In a recent session, the Superior Council of the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) approved the amendment to the General Regulations for Postgraduate Studies in relation to Medical-Surgical Specialties and reviewed the follow-up reports on the Institutional Development Plan (PDI) 2019–2030, as well as the progress of the infrastructure works being carried out at the institution.
Based on the first issue and with the aim of strengthening academic merit criteria and ensuring greater transparency in the selection process, the University reformed the admission process for medical-surgical postgraduate programs through the 2026 Agreement.
Among the changes, it is established that applicants must submit, in electronic format, their medical degree diploma and transcript, undergraduate grade certification, Saber Pro test results, and foreign language accreditation, with a minimum level of A2 for the period 2026–2028 and B1 after that date.
The selection process is structured in three consecutive stages: knowledge exam (50 points, with a minimum passing grade of 60% to continue), resume evaluation (30 points), which considers professional experience, academic distinctions, and publications, and Saber Pro results (20 points).
“I think it’s an interesting and very important proposal, especially to give applicants peace of mind, because it becomes much more objective when the parameters are based on aspects related to the resume, the knowledge exam, and their work from the point of view of professional experience. I believe that these aspects give solidity to the admission process for these paid programs and generate more confidence in those processes,” says Jorge Gómez Duarte, representative of the former rectors on the Superior Council.
Among the modifications, the personal interview was eliminated, as it was considered to introduce a component of subjectivity that did not significantly affect the final results based on academic merit.
Additionally, selected applicants must take a mandatory psychometric test before formalizing their enrollment, in order to establish mental health monitoring plans during their training process.
Modification of the Development Plan
During the session, Professor Alexandra Cortés Aguilar, Director of the Planning Office, presented the follow-up report on the 2019–2030 Institutional Development Plan, which reported a consolidated effectiveness of 90% for 2024.
Among the main achievements are the increase in doctoral training for career professors, which reached 62%; sustained growth in the number of patents, exceeding the target set for 2030 ahead of schedule with 101 patents registered in 2024; and increased student participation in research seedbeds and projects aimed at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Today we are completing the last cycle of review of the Development Plan’s goals, which we have been working on for several sessions of the Superior Council, based also on the plan’s monitoring committee, which reviews these goals every three years with great satisfaction,” says Juan Carlos Bolívar Sandoval, delegate of the Minister of National Education.
Likewise, the council highlights that the goals set for this 10-year plan have been met. “In fact, at the suggestion of the Planning Office, we decided to rethink them, not to lower them, but rather to set ourselves new goals that are even more demanding than those that had been set initially, because they have been met above and beyond what was planned. This is a sign of very good administrative management.”
Within the Institutional Development Plan, proposals were made to adjust the measurement system, including replacing indicators considered obsolete or costly, such as those associated with international rankings, with more direct internal metrics related to participation in cultural activities and wellness services aimed at students with disabilities.
Work progressing at a good pace
At Friday’s meeting of the Governing Council, progress was reported on the infrastructure work currently being carried out at the University, such as the construction of the UIS Málaga campus, the refurbishment of the 13th floor of the Santander University Hospital, the installation of seven elevators in five buildings on the central campus, and the construction of the Fisicomecánicas II building.
The latter project highlights the University’s commitment, with 40% progress achieved in 106 days. The project is expected to be delivered during the first half of 2026. The building has an area of 25,122 m2 distributed over a basement, four floors, a terrace, and entrance plazas. It will have a total investment of $92,745,250,086.
Mario Andrés Betancurt Pinzón, representative of the graduates, highlighted the work carried out on this building in a record time of 100 days. “What we call the structural work is almost complete, and we truly believe that it can be delivered at the end of this first semester so that the entire community can use it in the next semester,” he emphasizes.
Progress was also reported on the construction of the UIS Málaga university campus, which began in January 2024. It will have a built area of 13,500 m², with 3,000 m² of urban development. The University Park will have seven independent functional modules, as well as an auditorium, administrative area, computer rooms, classrooms, laboratories, drawing rooms, and a library, among other facilities. The total investment is more than $97 billion, the result of a joint effort that brings together different sources of funding such as the ProUIS stamp, departmental ordinance, and Ministry of National Education. It is currently 85% complete and is expected to be finished in May 2026.
The renovation of the 13th floor of the Santander University Hospital, which is being carried out by the UIS, is progressing with civil, electrical, and sanitary work. It is expected to be delivered in March 2023. It will have a library, gym, cafeteria, administrative area, and rest areas. A total of 1,350 m2 have been transformed. Meanwhile, on the first floor of this building, the University delivered 480 lockers to undergraduate students as part of the teaching service agreement.
The councilors learned about the installation of seven elevators in five buildings on the central campus, which required an investment of $2 billion. Two are located in UISalud, one in Bienestar PRO, one in Chemical Engineering, and one freight elevator in the library.
