In a high-impact decision for public education, the Superior Council of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) approved labor formalization plans for faculty and administrative staff, taking a firm step toward dignified work and stability for hundreds of employees who for years have been hired under other arrangements.
The approved agreements establish the progressive creation and filling of positions with long-term permanence, supported by technical and financial studies that ensure institutional sustainability.
Juan Carlos Bolívar, representative of the Ministry of Education before the Superior Council, emphasized that this decision responds to a clear national policy: “Labor dignity is a policy of the Government of Change. This is an important step, but it must be taken with financial responsibility.”
The measure seeks to balance labor justice with financial sustainability, allowing the university to move forward responsibly in creating formal positions. According to Bolívar, this progress responds to the national call to strengthen labor dignity in public universities while also guaranteeing long-term institutional stability.
He also stated that the decision has direct effects on educational quality. “Formalization will allow faculty and administrative staff to develop research, teaching, and outreach projects with greater continuity, resulting in stronger and more relevant academic processes.”
In this regard, Rector Hernán Porras Díaz highlighted that UIS is already promoting strategies such as UIS Misión 6.0 and UIS en Territorios, aimed at studying real regional challenges and generating solutions from academia.
The agreement also strengthens the university’s presence in the provinces, expanding access to higher education and contributing to local development. Jimmy Noé Gómez, financial head of the Santander Department of Education, noted that these types of initiatives make it possible to reach rural communities and strengthen each of the regions where UIS operates.
“With the support of the Governor’s Office, the university is advancing in its consolidation as a driver of territorial development. Likewise, the commitment is reaffirmed that science, technology, and innovation are aligned with the country’s strategic needs and have a real impact on the regions,” he stated.
With this decision, UIS not only improves internal working conditions but also positions itself as a national benchmark in building a more equitable, relevant, and socially committed public education system.
