The Industrial University of Santander (UIS) has been selected as one of six mentor universities in Colombia under the National Strategy for Strengthening Public and Private Higher Education. The recognition highlights institutional best practices in student inclusion and well-being.
After receiving a perfect 100% evaluation score for its submitted experience, UIS was the only institution to achieve the highest possible rating. As a result, it was recognized as a mentor university in the Institutional Well-Being category, which promotes student well-being and inclusion through a comprehensive and participatory approach.
The initiative is led by the Colombian National Government, the Colombian Network of Higher Education Institutions for Disability (Red CIESD), the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), and the Saldarriaga Concha Foundation. Its goal is to strengthen inclusive higher education by fostering the exchange of successful experiences and collaboration among higher education institutions across the country.
How UIS Became a National Benchmark
A total of 100 higher education institutions participated in the national call, submitting their initiatives to become either mentor or partner institutions. To earn this recognition, UIS presented a report showcasing news articles, successful initiatives, and support programs developed for members of its university community, including:
- UIS community participated in the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day (News).
- The third session of the First Congress on Disability and Gender was held at UIS before concluding in Bogotá (News).
- Inclusive Education Policy (Institutional Support Initiative).
- Being Autistic in a World Deaf to Empathy podcast (Best Practice).
- Student Well-Being initiatives archive (Best Practice).
- Jhontan: A Paralympic Student (Best Practice).
As part of this recognition, UIS will mentor the Institución Universitaria Oriente de Caldas during the second semester of 2026.
This achievement reaffirms the University’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible higher education system. It also strengthens collaboration among institutions and contributes to the development of policies and practices that promote student success, well-being, inclusion, and full participation for all members of the higher education community.
