Costa Rica university
The Universidad de Costa Rica (also called by its acronym, UCR) is one of the five state universities of the Republic of Costa Rica, being considered one of the most prestigious and recognized universities in Latin America and the best university in Central America and the Caribbean. Its main campus, Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, is located in Montes de Oca, about 3 km from the center of the country's capital, San José.
As an autonomous institution of higher education, the University of Costa Rica is made up of a group of professors, students, and administrative officials, dedicated to teaching, research, social action, study, meditation, artistic creation, and the diffusion of knowledge.
The University of Costa Rica, has adopted as its primary activity, promoting the advancement of knowledge in its maximum expression and responding effectively to the needs generated by the integral development of society.
According to international standards used to evaluate higher education institutions, the University of Costa Rica currently occupies first place in the QS-Quacquarelli Symonds Classification at the level of Central America and the Caribbean, and 19th place among Latin American universities and ranked 580 worldwide. On the other hand, according to the Webometrics Ranking of Universities, it is also profiled as the best house of higher education in Central America and also, in the most recent world ranking of universities, the Times Higher Education (THE)[1] from Latin America placed it at number 25.
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) was founded on April 3, 1940, through the Organic Law of the University of Costa Rica, which was approved by the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica. However, the idea of creating a university in Costa Rica dates back to the 19th century, when the President Juan Rafael Mora Porras proposed the creation of a higher education institution in the country. However, due to the economic and political difficulties faced by the country in At that time, the idea did not materialize. It was not until the 1920s when the project for a university in Costa Rica began to take shape. Rica, and several higher schools were created, such as the School of Agriculture and the School of Right. In 1933, President Ricardo Jiménez Oreamuno presented a bill for the creation of the University of Costa Rica, which was approved by the Constituent Assembly. The University of Costa Rica began to function officially in 1940, with the faculties of Agronomy, Law, Pharmacy, Philosophy and Letters, and Medicine. As time went by, they left creating new faculties and careers, becoming the most large and prestigious in the country. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is one of the most important in Costa Rica and Latin America. Its foundation dates back to 1940, when it promulgated the Organic Law of the University of Costa Rica, which established the bases for the creation from a public and free university in the country. Since its foundation, the UCR has played a fundamental role in the social, economic and culture of Costa Rica. The university has trained thousands of professionals in various areas of the knowledge, and has contributed to the generation of knowledge through research scientific and technological innovation. In terms of its organizational structure, the UCR is composed of various faculties and schools, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide variety of areas of the knowledge. The university also has a number of research institutes and centers specialized, which promote research and development in specific areas. Regarding its educational model, the UCR has stood out for its interdisciplinary approach and for its Commitment to academic excellence. The university promotes the integral formation of its students, emphasizing not only the development of technical and cognitive skills, but also the training in ethical values and citizenship. In addition, the UCR has been characterized by its commitment to Costa Rican society and to the sustainable development. The university has promoted research and innovation in key areas for the country, such as agriculture, health, the environment and technology. University of Costa Rica is a higher education institution of great importance in the context Costa Rican and Latin American. Its educational model, its organizational structure and its commitment to society and sustainable development make it an institution of reference in the region. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is a public institution of higher education whose Main functions and duties are: Offer high-quality academic programs: UCR offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide variety of areas of knowledge, from social sciences and humanities to exact sciences and technology. These programs are designed and constantly updated to ensure academic excellence. Scientific and technological research: The UCR is a leader in scientific and technological research in Costa Rica and the region. The university has a wide range of research centers, laboratories and research projects financed by the government and private companies. Extension and connection with society: The UCR has a strong presence in the community through through its extension programs, which seek to bring knowledge and research to the society. The university is also involved in development projects and collaborates with the sector public and private in solving social and economic problems. Promote culture and art: The UCR is an institution that is concerned with the promotion of culture and arts. The university has a wide range of cultural activities and arts, such as concerts, exhibitions, theater and dance. Guarantee the comprehensive education of students: The UCR cares about offering an education integral to its students, not only in the academic field, but also in the development of values and skills necessary for their professional and personal life. Promote equality and diversity: The UCR is an institution that promotes equality and diversity in its university community and in society in general. The university cares by guaranteer inclusion and respect for all people, regardless of their origin, gender or social status. In summary, the University of Costa Rica has as main functions and duties the training high-quality academic, scientific and technological research, extension and links with the society, the promotion of culture and art, the integral formation of students, and the promotion of equality and diversity.
History of the University of Costa Rica
The origins of the university are in the Casa de Enseñanza de Santo Tomás, founded in 1814 and which from 1843 became the University of Santo Tomás.
After 45 years of contributions, it was closed for political, economic and academic reasons, but its work was perpetuated through the faculties of Law, Agronomy, Fine Arts and Pharmacy, which continued to function independently.
On the legacy of the University of Santo Tomás, the University of Costa Rica was created on August 26, 1940, by Law of the Republic No. 362. Its doors were opened in March 1941.
In 1946, the first University Congress was held, which laid the foundations of the Faculty of Humanities, whose curriculum was not established until 1957 with an important academic reform. The Humanities arise to fulfill the historical mission of forming man and no longer only specialist. It is also about promoting Academic integration, through these common and compulsory humanities courses and constituting the basis of the university unit. This important reform also results in the approval of a new Fundamental Law of Education for the country, inspired by the thought and concerns of the university community.
The Second Congress, held in 1966, introduced changes aimed at modernizing the University. In 1973 the Third University Congress was held, historic as the Reform of 1957, since it placed the Institution in the reality of the society that feeds it and which it serves. The principles that inspire the current Organic Statute of the Institution will emanate from this Congress. In 1980 the Fourth Congress was held, in 1990 the Fifth Congress was held, in 2002 the Sixth Congress and in 2014 the Seventh Congress.
Since it opened its doors in March 1941, this Institution has channeled its work in accordance with a constant, inexhaustible and free search for truth, efficiency and beauty, as established by the Organic Statute: The University de Costa Rica is an autonomous institution of higher culture, constituted by a community of professors, students and administrative officials, dedicated to teaching, research, social action, study, meditation, artistic creation and the dissemination of knowledge.
It enjoys independence for the performance of its functions and full legal capacity to acquire rights and contract obligations, as well as to give itself its own organization and government. Its decision-making regime is democratic and therefore in it personal and collective decisions are made with absolute freedom.
Its purpose is to promote the transformations that society needs to achieve the common good, through a policy aimed at achieving true social justice, comprehensive development, full freedom and total independence of our people.
It stimulates the formation of a creative, critical and objective conscience in the members of the Costa Rican community, which allows the popular sectors to participate effectively in the various processes of national activity.
In the principles established in the Organic Statute, it is indicated as an essential function to guarantee dialogue and the free expression of ideas and opinions to the university community, the coexistence of different ideologies and currents of thought, with no other limitation than respect mutual.
From this same conception, academic freedom is instituted as a principle of university education. To carry out its purposes, it has a community of professors, students, and administrative officials, dedicated to complying with the primary activity of the Institution, promoting the advancement of knowledge in its maximum expression, and responding effectively to the needs that it generates. the comprehensive development of society. Its main financing comes from the state contribution by mandate of the Political Constitution of Costa Rica and other special laws.
In 2001, the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Costa Rica through Decree No. 8098 declared the University of Costa Rica as a Meritorious Institution of Education and Culture of Costa Rica.
The University of Costa Rica during 2018 had 40,939 regular students enrolled.
Rectors of the University of Costa Rica
The University of Costa Rica has had 15 rectors since its formation:
- Lic. Luis Demetrio Tinoco Castro Periodo: 1940-1941 (interactive writer).
- Lic. Alejandro Alvarado Quirós Period: 1941-1944.
- Dr. José Joaquín Jiménez Núñez Period: 1944-1946.
- Lic. Fernando Baudrit Solera Periods: 1946-1949, 1949-1952, 1952-1952.
- Lic. Rodrigo Facio Brenes Periods: 1952-1955, 1955-1958, 1958-1961.
- Ing. Fabio Baudrit Moreno Period: 1961 (Fallece being rector).
- Prof. Carlos Monge Alfaro Periods: 1961-1964, 1964-1967, 1967-1970.
- Lic. Eugenio Rodríguez Vega Periodos: 1970-1973, 1973-1974.
- Dr. Claudio Gutiérrez Carranza Period: 1974-1981.
- Dr. Fernando Durán Ayanegui Periods: 1981-1981, 1981-1985, 1985-1988.
- Dr. Luis Garita Bonilla Periods: 1988-1992, 1992-1996.
- Dr. Gabriel Macaya Trejos Periodos: 1996-2000, 2000-2004.
- Dr. Yamileth González García Periodos: 2004-2008, 2008-2012.
- Dr. Henning Jensen Pennington Period: 2012-2016, 2016-2020 (retired as rector).
- Dr. Carlos Araya Leandro Period: 2020 (interactive writer).
- Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez Espeleta Periodo: 2021-2024.
UCR Symbols
Shield
The shield of the University of Costa Rica is the most important symbol of its identity. It is a historical legacy that takes up the symbols of the University of Santo Tomás –the first university in Costa Rica– and reflects the highest ideals of the UCR.
The University Council, in accordance with article 229 of the Organic Statute, agreed in extraordinary session 4512, article 2, on Monday, December 20, 1999, the following specifications for the shield of the University of Costa Rica: "The shield It will be an oval whose width must be equivalent to 5/6 of the height. In said oval, on a light blue background, a mountain range will be painted on the right side and behind it a half-rising sun; On the opposite side, in the lower part, a sunflower will be painted on the ground with its flower turned towards the sun.
The shield will be adorned with two laurel branches linked above by their trunks, the tips falling downwards. Between the body of the shield and the laurel branches, it will read University of Costa Rica, and in the lower part the inscription Lucem Aspicio (in search of light) will be placed, also surrounding the oval.
Flag
Traditional symbol of the University is its flag. Since its founding in August 1940, the University of Costa Rica adopted as a banner the National Pavilion of the Free State of Costa Rica in 1842, when the University of Santo Tomás (1843), a pioneer institution of the RCU, was founded.
Previously, and until 1839, when the country belonged to the United Provinces of Central America, a flag was used with two light blue stripes on the sides, which represented the oceans that bathed the coasts of the Isthmus, and a white one in the center. However, “two years after the country separated from the Central American Federation, a new flag and a new shield were decreed on April 21, 1840. These symbols were in force until the fall of the government of Mr. Braulio Carrillo Colina. 1840-1842”.
It is worth clarifying that in the year 1842 in Costa Rica two flags were used, one white, light blue and white like the one of the UCR; the other, which Francisco Morazán decreed after overthrowing Braulio Carrillo in April of that year, with the stripes inverted; that is, with white in the center. The flag adopted by the University of Santo Tomás was that of Carrillo.
As part of the agreement reached by the University Council of the UCR in extraordinary session 4512, article 2, on Monday, December 20, 1999, the following is specified: “The flag will consist of three horizontal stripes of the same width each: the upper and lower ones are white, and the center one is light blue. In the center will be placed the shield of the University specified in this agreement.
The dimensions of the flag must be like those of the official flags of the countries, in accordance with the convention used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica; that is, 1.2 meters high by 2 wide.
The flag has a height to length ratio of 3x5. The distance between the shield and the edges of the light blue stripe is equal to a quarter of the distance between the laurel tips, both above and below.
Rodrigo Facio University City
The total property area of the University of Costa Rica located in various parts of the national territory is 451 ha, 4,510,000 m².
The main campus of the university in San Pedro, which is currently surrounded by a developed commercial area, bears the name Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio in honor of the former rector, who in the 1950s and 1960s led the university reform.
In the immediate context of the campus there are companies that produce goods and services, government entities, banks, shopping centers, hotels, places of entertainment and fun, other primary, secondary and higher education centers must be added. Likewise, the university city is surrounded by a large residential area and diplomatic representations and international organizations.
The consolidation of the Rodrigo Facio University City, is, at present, the product of a long process that began with the founding of the university, and that has been carried out taking into account a campus development plan, as well as as the priorities for the constant and rapid development of science.
The campus is divided into three large sectors: the first sector, the oldest, occupies a total area of 31.5ha, which groups buildings from the different faculties and schools, research and administrative, currently adding an area of 130,000m².
A second sector is made up of the sports facilities, which located on the road to Sabanilla de Montes de Oca and with an area of 25ha, house the School of Physical Education and Sports, 3 multipurpose gyms and a swimming area with two swimming pools: one Olympic and another for diving and outdoor tennis, soccer, basketball and athletics courts, as well as the Estadio Ecológico which is the stadium of the soccer team of the University of Costa Rica that plays in the First Division of the country and which was National Champion once.
The third sector of the campus, the most recently built area, houses the so-called Research City. This sector is located northwest of the central campus, road to Sabanilla and with an area of 21ha, the Research City is made up of the headquarters of the main Research Centers and Institutes of the University and some academic units.
Academic Organization
The Organic Statute of the University of Costa Rica establishes the six academic areas, which, in turn, are made up of faculties and some are divided into schools.
The six areas that compose it and their respective faculties are the following:
Arts and Letters Area
- Faculty of Letters
- School of Philosophy of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Modern Languages of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Philology, Linguistics and Literature of the University of Costa Rica
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- School of Dramatic Arts of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Plastic Arts of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Musical Arts of the University of Costa Rica
Social Sciences Area
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- School of Collective Communication Sciences of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Psychology of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Political Science of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Social Work of the University of Costa Rica
- School of History of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Geography of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Anthropology of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Sociology of the University of Costa Rica
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Economic Sciences
- School of Business Administration of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Public Administration of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Economics of the University of Costa Rica
- University of Costa Rica Statistical School
- Faculty of Education
- School of Education of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Educational Administration of the University of Costa Rica
- Escuela de Orienta y Educación Especial de la Universidad de Costa Rica
- School of Bibliothecology and Information Sciences
- School of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Costa Rica
Basic Sciences Area
- Faculty of Sciences
- School of Physics of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Mathematics of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Biology of the University of Costa Rica
- Central American School of Geology
- School of Chemistry of the University of Costa Rica
Agrifood Sciences Area
- Faculty of Food Sciences
- School of Agronomy of the University of Costa Rica
- University of Costa Rica Zootech School
- Escuela de Economía y Agronegocios de la Universidad de Costa Rica
- Food Technology School of the University of Costa Rica
Engineering Area
- Faculty of Engineering
- School of Civil Engineering of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Costa Rica
- Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial de la Universidad de Costa Rica
- School of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Costa Rica
- Escuela de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Costa Rica
- School of Computer and Computer Sciences of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Agricultural Engineering of the University of Costa Rica
- Topographic Engineering School of the University of Costa Rica
- Escuela de Ingeniería en Marina Civil with emphasis on Nautical Engineering and Maritime Transport, Marine Engineering and Radioelectronics
Health Area
- Faculty of Medicine
- School of Nursing at the University of Costa Rica
- School of Medicine of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Nutrition of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Public Health of the University of Costa Rica
- School of Health Technologies of the University of Costa Rica
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Microbiology
- Faculty of Dentistry
Independently, there is the School of General Studies, which is in charge of Humanistic Education through compulsory courses for all students in their first year of university.
The tasks of teaching, research and social action are fulfilled by the faculties and schools (grouped into faculties). Teaching is carried out in the academic units and is coordinated by the Vice-Rector for Teaching.
Research is carried out in the same units, but preferably in research centers and institutes, experimental stations and other similar instances, it is coordinated by the Research Vice-Rectory.
Social Action is coordinated by the Vice-Rector for Social Action. The areas coordinate the whole of the academic life of the Institution, are in charge of the interdisciplinary programs and the study of the different forms of coordination between the academic units. These studies must materialize in proposals to the university governing bodies.
The faculties are in charge of coordinating the different academic tasks. They are chaired by a dean. The highest collegiate authority is the Faculty Assembly. Of the thirteen existing faculties, nine are divided into schools and, for reasons of historical tradition, four are not.
Schools are academic units responsible for putting teaching, research and social action into practice. They develop academic programs and activities that culminate in degrees and university degrees or with undergraduate diplomas or certificates of specialization of studies in special programs. They also offer courses required by other academic units. They are chaired by directors and have a School Assembly or School Plebiscite Assembly, as the highest body.
There are academic programs in the six areas of knowledge: Social Sciences, Arts and Letters, Basic Sciences, Food Sciences, Engineering and Health. The School of General Studies, due to its interdisciplinary nature, belongs jointly to the areas of Arts and Letters, Basic Sciences and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Postgraduate Studies System was created in 1975, its objective is "the training of researchers, teachers and high-level professionals capable of developing their activities in an independent, creative and beneficial way for society". Access to postgraduate studies is facilitated through a program of agreements and scholarships with foreign universities (especially in the United States and Europe). It has postgraduate programs of projection to the Central American region, inter, trans and multidisciplinary program.
Currently it offers: 7 Doctorates, 82 Academic Masters, 61 Professional Masters and 68 Specialties in different areas. The Regional Branches, depend on the Rectory, develop academic activities in the different areas that are outside the capital of the country. These venues also offer various careers and some culminate in titles and academic degrees. Research and social action are oriented towards programs that contribute to the development of the region and the country.
Regional headquarters
In the regional headquarters, careers related to the context are taught. For example: in the locations of Puntarenas, Limón and Guanacaste, Ecological Tourism and Ecotourism Management are taught (among other courses). Given the social orientation of the University, it has arranged various Regional Headquarters and Campuses in different areas of the country, in order to reach a larger segment of the population:
- Western Headquarters (San Ramón, Alajuela) - includes the Recinto de Grecia (Alajuela).
- Atlantic Headquarters (Turrialba, Cartago) - includes the Paradise Recinto (Cartago) and the Guápiles Recinto (Limon).
- Guanacaste Headquarters (Liberia, Guanacaste) - includes the Recinto de Santa Cruz (Guanacaste).
- Caribbean Headquarters (Lemon Point, Lemon) - includes the Sequirres Recinto (Lemon).
- Pacific Headquarters (Puntarenas, Puntarenas).
- South Headquarters (Golfito, Province of Puntarenas).
- Inter-university Headquarters of Alajuelain coordination with other public universities.
Research Units of the University of Costa Rica
Arts and Letters
Special investigation units
- Museum of the University of Costa Rica
Research Centers
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Diversity Cultural y Estudios Regionales (CIDICER)
- Centro de Investigación en Identidad y Cultura Latina (CIICLA)
Research Institutes
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Arte (IIArte)
- Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas (INIF)
- Institute of Linguistic Research (INIL)
Agrifood Sciences
Experiment Stations, Farms and Reserves
- Agricultural Experimental Station Fabio Baudrit Moreno (EEAFBM)
- Seven Springs Reserve (MRS)
- Lechero Module (ML)
- Caribbean Ethno-Botanical Garden (JEC)
- Pejibaye Experimental Finca (FEP)
- Finca El Coralillo (FC)
- Santa Ana Experimental Finca (FESA)
- José Maria Orozco Botanical Garden (JBO)
- Leonelo Oviedo (RLO) Reserve
- Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve (ReBAMB)
- Experimental Finca Fraijanes (FEF)
- Santa Cruz Experimental Finca (FESC)
- Lankester Botanical Garden (JBL)
- Interdisciplinary Experimental Finca of Agroecological Models (FEIMA)
- Alfredo Volio Mata (EEAVM)
Research Centers
- Center for Research in Grains and Seeds (CIGRAS)
- Animal Nutrition Research Center (CINA)
- Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Development Research Centre (CIEDA)
- Agricultural Research Centre (CIA)
- Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (CITA)
- Research Centre for the Protection of Crops (CIPROC)
Research Institutes
- Agricultural Research Institute (IIA)
Basic Sciences
Special investigation units
- Special Research Unit Network of Protected Areas of the University of Costa Rica (RAP)
Research Centers
- Pura and Applied Mathematics Research Centre (CIMPA)
- Geophysical Research Centre (CIGEFI)
- Center for Research in Electrochemistry and Chemical Energy (CELEQ)
- Center for Research in Environmental Pollution (CICA)
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Atomices Nuclear y Moleculares (CICANUM).
- Center for Research in Materials Science and Engineering (CICIMA)
- Geological Science Research Centre (CICG)
- Microscopic Structures Research Centre (CIEMIC)
- Space Research Centre (CINESPA)
- Natural Products Research Centre (CIPRONA)
- Mathematical and Metamatomatic Research Centre (CIMM)
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Research Centre (CIBCM)
Social Sciences
Special investigation units
- Development Observatory
Research Institutes
- Institute of Education Research (INIE)
- Psychological Research Institute (IIP)
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Económicas (IICE)
- Legal Research Institute (IIJ)
- Social Research Institute (IIS)
Research Centers
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP)
- Central American Historical Research Centre (CIHAC)
- Centro de Investigación en Estudios de La Mujer (CIEM)
- Centro de Investigación en Comunicación (CICOM)
- Public Service Research and Training Centre (CICAP)
- Central American Population Centre (CCP)
- Human Movement Science Research Centre (CIMOHU)
Health Sciences
Special investigation units
- Biological Test Laboratory (LEBI)
Research Institutes
- Health Research Institute (INISA)
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP)
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute (INIFAR)
Research Centers
- Centro de Investigación en Hematología y Trastornos Afines (CIHATA)
- Center for Research in Tropical Diseases (CIET)
- Neuroscience Research Center (CIN)
Engineering and Architecture
Programs
- Sustainable Urban Development Research Programme (PRODUS)
Research Centers
- Centro de Investigaciones en Desarrollo Sostenible (CIEDES)
- Information and Computing Technologies Research Centre (CITIC)
Research Institutes
- Engineering Research Institute (INII)
Laboratories
- LanammeUCR
Cultural spaces
- University Cinema (Cine UCR)
- University Theatre
- University
- Planetarium of the University of Costa Rica
Publications and Information Media
The University of Costa Rica has several means of disseminating information such as Channel 15 (Costa Rica), Radio Universidad, Radio U, Radio 870 and the Academic Journals Portal (online collection of all articles from scientific journals of the University), Kérwá Institutional Repository, among others.
University Weekly
The University Weekly is a publication of the University of Costa Rica. It was founded in September 1970. Since 1995 it has had an Internet version. The newspaper has had an influence especially on political, social and electoral issues. Its surveys and interviews have an important weight in electoral processes.
- Sections
- Country: The country ' s economic and social problems are denounced, issues affecting the general population are discussed.
- From the U: News at the University of Costa Rica.
- Culture: The University as a driving agent of letters and arts in Costa Rica.
- World: Articles on international news.
- Sports: The latest events of the University's sports teams.
University Television System, UCR Channel
Opened on August 26, 1982.
Editorial and Research Dissemination System (Siedin)
In charge of publishing books and some academic journals of the University.
All UCR academic journals are open access and can be downloaded free of charge from the Academic Journals Portal.
Federation of Students of the University of Costa Rica (FEUCR)
The Federation of Students of the University of Costa Rica is the main political body of student representation. Composed of all student associations, its main objective is to ensure the interests of all UCR students. The federal elections are organized by the University Student Electoral Tribunal every year.
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