Nearly 20,000 on-campus undergraduate students in Bucaramanga and at regional campuses returned to class this Monday to begin the second academic semester of 2026. Upon their return to the UIS main campus, they found a revitalized space featuring the new Faculty of Physicomechanical Engineering building, the renovation of the Federico Mamitza Bayer building, and the modernization of the Álvaro Beltrán Pinzón building—projects that enhance the facilities for the education and well-being of the university community. Meanwhile, students arriving at the UIS Málaga campus found a modern university campus, designed to expand access to high-quality public higher education in Santander.
A Renovated Central Campus
Among the main developments are the opening of the new building for the School of Physico-Mechanical Engineering, the renovation of the interior spaces of the Federico Mamitza Bayer building, and the modernization of the Álvaro Beltrán Pinzón building. These projects aim to provide more comfortable and functional environments that meet the needs of the university community, thereby strengthening teaching, learning, and research processes.
Students Highlight the New Learning Spaces
The impact of these renovations was evident from the very first day of classes. Students expressed their satisfaction as they toured the new facilities and saw the improvements made over the break.
“It’s great, honestly. It’s a fantastic project by the University, and I’m very grateful to the government, which is about to take office, for having managed education funds so well,” said Juan José Guevara, a chemical engineering student.
For his part, Omar Arias, an electronic engineering student, highlighted the spaciousness of the new facilities. “Honestly, I think it’s very nice; it turned out great, and I see lots of large spaces—many places where you can study comfortably.”
Electronics Engineering student Nicolet Niño also highlighted the change brought about by the new learning environments. “Honestly, I think it’s incredible. I’m looking at courses I hope to take in these classrooms, and unlike how they were before, I really like them and I feel like we’re going to enjoy the way we’ll be taking these courses.”
For Sarit Acosta, a civil engineering student, these improvements represent a step forward for the entire academic community. “It’s a great achievement because it marks a new phase for UIS’s infrastructure and allows us to enhance the activities we do in class.”
Renovated Spaces That Preserve the UIS’s Heritage
The renovation also benefits programs housed in heritage buildings, such as the Federico Mamitza Bayer Building, where its historical value was preserved while more comfortable spaces were created for students and faculty.
“We’re very happy because this means bringing quality to the classrooms, providing greater comfort to our students, and giving the building’s interior a fresh new look. We all know it’s a historic landmark, and we’ve tried to preserve it as best as we can,” said Luis Eduardo Bautista, director of the School of Industrial Design.
The student representative for the same school, Mellisa Barrera, celebrated the opening of the renovated spaces. “I’m very happy and excited—as are all my classmates—to have a pleasant, beautiful space in top condition for this new semester in 2026.”
Infrastructure That Enhances the College Experience
Through these initiatives, the Industrial University of Santander continues to build a modern, accessible, and functional campus, where infrastructure plays a key role in strengthening education, research, and the well-being of the university community.
The return to classes meant not only a return to the classrooms but also to renovated spaces that reflect the institution’s commitment to providing better learning conditions and continuing to build the academic excellence that characterizes the UIS.
