandemic finds us contributing to the country in a very meaningful way, involved in the more urgent needs of Chileans.”
Universidad Católica celebrated its 133rd anniversary, an occasion on which President Ignacio Sánchez delivered his Annual Account 2020, highlighting the main achievements of the past year. Mr. Sánchez specifically referred to the effort the university has made regarding the challenges Chile has been facing, especially the fight against Covid-19: “The pandemic finds us contributing to the country in a very meaningful way, involved in the more urgent needs of Chileans.” He also mentioned the evolution of the 2018 higher education reform, stating that, since its roll-out, it is clear that there are several aspects that demand a review, especially with regards to topics such as accreditation and financing. If this scheme continues, President Sánchez said that both institutions and students will be affected.
Rector Sánchez reported that, in 2020, scholarships amounting to over $15 million were given to undergraduate and graduate students, and 60% of undergraduates received some tuition help. In research, the President reported that in 2020 the university was the main recipient of state funds for basic research. In another topic, he highlighted the existence of the Office of Gender Equality, created in 2019 to promote and carry out policies accordingly. In that sense, he added that women today represent 56% of the students, and majors that traditionally have been preferred by males are increasing their amount of female students.
Source: Universidad Católica website