Universidad de Belgrano was founded in September 11, 1964 and since its foundation it was guided by the principles of autonomy, pluralism, ecumenism, republicanism, social interdependence and internationalization. Since the 1980s the university has focused on the internationalization of all its academic activities in the understanding that the international, intercultural and global dimensions of higher education are the key to promoting a global student identity. The agreements with more than 100 international partner universities through exchange and cooperation agreements, and double degree programs show our commitment to international education and facilitate the exchange of students and professors.
In 1992, the University Tower was constructed to accommodate the four foundational academic units including the Law School, the School of Economics, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning. Some years later, others were included such as, The School of Graduate Studies in Law and Economics, the School of Languages and International Studies, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Exact and Natural Sciences.
The paradigm shift in intercultural communication brought about by globalization has introduced important changes in the curriculum, including continuing education for professionals. With this is mind, Universidad de Belgrano has created the Department of Graduate Studies and Ongoing Education. The development of new information and communications technology has led to the creation of the School of Distance Studies and Online Education (FEDEV); the course-offer has become accessible to the whole country through online undergraduate courses.
The new study plans now consist of compulsory and elective courses, language and technology requirements, professional practice experiences, a final undergraduate thesis and defense. In the same innovative line, most schools have condensed their study plans to 4 or 5 years as a result of the introduction of the quarter system with the goal of allowing the exchange of incoming and outgoing students. The quarter system also incorporates institutional as well as external evaluations from such organizations as the Latin American Network of University Cooperation (RLCU) and the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAU) and the active participation in such forums as Unión de Universidades de América Latina (UDUAL), Proyecto Columbus, RLCU, etc.
In this regard, study plans from graduate and undergraduate programs have started to apply for official recognition from CONEAU and from international professional bodies like The Royal Institute of British Architects that has recently granted accreditation to the programs taught at the School of Architecture. This process entails on-site inspections and the auditing of the academic policies and procedures that are put in place to improve the quality of education. Moreover, and with the spirit of developing new knowledge through research, the university promotes the Annual Symposium for Researchers and publishes the online journal Perspectivas: revista científica de la Universidad de Belgrano that features scholarly articles from various disciplines.
Through Academic Extension (or extramural studies) the university conducts educational activities for the community including drama courses and plays, choir, art contests and exhibitions. The university also has a radio station run by faculty and students that seeks to help develop core communication and journalism skills, and also to reach out to the community. Our facilities also include a Health Center office free of charge. We also encourage service learning through which students apply their academic skills and knowledge to address real-life needs exploring today's biggest sustainability questions. Giving back to our community is part of our social mission and by empowering our students and future decision makers, they are able to face these challenges.
