For the second consecutive year, the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), through its Listening Center, is advancing the implementation of the project Implementation of a Community Mental Health Guidance Model that Promotes Undergraduate Student Retention an initiative funded by Colombia’s Ministry of National Education (MEN) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
This interinstitutional initiative is being carried out within the framework of CONPES Document 4122 of 2023 and IDB Loan Agreement No. 5850/OC-CO, which aim to finance and strengthen the Program for Improving Access to and Graduation from Higher Education under quality and sustainability standards in Colombia.
Edward Blanco Vega, representative for Support and Supervision at the Ministry of National Education (MEN), visited the UIS Main Campus to verify the project’s compliance with its objectives, assess its progress, and gain first-hand insight into the experience led by the Listening Center.
UIS Listening Center in the Territories
Since September 2025, a multidisciplinary team of eight professionals—including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers has traveled from Bucaramanga to UIS regional campuses. The regional campuses in Barrancabermeja, Barbosa, Málaga, and Socorro benefited from psychoeducational strategies focused on promoting mental health, as well as providing guidance and support to the university community.
At the end of the year, the first implementation period yielded positive results, with a total of 3,456 participations by members of the university community, demonstrating the reach and strong engagement generated by the activities carried out at the regional campuses.
The beginning of 2026 and the first academic semester maintained this positive momentum. During this period, the strategies implemented by the professional team engaged a total of 4,872 participants, who took part in the various programs and activities led by the specialists.
“The results achieved demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to comprehensive student support through the integration of academic, psychosocial, and institutional strategies. It is an exemplary model that strengthens internal capacities and makes a significant contribution to reducing the risk of student dropout while promoting successful academic pathways,” said Edward Blanco.
Beginning in August, the UIS project will enter its next phase as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to student retention, the promotion of emotional well-being, and the reduction of barriers to access and graduation.
