Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez (SUAGM - AGMUS) Annual Report 2013-2014 by Universidad Ana G. Méndez

The development of human potential requires an open-door policy that allows students to benefit from academic programs to the full extent of their ability.

Table of Contents 7 Introduction

Our Guiding Principles

General Information

Institutional Mission

Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors

Message from the President

Public Policy Institute

Human Resources

Development and Alumni Affairs

Planning and Academic Affairs

National and International Affairs

Financial Affairs

Universidad Metropolitana

Universidad del Turabo

Universidad Ana G. MĂŠndez - Campus Virtual

Projections for the Year 2014-2015

Credits

Vision 2020

2013-2014 Board of Directors

Executive Vice Presidency

Economic Development Alliances

Marketing and Student Affairs

US Presidential Advisory Board

Florida Campuses 64

International Affairs

Universidad del Este 56

Organizational Chart 65

Sistema TV

Administrative Affairs

Academic institutions are integral components of the communities they serve.

Introduction FOR THE PAST 64 YEARS, THE ANA G. MĂ&#x2030;NDEZ UNIVERSITY

SYSTEM

HAS

BEEN

COMMITTED

TO CREATING A BETTER SOCIETY THROUGH EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KEY FACTOR IN STAYING TRUE TO THIS MISSION. As you browse through these pages, you

established to open new doors, create

will find that all our outreach initiatives

more opportunities and build brighter

are meant to be more than a way to

tomorrows for our students, and for our

contribute to the communities we serve.

people as a whole.

We give back not only because it is the right thing to do as a corporate citizen

By helping others we empower all.

and an integral member of society; we do so because it is part of our essence as an educational institution that was

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Annual Report 2013-14

o i Our Guiding Principles

THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES, ON WHICH THE ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS) WAS FOUNDED 64 YEARS AGO, SERVE AS

THE BACKBONE FOR A NEW VISION THAT IS BEING FORMULATED TO SUCCESSFULLY TAKE AGMUS FORWARD TO THE YEAR 2020 AND BEYOND.

• In a democratic society, every

• All

educational

growth.

is productive in both daily living

academic excellence and should

• The real needs of Puerto Rico

race, sex, color, national origin,

commit themselves to fostering

and the Hispanic community

• The fundamental commitment

social status, physical or mental

such

must be understood so that

of the Ana G. Mendez University

condition, religious, political or

enlightened

its human resources can be

System

social belief.

education.

enriched and graduates can

quality of life for our students,

are

make a positive contribution to

employees and the community

the

the progress of society in the

at large.

• The development of human

excellence

• Academic

achieve

academic skill and growth that

should

regardless

and for their own professional

human being has the right to education,

aspire

institutions

through

approaches

institutions

potential requires an open-door

integral

policy that allows students to

communities they serve.

benefit from academic programs to the full extent of their ability.

components

work force.

• Faculty members must innovate

• The educational development of

for the benefit of their students

the students should emphasize

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Annual Report 2013-14

and employment.

promotes

better

Institutional Mission THE ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS) IS A

NONPROFIT

WHOSE

HIGHER-EDUCATION

PRIMARY

MISSION

ORGANIZATION PROMOTE

THE

CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF PUERTO RICAN SOCIETY AND SECTORS OF THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY OUTSIDE PUERTO RICO, BY EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL

OPPORTUNITIES

BENEFIT

THE

COMMUNITIES IT SERVES.

AGMUS operates and develops its educational mission through an

Fulfillment of the educational mission of AGMUS is the main role and

integrated multi-institutional system, comprising the following units:

responsibility of the system’s institutional units UNE, UT, UMET, UVAGM and Sistema TV. On the part of the Central Administration, the role of

• Universidad del Este (UNE)

its main structures and units is to advise, help and support institutional

• Universidad de Turabo (UT)

units in different specialized areas and ensure the proper development and implementation of systemic policies and processes.

• Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) • Ana G. Méndez University-Virtual Campus (AGMU-VC) • Sistema TV (Educational Television Station) • Central Administration

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Annual Report 2013-14

as well as contributing solutions to Puerto Ricoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

To fulfill its mission, AGMUS will develop initiatives and projects within

the framework of the following guidelines and general objectives:

5. Develop a leadership role in public service and in the discussion, analysis and effective solution to the social, economic and

1. Establish, develop, manage and supervise institutions and

environmental challenges facing Puerto Rico.

centers of post-secondary and higher education in Puerto Rico,

6. Promote constant innovation by applying the latest emerging

the United States and abroad, that provide academic offerings at

technologies to all academic, student and administrative process.

every educational level authorized by law, regulations and the

7. Set up ancillary businesses related to academic operations, as well

corresponding licensing and accreditation entities.

as unrelated business activities that contribute to the financial

2. Establish, carry out and evaluate teaching programs of the highest

strength of the organization.

relevance and academic excellence, according to the needs and

8. Develop and identify new sources of revenue and external funds

interests of the diverse sectors of the communities it serves.

to mobilize resources in support of its mission and educational

3. Set up, carry out and evaluate programs of continuing education

goals.

and other non-traditional programs.

9. Maintain a sound administration and a fiscally strong and

4. Establish and develop academic and scientific research programs,

responsible operation to ensure the permanence and development

both undergraduate and graduate, aimed at creating knowledge Beyond Academics

of the organization. 10

Annual Report 2013-14

OUR Values

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Annual Report 2013-14

Vision 2020 BY 2020, THE ANA G. MĂ&#x2030;NDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS) WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS AN INSTITUTION OF EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING, RESEARCH AND IN PUBLIC SERVICE, WITH GREAT SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GROWING GLOBAL EXPANSION.

AGMUS will stand out for its decisive contribution to

Excellence

Integrity

the economic and social development of Puerto RIco,

as the maximum aspiration in all

in all our dealings as an educational

providing innovative solutions to the developmental

teaching, research and service

entity.

needs of the Island, and will be recognized as the

endeavors.

Innovation

leading institution serving the educational needs of

Freedom

constant

Hispanic communities outside Puerto Rico, in the

of thought and expression as an

pertinence

United States and other communities it serves.

indispensable basis in the search

services.

to of

guarantee

the

programs

and

Social Responsibility

and diffusion of knowledge.

AGMUS will be characterized as a transformative

Respect

entity of constant innovation and sound financial

for the diversity and dignity of

community, the country and the

strength, focused on the human being, and making

human beings.

humanity of which we are part.

effective use of its technological, physical and managerial resources in support of its mission.

regarding

Equality in

recognizing

the

value

education as an instrument to

The AGMUS and its institutions shall guide all of their

provide better opportunities and

operations, actions and administrative development

to fully develop the potential of

under strict compliance with the following values as

human beings.

a rule and parameter of its institutional conduct:

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Annual Report 2013-14

the

needs

the

Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors DEVELOPING THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

At the 2013 Ana G. Méndez Excellence in Education Award ceremony, in Washington, DC, Héctor Jiménez, Chariman of the AGMUS Board; Dr. José F. Méndez, AGMUS President; Hon. José Serrano, Congressman; Luis Fortuño, former Governor of Puerto Rico; Dr. Carlos M. Padín, Chancellor of UMET; and Dr. Robert Robinson, Program Director of the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Science of the National Science Foundation.

The AGMUS Board of Directors has been busy this year formulating the proper balance of vision, action and direction for continued improvement in the academic, administrative and financial aspects of our individual campuses and education centers, as well as the university system as a whole.

alumni ever to join the Board,

to make AGMUS an effective

will bring to our deliberations his

higher education institution that

personal skills and professional

delivers cost-efficient education

expertise, in addition to the

and

unique perspective that can only

Moreover, we look forward to

be gained from having been on

exporting this success beyond

the other side of the AGMUS

our shores to the mainland

academic equation. It is only

US, Latin America and other

fitting that our Board can have

corners of the world, hoping

representation from those whose

to see our graduates succeed

careers were formed by the very

globally anywhere they may go,

institution we direct. As such, we

and also increase the number of

certainly will be welcoming as

students from abroad who will

future board members graduates

consider AGMUS as the most

from Universidad Metropolitana

viable alternative for their higher

and Universidad del Turabo.

education.

In the area of academic and student affairs we can attest to continued improvement in the Teacher Certification Exam

We began by creating a Governing

fiduciary guidelines set forth by

(PCMAS, for its Spanish acronym)

Commission

the Association of Governing

grades, as well as progress in other

Boards (AGB).

metrics such as retention and

that

not

only

amended the System’s statutes, but developed a brand new

graduation rates, in addition to

Governing Manual to strengthen

Learning

from

Harvard

five new professional certificates

the Board’s normative role. This

University’s secret of success, the

in Continuing Education received

all-encompassing

document

Board elected as a new member

by Universidad Metropolitana.

describes the entire System, and

Mr. Manuel Agosto García, an

details all procedural functions

alumni from Universidad del Este.

Given this positive evolution, we

of the Board, based on the strict

Mr. Agosto García, the first AGMUS

continue fine-tuning the formula

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Annual Report 2013-14

value-added

degrees.

“ WE

THE

CONTINUE

FORMULA

FINE-TUNING TO

MAKE

AGMUS AN EFFECTIVE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION THAT DELIVERS

COST

EFFICIENT

EDUCATION AND VALUE-ADDED DEGREES.”

Héctor A. Jiménez Ramírez, MA Chairman of the Board

2013-14 Board of Directors Félix R. Schmidt, MD, FAAFP, CCHP Finance Committee Academic Committee

Rafael A. Nadal Arcelay, Herminio Martínez, Ph.D. Víctor Hernández,

Esq.

Auditing Committee

Esq., MBA

Governance Committee

Zoraida Fonalledas,

DMD Chair of Academic Committee

Juan R. Melecio,

Chair of Auditing Committee

Manuel Agosto García

Esq. Governance Committee Auditing Committee

Absent: Florabel G. Mullick, MD, SC.D, FCAP, Academic Committee / René A. León, MA, Finance Committee

Auditing Committee

Ramiro Millán Catasús,

José F. Méndez, Jr.,

MBA - Vice Chair

MBA

Chair of Governance Committee and

Academic Committee

Finance Committee

Academic Committee

Héctor A. Jiménez Ramírez,

José F. Méndez, Dr. h. c. - AGMUS President Governance Committee

“

WE ARE PROUD OF BECOMING -FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A

MA - Chair Governance Committee

ROW- THE LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN PUERTO, SERVING 44,338 STUDENTS IN THE ISLAND AND ABROAD.”

Message from the President José F. Méndez, Dr. h. c.

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Annual Report 2014

Message from the President HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH

serve to elaborate their individual economic development plans. You

administrators alike. This forward

will also find in these Annual Report pages that our main campuses,

vision of steady progress applies

university centers and vice presidencies have contributed as well

at all levels, starting with our

to Puerto Rico’s socioeconomic progress through their individual

Board of Directors, where we were

educational leadership initiatives.

pleased to welcome this year as a new member Mr. Manuel Agosto

On the academic end of the spectrum, we are proud of becoming

García, the first AGMUS alumni ever

-for the second year in a row- the top private university system in

to join the Board. And it goes all

Puerto Rico in terms of enrollment. This achievement is a result of

the way down to the maintenance

our diversified, high-quality academic offerings, but also an outcome

of grounds and buildings, plus the

of our planning and vision regarding current and future trends in

effective management of human

education. Our Schools of Technical Programs are exceeding all

and

enrollment benchmarks, because we foresaw the job market demand

increased efficiencies and reduced

for this type of shorter-term study program and decided to make it a

costs are now the new standard.

financial

resources,

where

part of our curricula. If all the achievements in 2014 are

All great institutions can only attain their highest aspirations when they become a part of the communities they serve, not only locally, but nationally and internationally as well. Giving back and being an active player in the social development of Puerto Rico has been a constant for the Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS) since it opened its doors 64 years ago. As you examine this Annual Report, you will agree that in academic year 2013-2014 this commitment was as present as ever before. Leading

portfolio. Likewise, our new Arecibo

an indication of things to come,

enrollment, graduation and retention rates in all our campuses and

through the Organization of American States (OAS); and establishing

University Center is set to open

we can be certain that AGMUS

centers in Puerto Rico and on the mainland. This is particularly

exchanges with the Anglo-American University in the Czech Republic,

its doors next semester, as is the

is positioned to lead the way for

noticeable in our campuses in Florida, where we are celebrating our

Universidad de Granada in Spain, and Qiannan Normal University in

new Health Services building at

higher education institutions in

10th year anniversary, and where our highly acclaimed dual language

China, among many other institutions.

Universidad del Turabo (UT). Also

Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and

at UT, construction began on the

beyond our shores.

immersion programs keep attracting a growing number of Hispanic students. Consequently, our presence in the mainland United States

Along with this progress, our overall physical plant continues to

Technological Accelerator, of the

is set to reach other national Latino markets, starting with Dallas,

expand accordingly. The UNE Salud health center at Universidad del

Puerto Rico Energy Center at an

Texas in 2015.

Este (UNE), at an investment of $4,200,000, is now fully operational

investment of $2,100,000 plus two

and providing health services to students and the community at

new buildings have already been

AGMUS presence is likewise expanding in the international arena.

large. Additional expansion at UNE includes the newly built School of

designed to house the Institute of Research and the School of Design.

hundreds of jobs, but were

The number of foreign students and professors in our campuses

Technical Studies, and the Jesús T. Piñero Gubernatorial Library now

outreach

especially instrumental this year

is showing an uptrend, as is the number of our students in study-

under construction.

Economic

in helping produce statistical

abroad programs. More significantly, we have established this

Development Alliances, which

fact sheets on demographics and

year several important collaboration initiatives with international

In Barceloneta, the Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) Photonics

improving

have

other economic factors to help

organizations and higher learning institutions, including serving as

Institute is taking shape, waiting to be completed so it can begin

practices to deliver a better college

new businesses and created

the different municipalities they

a Global Citizen hub for the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)

immediate research in four business projects it already has in its

experience for students, faculty and

efforts

community were

our

launched

way

program; offering graduate scholarships to Latin American students

our

the

Moreover, all indications point to steady and even increasing

dozens

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Annual Report 2014

Administratively, AGMUS is constantly its

systems

and

best

U. S. PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY BOARD IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND HEALTH Science and Technology is a primary focus of the programs of AGMUS and the US Presidential Advisory Board has played a pivotal role in important advances made by our universities in the areas of science, engineering and health. The Board is made up of distinguished professionals in science and technology from US government agencies and private institutions. 1. Florabel Mullick, MD., Sc.D.,FCAP 2. Senior Expert Consultant 3. José F. Méndez, Dr.h.c 4. Dr. William Dawes, Jr. 5. José A. Centeno, Ph.D., FRSC 6. Ronald Blackburn 7. Robert Scott May 8. Herman J. Gibb, Ph.D., MPH 9. Michael, Ph.D. 10. Dr. Féliz R. Schmidt, MD, FAAFP,CCHP 11. Mark B. Lyles, M.A., M.S., ED.S., D.M.D., PH.D.

Development and Alumni Affairs REACHING OUT TO OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR ALUMNI

Projects begin with a Great Formula” slogan. Additionally, we can rest assured that our Scholarship and endowment funds remain solid to meet current demand and to even include new special grants at Universidad del Turabo, earmarked specifically for graduate studies. To further integrate our alumni - and the communities where they live and work- into the current mainstream of AGMUS plans and initiatives, we contracted the Phoenix Philanthropy Group to help us develop a robust Alumni Program and boost our comprehensive fundraising plan. The new strategies being set in motion include enhancing our Alumni organizational structure, activities, and communications, seeking new “Lead Gifts” (for $1M and up donations) and “Annual Giving” (targeted at individual donors) programs, developing a new on-line donation tool, and assertively promoting the tax exempt donation legislation for qualified non-profits in Puerto Rico, which serves as further incentive to attract future pledges. On other initiatives to recognize longstanding supporters and funders, the 2013 Ana G. Méndez Excellence in Education Award celebrated along with Universidad Metropolitana the 50th Anniversary of the Arecibo Observatory. This is one of AGMUS’ highest profile projects due to its national and international scope in space and technical research, We are pleased to say that

we have reached 86.15% of this

plus its direct positive impact on local academic institutions and the

the 2013-14 year was one of

new top, with a cumulative total

Observatory’s neighboring communities.

accomplishments and new goals.

of $20.2 million raised, of which

Our 2009-2015 Capital Campaign

$5.5 million were pledged during

established a new global target of

this fifth year of the campaign.

$23.4 million, as compared to its

We credit our current fundraising

original $19.9 million benchmark.

success to our aggressive multi-

This increase will fund the new

faceted promotional effort under

Institute

being

the E=MC2 (Evolution = Minds

Universidad

x Commitment Squared) title,

Metropolitana. As of July 31, 2014,

paired with the powerful “Great

developed

Photonics, at

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Looking to the following year and beyond, we are well on our way to increase communication with a larger pool of potential prospects using new centralized strategies that will engage our alumni even more, as well as diversify donor base and donation recognition programs. By remaining steadfast on this road, we can expect to meet 95% of our global goal by next July; and certainly 100% by December 2015. 23

Annual Report 2013-14

Public Policy Institute FOSTERING A BETTER TOMORROW BY ENGAGING THE GREATER COMMUNITY different universities in Puerto Rico to discuss issues pertaining to local production of goods and services, and set a positive agenda for the future progress of local trade and industry. We also coordinated Diálogo Social

(Social

meeting

that

Dialogue), united

school

officials, the Association of Social Workers, and a host of other human behavior professionals. This powerful workshop was aimed at developing an integrated response against child abuse, and creating opportunities for a better life experience for children so they can grow up mentally Puerto Rico Energy Center. This

From left to right: Dr. Manuel Figueroa, President of Vernet; Justo Méndez, Director and Founder of Nuestra Escuela; Ivonne Lozada, Esq, Executive Director of Public Policy Institute; Anitza Cox, Esq., Estudios Técnicos Inc.; Dr. Herminio Martínez, Executive Director of The Bronx Institute; Rafael Román,Secretary of the Department of Education; and Dr. José F. Méndez, AGMUS President.

gathering

The Public Policy Institute (PPI) is an open forum where experts in academia, the government and private citizens can exchange ideas from multiple disciplines, and communicate their findings and results to the general public, as well as the academic world. True to this mission, we arranged, participated, and collaborated in a full range of forums, conventions, meetings, and activities that examined some of the most relevant development issues concerning Puerto Rico today.

experts

renewable and alternate sources

Our

efforts

this

year

also

of clean power to tackle our

included the presentation of the

island’s ever increasing costs and

“Profile of Public Education in

dependency on oil for energy

Puerto Rico”. This detailed study

production.

updated all statistics available on public education and presented discussion

the condition of public schools

was delivered at the Hecho en

on the island. This review is

Puerto Rico (Made in Puerto

meant

Rico)

economic

instrument in the future analysis

development conclave garnered

and discussion on the subject.

the highest attendance of the

The

year, and was the first of its kind

among other findings, to further

to ever unite five presidents from

incorporate

Another

One of the most notable meetings this year was the Puerto Rico Energy Forum, held at Universidad del Turabo under the sponsorship of its

Beyond Academics

united

healthy and productive.

important

forum.

Annual Report 2013-14

This

become

study

formal

recommended, parents,

teachers,

Dr. José F. Méndez, AGMUS President, during the signing of the agreement “Pacto para el Diálogo por Puerto Rico”, an initiative with the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.

government officials and education leaders into the educational mix,

Based on current public trends

and to establish a culture of precise data gathering and metrics analysis

and policy issues, in the near

to help develop more effective public policies in education.

future we foresee our Institute of Public Policy engaging further

Given that crime and public safety have become front-page issues, we

in energy concerns, education

joined forces with our Institute of Public Safety to create the new Ley &

questions

Orden (Law & Order) magazine, which covers myriad topics concerning

economic development.

and

law and crime, the Police Department, new public safety equipment, among other subjects. This quality publication is available twice a year in a high-gloss print format, and its online version has already received over one million visits. Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

matters

Economic Development Alliances STRATEGIC ALLIANCES THAT EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITIES Looking

each

alliance

positive

the

contributing

from

increased number of workshops

a solid collaboration agreement

and job fairs held, they are a fully

with

Business

functioning business incubator

Administration (SBA). It also

that has launched 11 different

increased

businesses and created 75 jobs.

the

Small

considerably

the

number of outreach activities

For its part, INTECO continues

held this year, which in turn

to be the most prolific of our

translated to higher revenues,

alliances. As an incubator, it

thus leading the organization

has

ever

businesses, creating 275 new

closer

meeting

its

helped

launch

new

jobs. Of these new ventures, five have already left the incubator

It has been a banner year for all our main regional Economic Development Alliances: INTENE, DISUR, INTENOR and INTECO. Perhaps one of the main drivers of this success has been our strategic plan to make all alliances fiscally sustainable. As of this year, INTECO has achieved that goal, while the others are well on their way to financial selfreliance. factor

aside

individually, INTENE established

sustainability goals.

Another

Additionally,

In the South, DISUR underwent a

and established themselves on

total reorganization, with a newly

their own. Most notably among

elected executive president and

these is CIMATEC, a new magnet

a new board of directors. This

high school -built in conjunction

invigorating transformation led

with the municipality of Caguas-

DISUR to win a new bid from

with a specialized curriculum

the

centering

Environmental

Protection

was instrumental in helping raise

Agency (EPA) to continue the

mathematics,

science and technology.

impact

their standing in the community.

cleanup of the former CORCO

been

the

With the help of the Puerto Rico

oil refinery in Peñuelas. The 463

established

Institute of Statistics and AGMUS’

volunteer hours clocked in for the

Economic Development Alliances

with the Puerto Rico Chamber of

Vice Presidency of Planning and

project (a $1.5M value) won this

will continue empowering our

Commerce (PRCC) and the Small

Academic Affairs, the detailed

alliance the prestigious Business

communities by helping develop

Business Administration (SBA),

economic

Achievement Award for 2013.

as well as with Banco Popular’s

each

Echar Pa’Lante (Let’s Get Going)

alliances serve included specific

In the northern region, INTENOR

and

initiative, all of which have helped

metrics

education

has been working diligently with

between the government, the

boost

levels, population demographics,

the mayors of the municipalities

private sector and academia.

and the entrepreneurial spirit

economic

other

they serve to create innovative

the

factors that are key determinants

continuing education initiatives

alliances’ worthy collaboration in

in the creation of economic and

to help meet the population’s

the development of an economic

investment strategies for the

training and employment needs.

profile for their particular region

region.

our

alliances

association

has

they

business

participants.

development Similarly,

profile

municipality detailing drivers

created

for

that

our

and

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Annual Report 2013-14

forward,

knowledge-based

through

move

innovative

collaboration

our

economy ventures

agreements

International Affairs THINKING AND ACTING WITHIN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

AGMUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; internationalization efforts have reached new heights this year with the creation of our system-wide Internationalization Plan. It is the first systemic plan ever created at AGMUS to establish the guidelines set forth by the American Council on International Education for all our educational institutions. Following these guiding principles, each one of our campuses now have an office or assigned personnel expressly dedicated to ensuring compliance with our internationalization goals. Furthermore, our new Associate Vice Presidency for International Affairs is now responsible for articulating all the initiatives that stem out of our Internationalization Plan.

we have established a collaboration agreement with the Organization of American States (OAS) to offer scholarships to graduate students from member states that wish to study in our campuses in Puerto Rico, in our virtual university and at our Orlando, FL center. Likewise, we are collaborating with other agencies and organizations with global outreach, including the US State Department, the Fulbright Scholars Program, the Government of Mexico, and the Puerto Rico State Department, to promote student and faculty mobility across international borders. This valuable exchange complements the other nine international agreements we have established with individual universities across the globe, including, among others, the AngloAmerican University in the Czech Republic, Universidad de Granada in Spain, Universidad TecnolĂłgica in Honduras, Universidad Austral in Chile, and Qiannan Normal University in China.

Among other internationalization milestones, AGMUS has been chosen this year to serve as a hub for the Education for Global Citizenship Initiative of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) program.

From an academic perspective, AGMUS currently has 169 international

This initiative groups over 1,300 universities in seven continents in an

students from 17 different countries enrolled in full-time study

effort to promote global citizenship through education. Additionally,

programs. Additionally, we have 14 local students who are specializing

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Annual Report 2013-14

Dr. José F. Méndez, AGMUS President; Hon. David Bernier, Puerto Rico Secretary of State; and Dr. David Méndez, Associate Vice President of International Affairs; during the presentation of Campus Puerto Rico.

in International Business, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, enrolled in study abroad and student exchange programs in Finland, Taiwan, Brazil, Peru, Canada, France, China and Spain. Regarding our faculty, we currently benefit from the expertise of 25 international faculty members, of which 16 are visiting scholars and 9 are regular professors. Furthermore, we have held 13 international conferences in AGMUS’ campuses. Also, our staff has made 43 different presentations abroad, and published 55 international publications this year alone. As AGMUS and the world become ever more globalized, we foresee our institution establishing bilingual and multi-lingual education as a priority in creating the global citizen of tomorrow. We also foresee further development of our current global strategic alliances; an increase in the number of our students going abroad to study; more recruitment of foreign students from the Caribbean region, as well as Central and South America; along with additional resources committed to developing a solid infrastructure within our campuses to support the rising number of international students coming to AGMUS to receive a higher education of excellence. Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Executive Vice Presidency MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE collaboration with the Associate Vice-Presidency of International Affairs, we established our first accord with the Organization of American States (OAS) to offer 15

scholarships

for

students

in different countries of the Americas wishing to study in our campuses, as well as for our students looking to study abroad.

This

accomplishment

is taking us a step further in our quest to establish our presence beyond Puerto Rico’s shores, and present our island, and especially José F. Méndez, Jr.

our institution, as a venue of

Executive Vice President

academic

excellence

the

region.

With 15 university centers throughout Puerto Rico under our supervision, our focus this year was to create a unified message and targeted approach to establish AGMUS’ commitment to the communities we serve. In close collaboration with mayors and municipal governments, we oversaw the successful transfer of our former Utuado center to its new Arecibo facilities, creating a new higher education campus to meet the specific academic needs identified for that particular area. This close relationship with local government officials extends to all our centers and their primary markets, serving as an invaluable tool for our University Centers Task Force to explore future developments and service diversification.

vision for the system as a whole.

Looking towards the near future,

Additionally, to assure continued

we will continue targeting the

success

the

specific academic demands of

System’s Vice Presidency Board

local communities, as we plan to

established as a key strategy

expand our facilities in Ponce and

the

Yauco with a $2M investment in

our

policies,

strengthening

our

Management Succession Plan. On the international front, 2014 was an exciting year for AGMUS. We

developed

the

normative

and

defined

structure

and

composition of the International Task Force of Institute for Security

Internally, we created a new AGMUS’ brand policy to reinforce a unified

and Protection (ISEP), now fully

corporate identity that ensures that all of our brands are associated

constituted

directly to not only our main image, but also to our mission and

D.C.

Beyond Academics

Additionally,

Annual Report 2013-14

Washington, in

Health Services programs.

Planning and Academic Affairs IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND FUTURE GROWTH but moreover reflect institutional integrity helping

and our

responsibility students

achieve

their personal and educational aspirations. Our AHORA program (accelerated offerings for adults), as well as our Institute for Security and Protection (ISEP) are important academic niches that achieved great

progress

fiscal

year

2013-14. Enrollment in AHORA was stregthened, totaling 6,454 students for all three institutions Jorge Crespo-Armaiz, Ph.D.

(UNE, UT, UMET); after revising and

Vice President

widening its general admission

Planning and Academic Affairs

requisites.

The

program

also

exceeded all efficiency indicators,

In an environment of economic challenges and changing demographics, strategic planning takes center stage in order to ensure the stability, development and utmost quality of AGMUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; academic offer. Based on this principle, a full review of our Faculty Handbook was performed, providing an updating of all those norms and policies that guide the recruitment, development and promotion of both our full-time and part-time faculty in all our universities, including our branch campuses in mainland USA and our new virtual campus. This review included as well new performance evaluation models, while placing greater emphasis on research and development activities on our way to becoming a world-class institution.

which have shown significant

including the average class size or

progress for the second year in

number of students per section,

a row, and are now competitive

as well as the average academic

with private-sector benchmarks

load or contact hours per student,

in the Island. First-year retention

both at the undergraduate and

rates (Full-time/Bachelor) are also

graduate levels. These indicators

making great strides, surpassing

positioned AHORA as one of the

current rates for liberal-admission

most cost-efficient academic units

public institutions (4-year, ACT,

in AGMUS. On the other hand,

2013), not only in Puerto Rico but

enrollment at ISEP increased by

also in US mainland, and staying

136%, as compared to its first

comparable to those of liberal-

semester in January 2012; and has

admission private institutions.

grown by 47% between 2012 and

These

2013, reaching a total enrollmemt

improvements

This exercise, as well as many other student retention strategies and

only

academic initiatives, have lead us towards continued improvement of

contribution

general

acceptance and demand validate

our main performance metrics, specially in the area of graduation rates,

enrollment management goals,

the critical role ISEP is fulfilling

Beyond Academics

represent

Annual Report 2013-14

not

important

figure

473

students.

This

in addressing the need for training and professionalization of law-

very important achievement in this technology area, was the selection

enforcement personnel in Puerto Rico.

and beginning of design of the new AGMUS-DASHBOARD application. With the initial phase of the project expected to be implemented early

Contributing to AGMUS public engagement strategic vector, this year

next year, AGMUS-DASHBOARD will eventually evolve into the single,

we developed a succesful public forum titled “Statistics and Research: A

centralized IT application that will provide access to real-time statistics

Culture of Challenges”, which gathered a selected group of experts, in

and other performance indicators to all academic and administrative

an exchange of perspectives on the state and challenges regarding the

users. The initial phase will comprise student and enrollment indicators,

production and proper use of statistical information in the Island. An

gradually adding other performance metrics in areas such as finance

enthusiastic audience – mostly external public – attended the activity,

and human resources as the system evolves.

which also received a very high and positive evaluation. Additionally, we provided critical support to our four Regional Development Alliances

The coordination and planning of an adequate physical infrastructure

(INTECO – INTENOR – INTENE – DISUR), developing special regional

to support our mission is another critical responsibility under the

statistical profiles or fact-sheets (in close collaboration with Puerto

planning and academic affairs vicepresidency. This year we revised

Rico’s Institute of Statistics). These regional profiles provide economic,

and updated the Physical Master Plans for the main campuses of

demographic and educational data for each individual region and

Universidad del Este and Universidad Metropolitana, and, for the first

municipalities. As a spinoff of this initiative, our statistics division also

time, developed individual master plans to guide future expansions for

helped the municipalities of Cabo Rojo and Yabucoa, providing each

each of our four (4) US mainland Branch Campuses (Metro Orlando –

one with a special report containing data and other indicators for their

Tampa Bay – South Florida – Capital Area). We also had an active role

individual economic development plans.

in the evaluation and selection of the site for the development of the new Dallas Branch Campus, to be opened in spring, 2015.

Technology has also played a key role in our streamlining efforts this year. All statistical reports of our vice presidency were consolidated

As we move towards 2015 and into the future, we are certain to expect

on a single web page, allowing effortless access to daily enrollment

continued improvement in key performance indicators and ever more

and admissions figures, final reports per term, 5-year historical series

growth in terms of physical plant, academic offerings, and presence in

and other relevant information that our community of users may need

the local, regional and international markets.

for their analysis. One of the most important achievements in this

ISEP’S 2014 CLASS.

technology vector, was the successful completion and deployment of a new, single Library Portal for the use of all students at AGMUS – System level. This Library Portal now provides a common central point through which any person can search and identify all library resources available in any of our institutions. Using a single search engine, the portal allows students -or any user- access by author, title, subject matter or key word, to the vast array of documents and information contained in these depositories. This new technology resource will prove to be extremely useful to all our students, but specially to those in our US Branch Campuses and in our new Virtual University. A final, but Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Marketing and Student Affairs FOCUSING ON RECRUITMENT AND BECOMING NUMBER ONE successful campaigns targeting key high schools for tours and students

taking

the

College

Board exam, the number of future freshmen enrolling right out of high school is showing an exciting upward trend, with nearly 2,500 new applications the first semester of 2015. All these enrollment strategies were supported as well with Open Campus activities to invite prospective students to spend a day exploring our facilities Mayra Cruz Rivera, Ed.D.

and offerings. Additionally, we

Vice President of Marketing and

increased

Student Affairs

our

efforts

excellent

on-line

promote course

and program selection, ease of

With an aggressive, yet balanced mix of public relations and marketing strategies during the 2013-14 year, our total enrollment figure of 44,338 thrust AGMUS into the number one position among private institutions of higher education in Puerto Rico (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System -IPEDS). Given a continued environment of a general economic downturn, a shrinking population and increased competition from other institutions, our focus on presenting our diverse and innovative program offerings geared towards the particular needs of today’s students proved to be a winning approach.

new technical studies courses

payment options, and ease of

and short-term careers, which

enrollment in off-months such

allowed students entry to a

college education, while leaving

October and the summer months,

the

continue

giving students greater flexibility

forth to a Bachelor’s or Master’s

in designing a college experience

degree. Our AHORA program

that fits their particular needs.

door

open

December-January,

March,

for adult education (a growing demographic sector) surpassed

Aside from recruitment efforts,

all enrollment projections during

our Vice Presidency has been

both semesters (graduate and

very active this year fostering

undergraduate

AGMUS’

programs),

not

community

outreach

All of our promotional events advanced the benefits of getting a higher

only with older adults returning to

efforts, not only in Puerto Rico

education, not for the mere sake of getting a diploma, but rather for

school, but also younger workers

-with myriad collaboration and

the brighter future and positive impact on the community that our

in their early 20’s realizing the

“good

graduates enjoy once they join the labor market in a career tailored

true benefits of going to college

with several municipalities- but in

for them. As a result, we saw a 22% increase in enrollment in our

to obtain a degree. Similarly, after

our mainland operations as well.

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

neighbor”

agreements

Our dual-language education and ESL programs in Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Maryland have proven widely successful, and especially beneficial for the Hispanic population we serve in each market, allowing many to grow personally and professionally, and give back to their communities by obtaining a college degree that would have otherwise been unthinkable due to the language barrier they face. With over $7.7 million delivered in coverage value, our promotional and marketing efforts, combined with other media exposure this year served to emphasize Puerto Rico’s growing reputation as an academic force in the region, and strengthen AGMUS’ image as an excellent institution of higher learning that helps improve the communities it serves by producing quality graduates that excel in their particular fields.

Nicole Torres Alysbeth Félix

Estudiante de Educación Física de la Universidad Metropolitana

Estudiante de Química de la Universidad Metropolitana

Miembro del equipo campeón de tenis de mesa

Medalla de oro en salto alto y largo

FIRST SEMESTER STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Jonathan Santiago Estudiante de Contabilidad de la Universidad del Este

Medalla de oro en el evento de los 110 metros con vallas

Jugador más valioso del Torneo de voleibol

FOR THE SECOND TIME WE ARE FIRST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN PUERTO RICO. WE ACHIEVE A 100.6 % OF ENROLLMENTS DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER.

36,616 34,302 2004

39,075 37,954

42,129 40,976

42,512 09

Yashira Rivera Estudiante de Administración Hotelera de la Universidad del Este

Medalla de plata en el evento de los 110 metros con vallas

44,338

43,909

44,286 11

José Mulero

Estudiante de Ingeniería Eléctrica de la Universidad del Turabo

1-800-747-8362

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

suagm.edu

Equipos de voleibol masculino de la UNE y femenino de la UMET, ganadores de la medalla de oro.

Fotos: Fernando Neris

BRILLAN LOS NUESTROS

National and International Affairs EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Education

(NABE)

annual

convention, the 1st Conference of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language and the annual convention of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Topics in these conclaves ranged from the impact of the Hispanic presence and the Spanish language in the USA, to understanding that duallanguage education is far more than just about learning English.

Luis J. Zayas Vice President National and International Affairs

Because of the growth in this special needs sector -currently being filled only by AGMUS in the markets we serve- we redoubled efforts in the 2013-

As we celebrate the 1st Commencement in our Maryland campus, and the 10th anniversary of our highly successful Dual-Language Education model in all our mainland USA campuses, we start to get a clear picture of the positive impact that our innovate learning methods have had on so many of our graduates.

professionals

14 year to continue improving

in their field, a Dual-Language

our offerings in this regard. We

Education program opens the

revised all placement tests to

door to myriad opportunities for

better ascertain the entry level

a brighter future.

of every student, and made a

foreign

trained

thorough revision of all speaking, The

success

our

dual-

comprehension,

reading

and

This is especially true in the Hispanic communities we serve, where it

language programs has been

writing competencies, aligning

is estimated that up to 40% of the population does not speak English

acknowledged nationally with

them with the identified skills

fluently. Our novel approach to teaching courses in two languages

invitations

that a fully bilingual professional

simultaneously goes beyond helping students improve their English

campus

staff

language skills; it helps them develop into fully bilingual professionals.

speakers

And for many who face a language barrier and are dissuaded to go

conferences,

to college because of it, or who already have a college degree, or are

National Association of Bilingual

Beyond Academics

key

extended

Annual Report 2013-14

our

participate in

including

several the

should

have.

Additionally,

we increased training for all professors,

academics

and

language professionals involved

Jonathan Jayes-Green, Administrative Director of Maryland Governor’s Commission on Hispanic and Caribbean Affairs; Luis J. Zayas, AGMUS’ Vice President of National and International Affairs; Kevin Mack, Aide to Congressman John Delaney, and Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona, AGMUS’ Capital Area Campus Director.

with dual language courses, including the implementation of the new

looking forward to opening its first campus in The Lone Star State, and

ExC-ELL (Expediting Comprehension for English Language Learners)

start classes in Dallas as soon as January 2015.

methodology, focused on the role of the facilitator as a language instructor. Moreover, we integrated these approaches to the new

We rounded off the 2013-14 year with the inauguration of our D.C.

programs offered, especially in the Health and Education fields, where

area Culinary Arts Program, offering courses either in English or in

the demand for bilingual professionals keeps increasing yearly in our

the bilingual format, with an AA degree conferred by AGMUS’ highly

surrounding communities.

recognized Universidad del Este. And we continued helping our communities, serving not only as an institution of higher learning that

In fact, this growth has led us to Dallas, Texas, where a feasibility study

tailors programs to the needs of our residents, but also as a center

and several conversations with city officials led us to conclude that

for outreach initiatives for the local government, foreign consulates

the bilingual programs offered by their schools fit our Dual-Language

and community organizations that embrace us as partners in the

model so perfectly as to develop an integrated K-College bilingual

empowerment of the local professionals and leaders of tomorrow.

educational program for their educational districts. As such, AGMUS is Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Administrative Affairs SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITHIN OUR CAMPUSES AND BEYOND

improvements

several

key

areas such as completion of work orders, finances, campus security and compliance. And progressive efficiencies can be witnessed system-wide

embrace

this new technological culture. Our

electronic

systems,

for

one,

surveillance are

interconnected this year than ever

before,

with

web-based

and GPS platforms to connect not only our surveillance center to campus police and external law

enforcement

agencies,

JesĂşs A. DĂaz Ed.D.

but also allowing students to

Vice President

receive alerts about emergency

Administrative Affairs

situations, as well as report them. Once more, these investments

This fiscal year was one of proud accomplishments, including the completion of 138 projects (39 of them important physical infrastructure projects), the reinforcement of our management and organization processes, overall improvement in our electric power consumption, and progress in our resources conservation programs and energy self-sufficiency.

physical

in technology have a positive

plant growth goes beyond the

impact beyond our immediate

immediate impact it has on our

premises,

campuses and students. It has

communities benefit from the

an extremely positive effect on

added surveillance and security

our

features at AGMUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facilities.

This

investment

neighboring

communities

all

surrounding

as they reap the benefits of the enhanced surroundings, upgraded

Significant

The list of infrastructure projects is topped off, among others, by the

landscaping, better road access

also being created in electric

completion of two technical studies schools (at Universidad del Este

and

that

power consumption with the

and Universidad Metropolitana), the Arecibo campus of Universidad del

create a better environment for the

installation of energy-efficient

Este, and the multi-level parking facility at Universidad Metropolitana.

entire vicinity.

lighting and motion sensors in

other

improvements

efficiencies

are

rooms, effective operation of

It should be noted that these projects were finished -on average- 10 months prior to their estimated time of completion, with full use

Our

for

air conditioning systems, and

permits in place, and all coinciding with the start of the academic

management and organizational

energy consumption monitors,

year and constructed without disrupting ongoing life on campus.

processes

all of which delivered 480,700

Beyond Academics

digital

platform

continues

Annual Report 2013-14

delivering

kWh in savings over the year, representing a reduction of $125,000

areas and physical plant development, as well as increased revenues

in costs. Additionally, after evaluating 12 different companies from

from our auxiliary businesses (bookstores, cafeterias/concessionaries,

the USA, Spain and Puerto Rico, we are negotiating a new Power

parking lots, and printing press) well in excess of the $1.28 million

Purchasing Agreement to install solar panels in several of our

produced this year.

buildings and parking facilities. As of next year, this new initiative will be providing fixed electrical power costs at approximately 30% less than current rates, and should move AGMUS decidedly towards total

INFRAESTRUCTURE AND OPEN SPACES DEVELOPMENT 141 PROJECTS

energy self-sufficiency. More importantly, these added savings will be enough to cover the replacement of old HVAC units system-wide for more energy-efficient ones, which will in turn deliver additional energy savings into the future. This spirit of conservation translates

PROJECT

INVESTMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

OPEN SPACE

INFRASTRUCTURE

OPEN SPACE

TOTAL INVESTMENT

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

$5,468,797

$4,000

$5,472,797

SISTEMA TV

416,500

UAGM-CV

UMET

21,685,953

291,446

21,977,399

UNE

15,683,054

236,573

15,919,627

implementation of technology-based operation and management

5,734,733

135,313

5,870,046

systems, continued investment, albeit at more moderate levels, in green

TOTAL

$48,989,037 $667.332

$49,656,369

to our progressive recycling program. Over 334,000 pounds of paper,

INSTITUTION

plastic and aluminum was this recycled year, including vegetation waste that is composted and reused in our green area maintenance plan. With these initiatives, AGMUS sets an example in Puerto Rico as a responsible, environmentally conscious entity that others are sure to follow. As we look forward to 2015, we foresee further advancements in our

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Human Resources THE HUMAN SIDE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

promoted a workload reduction for permanent faculty members to

facilitate

the

retirement

transition process. As a leading institution, global in scope, our organizational efforts included a system-wide revision of the job descriptions of 853 positions, focusing on building and establishing the duties and responsibilities of the positions. With

this

information,

generated a database to design a

Victoria de Jesús, Ed.D.

compensation

Regarding

Vice President

structure.

benefits,

are

pleased to say that our Pension

Human Resources

Plan is now 100% financed, and continues to grow. Our Savings

One of the things that distinguishes the Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS) from others is our unique set of values and our commitment to social responsibility. We can confidently state that we engage with several community outreach initiatives on an annual basis.

Lorenzo’s Strategic Development

and Investment Plan is also on a

Plan.

solid financial footing, growing in terms of both money invested

In addition to our commitment to

and participants, as is our Health

social responsibility, it has been a

Plan. We reached our goal of

year of positive improvements,

1,000 employees participating in

In 2014, numerous social accomplishments took center stage, including

increased

our 401K Plan.

our involvement with the Make a Wish Foundation, Hogar Cuna San

proactive changes for our Vice

Cristóbal, the American Cancer Society, among others, and especially

Presidency. We began this trend

Looking to 2015 and beyond,

our sponsorship of the Extiende tu Mano: Adopta un Corazón (Lend a

by implementing a new term

Hand: Adopt a Heart) project. For the past nine years, our associates

contract for full-time professors.

contributing

have served as volunteers and “lend a hand” to this charity aimed

This new approach allows us

development of Puerto Rico by

at collecting items to meet basic needs, medicines, and food for the

sharing the human side of our

elderly in need. Additionally, we were actively involved in having the

number of faculty members at

School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Universidad del Turabo join

our institutions and impact our

forces with the Municipality of San Lorenzo to develop a survey of the

strategic capability in faculty

needs of the population, which was instrumental in the creation of San

retention. At the same time, we

Beyond Academics

attract

efficiency,

and

Annual Report 2013-14

increase

and

the

will

certainly to

keep the

social

human resources component.

Financial Affairs

SOLID FINANCES AMID CHALLENGING TIMES the CEFI ($4M) and Scotiabank ($3M) that will allow us to properly finance equipment and furniture acquisition for our Ponce and Yauco centers. The acquisition of new furnishings and equipment system-wide also provides the opportunity

expand

our

community outreach initiative of donating older computers, furniture and equipment to public schools, churches, Head Start programs and the general public, all of whom can greatly benefit Alfonso L. Dรกvila Vice President Financial Affairs

from the use of these fixtures. In fact, this year 17 different entities have received 325 donated items, including monitors, computers, furnishings and even kitchen

As the challenges of the local economic environment endured this year, we set forth targeted control measures and sound investment strategies that have maintained AGMUS on a firm financial footing. One key to this winning approach has been the investment of $1.8M to make AGMUS Ventures a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGMUS. This consolidation allows for better management, more control of policies, and improved performance of this new division that will be spearheading our expansion into mainland US markets.

equipment. Additionally, we established two operational lines of credit at

Focusing our investment dollars

extremely competitive rates with

in new technology has also

Another successful strategy has been our focus on investing in the most productive endeavors regarding our academic offer, mainly our new Technical Studies School ($2M) and the Arecibo University Center ($1.6M), which are certain to yield the highest future returns, as these centers will satisfy the education and future job market needs in those areas.

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

â&#x20AC;&#x153; WE

WILL

MOVE

FORTH

PURSUIT OF DELIVERING QUALITY EDUCATION, AND TO SERVE AS A PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR IN

THE

DEVELOPMENT

PUERTO RICO.â&#x20AC;?

Alberto Maldonado Ruiz, Esq. Chancellor

Universidad del Este

yielded positive results. By optimizing our data speed, processing and storage

Given this optimistic outlook amid challenging times, we can

capacity by 400% we have experienced marked improvements in budgeting

certainly say that the principle of implementing sound financial

and financial analysis procedures, while reducing costs of data transmission

measures and strategies will continue to guide our future growth

by 44% (compared to three years ago), and providing administrators, faculty

and expansion plans.

and students higher levels of satisfaction with their online experience. On other encouraging developments, our Endowment Fund has exceeded the $60M benchmark, standing now at a solid $62.6M, for an increase of $6.1M in 2014. Furthermore, our Pension and 401K plans also show increases of 9.75% and 16.27%, respectively. Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2014

Universidad del Este

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AND EDUCATION: ON CAMPUS AND BEYOND

It is a tenet of higher education that the real quality of an institution is measured not only by the success of its graduates, but also by the level of involvement and collaboration that the institution provides and makes available to the community it serves. At Universidad del Este (UNE) this principle has been a central factor in our growth and maturity as a sociallyresponsible center of higher education. During academic year 2013-2014, we have experienced a remarkable progress in this regard.

The

quest

Health issues have played a key

offering an associate degree in culinary arts since spring 2014. The Jesús T.

internal

part in UNE’s social commitment.

Piñero Gubernatorial Library -its 12,000 sq. ft. to be available in 2015- will be

constituencies as well as immediate

UNE Salud, operating since 2014,

the repository of valuable historical documents that will be available to the

community, is attentive to the

has been providing direct services

community for educational enrichment research.

needs of our students, citizens in all

and education in health care. This

age groups and levels of education,

state-of-the-art facility serves as a

Regarding our internationalization efforts, we have signed new collaboration

and

organizations.

clinic to deliver medical services

agreements with Universidad de Murcia (Spain), the Anglo American

Areas identified for services are

to both our student population

University in the Czech Republic and, following the visit received from the

broad and varied and include

and

outside

delegation of Sichuan University, another agreement with that Chinese

education,

community, and will eventually be

institution was accomplished. These agreements will enable our students

institution, contribute

non-profit

and

its

our

health,

employment,

entrepreneurship,

social

and

Moreover,

members

the

cultural,

a teaching and practicum lab for

holistic

issues.

health sciences students. Violence

includes

children,

and

Asthma:

Health

Disparity

young adults, senior citizens, and

Network, a NIH-RIMI program, has

other

been actively facilitating research

academic policy to incorporate

and educating the surrounding

service learning in the curricula is

community schools and families in

underway.

two of Puerto Rico’s leading issues.

underserved

groups.

Universidad del Este welcomed the

Similarly,

21st century with the inauguration

entrepreneurship, our Center for

of its Early Childhood Preschool

Empowerment and Free Enterprise

Center. For the past ten years, the

(CEFE), a project sponsored by the

Center has been serving Pre-k to

US Department of Labor, supports

kindergarten young children from

students

the community. Most recently, the

degree programs in business, and

LEADER program, an initiative aimed

unemployed citizens. CEFE offers

workshops

integrating

our

educational

business

enrolled

and

associate

entrepreneurial

resources to educational impact

and technology skills and seeks

areas in Puerto Rico has been

their

serving public school principals

Our students, members of the

providing them with the leadership

internationally renowned Enactus

skills required to increase the

program, also continue to improve

academic performance of their

lives by lending their leadership

institutions.

and acquired business knowledge

effective

job

placement.

and faculty to pursue international travel and studies as part of their

to foster an entrepreneurial environment in all the communities

academic and cultural experiences.

they serve. Meanwhile, our Student Leadership Institute (ILE, Spanish acronym) continues to grow, with 727 currently enrolled

Looking at 2015 and beyond, Universidad del Este will move forth in its

in its workshops. Additionally, our Inventors and Entrepreneurs

relentless pursuit of delivering quality education, as well as in its unwavering

Forum celebrated its 8th edition with lectures, invention exhibits,

commitment to serve as a partner and collaborator in the development of

along with its Best Patent contest, all in an effort to create an

Puerto Rico.

environment of innovation and practical creativity not only within our university, but in Puerto Rico as a whole. Through an

In the Hospitality and Culinary Arts programs, we are particularly proud to share the achievements of student Víctor Bonano Ortiz, winner of the Ultimate Culinary Clash contest in San Francisco, organized by Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, and winner as well of the MasterCard Student Food Challenge, held during the Saborea Puerto Rico annual food event sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

active participation in INTENE, a strategic alliance comprised of government, private sectors and universities and headquartered at Universidad del Este, the institution continues to promote the economic development of the northeastern region of Puerto Rico. As part of its Institute for the Development of Spirituality, the institution has regularly been the site of presentations and forums to promote the discussion of topics regarding the spiritual nature of human beings. Moreover, it is currently actively engaged in an effort to build ERES, a facility for reflection, meditation and search of inner self Institute for the Development of Spirituality. In terms of academic expansion, UNE continues steadfast on a winning trend. Our former Utuado Center has been relocated to Arecibo, thus, enabling the institution to serve the larger northwestern and central regions of the Island. The new location will continue to offer academic programs in both traditional and nontraditional formats. An additional location in the Capital D.C. area, has been Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

“

AS WE LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE,

FORESEE

INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITYBASED INITIATIVES.”

Dr. Carlos M. Padín Bibiloni, Ph.D.

Chancellor

Universidad Metropolitana

Universidad Metropolitana REACHING OUT TO OUR COMMUNITY Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) has gone beyond academics to reach out to the communities we serve like never before.

experience for teachers, in turn, has had a positive impact on more than

Moreover, our Business School is now fully accredited by the Accreditation

13,500 students.

Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This international endorsement recognizes the academic and administrative excellence of our business programs.

We are also proud to have launched this year the new Puerto Rico Photonics This year, our ECOAME Project has given 450 middle and high

Institute (PRPI), the first of its kind to specialize in optics and photonics

school teachers the opportunity to earn continuing education

(O&P) research on the island. The PRPI core curriculum will include studies

As we look towards the future, we foresee more involvement in community-

credits while improving their investigative methodology

in lasers, fiber optics, instruments, spectroscopy, remote sensing and optical

based initiatives, further development of our Photonics Institute, more

skills during scientific activities carried out at the Arecibo

design, all aimed at developing Associate and Master degrees in the field,

accreditations, especially of our Education and Social Work programs, the

Observatory. The main objective of these Project Based

in addition to offering a certificate in Optics and Photonics for science and

addition of other academic offerings, as well as an increase in international

Learning workshops is to help teachers develop contextualized

engineering professionals, and for students from any university in Puerto

students from Central and South America and the Caribbean region, enrolling

educational strategies that integrate science and technological

Rico.

to receive the quality college education they can only get at UMET.

literacy to their regular curricula. This professional development In the business arena, we are proud sponsors of the Red Empresarial de Inovación (Innovation Business Network) or REDI. Run by AGMUS’ economic development alliance INTENOR, REDI

Other significant community-based UMET initiatives include

is a highly successful incubator helping visionary

the “Familias Saludables” (Healthy Families) and the “Vida

entrepreneurs from Puerto Rico’s north-central

Independiente” (Independent Life) programs. Familias Saludables

region to make their innovative business projects

provides workshops, home visits and guidance, aimed mainly at

a reality. An entire gamma of businesses, ranging

pregnant teenagers to help them through the process of caring for

from biopharmaceutical consulting, to home

their unborn and newborn child, all within a family-oriented and

goods design, sustainable farming, audiovisual

abuse prevention perspective. Likewise, the Vida Independiente

productions, recycling, and even a high-quality

workshops are intended to provide greater quality of life and self-

cocoa tree farm, have been launched from our

sufficiency for the Down Syndrome community, covering topics

REDI platform.

such as cooking, dancing, the arts, personal hygiene and use of technology.

For the first time, we joined the “Manos al Cafetal” (Hands for the Coffee Harvest) initiative, sending

Regarding our academic achievements this year, we have

105 associates and students (joining a group totaling more than 400) who

maintained steady growth in our enrollment, while achieving

volunteered to harvest 1,762 pounds of coffee at La Dueña Hacienda in

higher graduation rates (2007 cohort). Additionally, our new

Jayuya, Puerto Rico. This program, sponsored by the El Mesón Sandwiches

School of Technical Studies opened its doors this year with four

restaurant franchise, was designed to raise awareness of the labor force

new programs (all approved by the Puerto Rico Higher Education

needs faced by the local coffee industry. All money made from this particular

Council) in Operating Room Technology, Clinical Therapeutic

harvest will be donated to create a special scholarship in agriculture at

Massage, Practical Nursing with Cardiovascular and Phlebotomy,

UMET.

and Dental Assistant, which are areas of high demand in the labor market. Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

“ IT

FAIR

EXPECT

TO CONTINUE ITS FORWARD EXPANSION

TERMS

PHYSICAL PLANT, ADDITIONAL ACCREDITATIONS,

OFFERINGS

AND FURTHER INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES.”

Dennis Alicea, Ph.D. Chancellor

Universidad del Turabo

Universidad del Turabo GROWTH, ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Universidad del Turabo (UT) can sum up 2014 as a year of fantastic growth, more progress in academics and full commitment to community affairs.

business projects, scheduled to begin research as soon as the facility is completed. Other important research developments this year at UT include the

With an investment of over $21M, 14 new physical plant

involvement of our students in the construction of a scientific satellite in a

projects have been launched this year, notably the Integrated

project led by Dr. Hien Vo; the development of nanostructure materials for

Student Services Building, the Clean Technologies Accelerator

solar cells led by Dr. Francisco Márquez; and the development of a national

of the Puerto Rico Energy Center, the new School of Health

and international research network for sustainable businesses, led by

Sciences building and the Interactive Learning Center. Key to

Dr. Juan C. Sosa Varela.

this growth is the increased research potential that these new structures will allow. In fact, even at the start of construction,

Further academic advances are the myriad accreditations achieved,

the Clean Technologies Accelerator had already landed four

particularly the accreditation of our institution by the Middle States Association of the Council for Higher Education, plus the professional accreditations received by some of our academic programs like the Nutrition

Community outreach projects have always been a hallmark of

and Language Pathology Clinic is helping patients from several nearby

and Dietetics Bachelor Program (Accreditation

our institution, and this year was no exception. We placed special

towns seeking these specialized services. Also, our Naturopathic Medicine

Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics,

emphasis on social development studies, including several surveys

Clinic (SANOS) offers services to 300 patients. SANOS is an official NMDP

and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing

to identify, among other issues affecting Puerto Rico, the state of

Clinical Practice site and provides ample opportunity for naturopathic

Education); the Electrical, Mechanic, Computing

higher education and health, the condition of small and medium

medical research.

and

Bachelor

sized businesses, the level of dependency on welfare programs,

Programs (Accreditation Board of Engineering

the diversification of energy production, plus an in-depth study

Our Rincón de Lecturas (The Reading Corner) aims to encourage children

and Technology); the Nursing Bachelor and

conducted by our Center on Public and Corporate Governance

and parents to love and become interested in reading. It is used as an early

Master programs (Commission on Collegiate

regarding the state of transparency and accountability in the

Literacy Center where a variety of children’s literature books are available and

Nursing Education); the Education Leadership

Government of Puerto Rico.

designed to capture the attention of these young visitors at their different

Industrial,

and

Management

undergraduate and graduate programs (Council

developmental stages.

for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation);

Additionally, UT’s Employment Center promotes employment

and our Continuing Education School.

and self-employment as initiatives to improve the economic

And our Museum, known as the Museum and Center for Humanistic Studies,

development of the surrounding community. This program was

Josefina Camacho de la Nuez, is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliation

Equally noteworthy is the accreditation in progress of our or BA program

selected as an intermediate organization in Puerto Rico by the

Program. Between 2012 and 2014, it received over 50,000 visitors. During

in Social Work by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the

Corporation for National and Community Services. Over 484

the 2013-2014 academic year the museum held 48 activities, attended by

expected acceptance of our Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine by the

activities have been developed here by members of AmeriCorps

16,390 visitors.

Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, along with the launch of

VISTA.

our first Civil Engineering program and the Institute of Languages and Multiculturalism.

It is fair to expect Universidad del Turabo to continue its forward expansion Looking specifically into a few of our many initiatives to lend a

in terms of physical plant, additional accreditations of its programs, offerings

hand to the communities surrounding our campuses, our Speech

and further involvement in the communities it serves.

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Florida Campuses 10 YEARS BEING ONE WITH THE COMMUNITY

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary of providing quality dual-language education in Florida and in the mainland US market, we reflect on the progress of our campuses, the achievements of our students and graduates, and the great strides made by the Hispanic communities we have had the privilege of serving over the past decade.

Administration. With this increase, we added 106 new faculty members. Also the UAGM Virtual online Campus obtained its license in Florida. But perhaps the most significant achievement this year -and over the past decade- has been our active community outreach approach. Making the university a part of the community is far more than a regular practice at AGMUS Florida; it is part of our very essence as an institution.

With enrollment now at an

its first class of Family Nurse

We not only cater to the specific educational needs of the Hispanic

all-time

our

Practitioners; 29 students who

communities in the markets we serve, but we open our doors and lend

three Florida campuses (Metro

now serve as inspiration for the

our spaces for meetings, seminars, lunches, expos, business missions

Orlando, Tampa Bay and South

other 775 active Nursing students

and other gatherings to make the community know that our campuses

Florida) have certainly come a

statewide who are pursuing their

are their home. Proof of this dynamic interaction is the more than 100

long way from the 222 pioneers

bi-lingual degree in a specialized

activities held this year at all campuses the Hemispheric Congress,

in 2004 that placed their trust

field of high demand for bi-

visits from Latin American foreign dignitaries, and the lecture from

in our academic offer. Since

lingual professionals. Also this

former Dominican president Leonel Fernรกndez in our South Florida

then, our 2,548 graduates have

year, the Florida Department

campus; plus the Jobs and Health fairs, and the academic debate on

proven

dual-language

of Education recognized our

Hispanic language and culture held at our Tampa Bay campus.

education is the way to go, not

commitment to higher standards

only in communities where the

by renewing our license without

Glancing at the next ten years, we foresee continued growth for AGMUS

Latino population is growing

any

Florida in terms of enrollment, physical plant and academics, especially

exponentially, but also in a new

was a year of growth for our

in the Health Sciences field. And we anticipate responding efficiently

world that is becoming ever

academic programs. We have

to changing demands in the jobs market by offering programs to meet

more globally integrated.

added four new master degree

that new reality.

high

that

2,566,

contingencies.

And

programs: two in Education, one This year, our South Florida

in Health Services management

campus was proud to graduate

and

another

Business

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

“

PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT

Universidad Ana G. Méndez Campus Virtual HELPING OTHERS SUCCEED BY PUTTING EDUCATION WITHIN REACH

ACHIEVEMENT THIS YEAR -AND OVER THE PAST DECADE- HAS BEEN OUR ACTIVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH APPROACH.”

Dr. Luis Burgos, Ed.D. Chancellor

Florida Campuses

With a new logo, fully redesigned portal, fresh and revamped courses, and a clear mission to put education within everyone’s reach, Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Campus Virtual (UAGM-CV) is poised to set new standards in the distance learning arena. It has been a year of achievements across the board, stating with the candidacy for accreditation received from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This recognition of academic excellence complements the license issued by the Commission on Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education, opening the door for full delivery of our renowned dual-language programs in a marketplace that is growing on a daily basis. Additionally, the complete redesign of our portal means that student access to all our services and programs is now easier and faster than ever. And with 21 graduate courses and 20 undergraduate courses newly designed or redesigned, plus 13 new dual language courses, additional online workshops and 9 courses geared towards fostering research activities, the UAGM-CV academic offer continues to attract a more diversified student and faculty profile, while increasing enrollment.

Beyond Academics

Annual Report 2013-14

Our virtual reach this year went

women achieve self-sufficiency and

beyond our shores. Through an

a better quality of life. Through our

agreement

Socrates

involvement with Fundación Alas

Company, we are now providing

a la Mujer, we participate actively

our continuing education programs

in the development of educational

to students in Mexico, with plans

activities for those women willing

to expand that accomplishment to

to transform their current situation

Peru, as well as to our neighbors in

and build a brighter future for

the Dominican Republic.

themselves.

Locally in Puerto Rico, our capacity

Going

to provide education online allow

maintain

us to serve as distance learning

course,

provider, offering special training,

education

courses and continuing education to

wherever they may be.

with

the

professional organizations. Similarly, we are helping many disadvantaged

forward, its

current

putting at

UAGM-CV

will

expansion

high anyone’s

quality reach,

“

Sistema TV

BRINGING QUALITY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING TO OUR COMMUNITIES

UAGM-CV WILL MAINTAIN ITS

Athletic League games culminating

de Detallistas Hermes Award for

with Justas de la LAI, as they are

Sistema TV’s support to small and

known in Spanish, held in Ponce

medium bussiness.

- that is 70 hours more than last year. This broadcast included 47

Aside from expanding our own

total games over two semesters,

programming and sports coverage

QUALITY

and covered new sports like beach

we allowed more air time for social

voleyball, table tennis, baseball,

interest and educational initiatives

EDUCATION AT ANYONE’S REACH,

soccer and softball, that had never

from non profit entities such as

been televised in the past. To this we

Reporteros

WHEREVER THEY MAY BE.”

added 5 special editions of Charla

Reporters),

Deportiva (Sports Talk) to analyze

elementary school children more

the developments and progress of

involved in science and education,

the games. Moreover, our sports