Annual Report 2008-2009 - Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
Transcription
Annual Report 2008-2009 - Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
Annual Report 2008-2009 Ana G. Méndez University System ,EARNING Learning ATTHESPEEDOFLIGHT at the speed of light CONTENTS Our Guiding Principles 2 Vision 2015 3 Message from the Board Chair 4 2008-2009 Board of Directors 6 Message from the President 8 Development and Alumni Affairs 12 Public Policy Institute 14 Economic Development and Commercialization 16 Leading our System 18 U.S. Presidential Advisory Board 20 Executive Vice Presidency 21 Vice Presidency of Planning and Academic Affairs 23 Vice Presidency of Marketing and Student Affairs 26 Vice Presidency of Administrative Affairs 30 Vice Presidency of Human Resources 32 Vice Presidency of United States and Latin American Affairs 34 Vice Presidency of Financial Affairs 35 Our Institutions 36 Universidad del Turabo 38 Universidad Metropolitana 40 Universidad del Este 42 Distance Education Initiative 44 SiTV Ana G. Méndez University Channel 45 Projections 2009-2010 46 Organizational Chart 47 General Information 48 ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 3 AGMUS ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 In a democratic society, every human being has the right to an education, regardless of race, sex, color, Our Guiding Principles national origin, social status, physical or mental condition, religious, political or social belief. The development of human potential requires an open-door policy that allows students to benefit from All educational institutions should aspire to achieve academic excellence and should commit themselves approaches to education. (AGMUS) was founded 60 years ago on Academic institutions are integral components of the seven basic principles. These principles communities they serve. have served the institution well and are alive in the system’s mission which to this Faculty members must innovate for the benefit of their students and for their own professional growth. day guides our work serving our students and Puerto Rico. Focus on growth and excellence academic programs to the full extent of their ability. to fostering such excellence through enlightened The Ana G. Méndez University System Vision 2015 s part of the University System’s goal to be- A lopment, physical and technological infrastructure, fiscal come one of the principal initiators of ideas on strength, and institutional quality and effectiveness.With the island, Vision 2015 focuses on the strategies Vision 2015, Ana G. Méndez University System’s goal is to that will help generate feasible solutions to meet Puerto be recognized not only as an institution of higher learn- Rico’s economic and social development needs over the ing, but one of excellence in the areas of research and ser- next decade.Vision 2015 not only embraces the strate- vices, contributing significantly to Puerto Rico’s economic gies implemented over the past decade in Vision 2005, growth and to the overall community. In the next years, it takes them to greater heights by emphasizing on new the University System seeks to be recognized as an entity and expanded vectors or strategic priorities. These vec- of transformation, constant innovation, and financial sta- tors are focused on seven key areas that include academics affairs, student services and development, public The real needs of Puerto Rico must be understood so that its human resources can be enriched and graduates can make a positive contribution to the progress of society in the work force. The educational development of the students should emphasizeacademicskillandgrowththatisproductive in both daily living and employment. bility, centered on individuals as their main nal Quality and Effect utio ive t i t ne ns r vectors a l ss u d 7I e M 23 2 engagement, management and organizational deve- 1 Academic Affairs Services and Student Development University System promotes a better quality of life for our students, employees and the community at large. ANA AN ANA NA G. G M MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE ND N DE D EZUNIVERSITY EZ U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV VE ER ERS RS SITY ITY TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YST STE S TE T EM •A AN ANNUAL NNU NUA NUA UALREPORT R REPORT EP E EPO PO PORT R2008-2009 T 200 22008-2009 2008 20 00008-2 8 2009 200 0009 009 ANA G.. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 2 fective use of its technological, physical, and management resources to support its mission. Public Engagement 654 Client 6 Fiscal Strengthening 5 The fundamental commitment of the Ana G. Méndez 3 and principal focus, while making ef- 4 Management and Organizational Development Technological and Physical Infrastructure Support vectors 7I nst ss itut ne e v i iona l Quality and Effect ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 3 Message from the Board Chair Rapid growth and high credibility T The economic development consortiums have proven themselves to play a critical role in the advancement of technology and scientific research. he strategic vision of AGMUS is set by the Board of In the area of education, we experienced this a critical role in the advancement of technology and Directors, which is comprised by twelve individuals of year a significant growth of investments for the teaching scientific research, not only within AGMUS, but in all of great professional proficiency and human quality. The of the Sciences. At the undergraduate level, the sciences Puerto Rico. INTENOR in Barceloneta established this year Board has demonstrated its commitment not only to AGMUS, are dominating the teaching curriculum, in response a Scientific Board, composed of researchers and business but also to Puerto Rico. to the ever increasing demand of careers in the health leaders, to continue to develop the Center for Excellence During my tenure as Board Chair, we have given field. The UMET experience, with the development of its in Technology Advancement (CETA). This center is already special attention to such values as solidarity, trust and respect. Mathematics Center with a National Science Foundation producing prototypes of medicine, as well as undertaking By following and strengthening these principles, the Board $1.5M grant, led the way for other institutions to establish critical scientific research that will create new opportunities has enhanced its performance as rector of the System, as well their respective centers, focusing in the strengthening of for the pharmaceutical industry in Puerto Rico. as it has ensured that the decisions made are consistent, and science and math skills. Exchanges with universities in Europe and Latin has been a rewarding experience and it makes me proud to optimize the utilization of resources toward the System’s AmericahavegainedAGMUSthepublicacknowledgement of its accomplishments. I can foresee that the sciences and, constant growth. and credibility as an institution where growth and in particular the health related sciences, will continue to Financially speaking, in particular for this past year, the transformation take place. In a few short years, we have become an ever growing important factor of our society; Board distinguished itself for having successfully mitigated the transformed from a simple System to a complex one so too, will the demand for competent health professionals impact of the effects of the financial crisis experienced in the with an expanded and varied academic offerings, greater and critical research. I can thus envision that the creation of investment world. The Board spearheaded initiatives to control scientific research projects and increased international a medical school would be an important achievement for the budget, bring about changes in investment policies, and exchanges that provide the System with alternative AGMUS in the future, a goal which I look forward with great introduce measures that will bring stability and success in the academic perspectives. This enriches the experience of enthusiasm. long term. Thanks to the effective team work formed by the everyone in the System, including its Board. strong institution. ANA A G. G MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ ND EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIVERS NIV IVERS ERSITY ER SITY IT SYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YSTE STE ST EM • AN A ANNUAL NN NUA UA UALREPORT R REPO REPORT E RT EPO 2008-2 20 200 2008-2009 8 2009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 2008-2009 Leading AGMUS Board through this academic year in consensus. With this base, the Board provides guidance Board and the administration, AGMUS remains a financially 4 The teaching of the Sciences is being strengthened in the System. At the undergraduate level the sciences are dominating the teaching curriculum responding to the increasing demand of careers in the health field. It is my belief that the economic development consortiums have already proven themselves to play Florabel G. Mullick, MD Board Chair ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 5 Board of Directors Committeess 2008-2009 AGMUS Board of Directors EXECUTIVE CO C COMMITEE MMIT TEE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FIDUCIARY FIDUCIAR AR ARY RY CO COMM COMMITEE MMIT MM ITEE IT EE E BYLAWS COMMITTEE José Domingo Pérez,Chair Chair Chai Ch ar Florabel G. Mullick, Juan R. Melecio, Juan R. Melecio, ChairChair Néstor Jesús Pou Félix R.de Schmidt José F. Méndez José F. Méndez José F.F.Méndez José Méndez Zoraida Fonalledas Juan M. García Passalacqua Ivar A. Pietri Antonio J. Colorado Victoria de Jesús, Vice President Florabel G. Mullick Víctor Herná Hernández ándezz Víctor Hernández Florabel G. Mullick, MD, Chair Félix R. Schmidt, MD, Vice Chair José F. Méndez, Dr.h.c., AGMUS President Juan M. García Passalacqua, Esq. Ivar Pietri, CE Juan R. Mele Melecio ecio Pérez José Domingo of Human Resources Antonio A. Figueroa Alvarado, Vice President AUDIT COMMITTEE Financial Aff airs Víctorof Hernández, Chair FINANCE CO COMMITEE OMM MITEE FINANCE COMMITTEE José . de la Cruz Skerrett, Esq. Antonio J. EColorado Ivar A. Pietri, , Cha Chair air Chair Antonio J. Colorado, Legal Counselor Zoraida Fonalledas AgnesR.B.Schmidt Suá Suárez árez Félix Juan R. Melecio Juan R. Melecio STATUTES COMMITEE José Domingo Pérez, CE Audit Au Audi ud t Co Commitee oFernández m itee mm Daneris David Rivé Power, Chair Antonio J. Colorado, Esq. Juan n R. M Melecio, elecio, Chair José F. Méndez Zoraida Fonalledas, Esq. Daneriss Fernández Da ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS Juan M. García Passalacqua COMMITTEE Juan R. Melecio Juan R. Melecio, Esq. David Rivé, Esq ACADEMIC ANDPérez, STUDENT José Domingo ChairAFFAIRS COMMITEE Víctor Hernández, DMD Víctor Hernández, Víctor Hernández Chair Daneris Fernández, ChE Juan M.Rivé García Passalacqua David Antonio Fonalledas J. Colorado Zoraida José E. de la Cruz Skerrett, Esq. Legal Counselor David Rivé Power Florabel G. Mullick Félix R. Schmidt ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 6 ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 7 Message from The President Raising the Bar to Meet Challenges aising the bar to meet today’s social, economic and During the 2008-2009 academic year, we met global challenges is a constant quest of the Ana G. several objectives and goals based on our strategic vision. Méndez University System. Since its inception in 1949, With the support of our US Presidential Advisory Board and AGMUS has become a pillar of our society. We have worked the leadership of our institutions, a new strategic plan was tirelessly to lay a solid educational foundation and as we put in place to guide the strengthening of teaching and celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can proudly say that AGMUS research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, has become one of the finest academic institutions of our time. mathematics, and health allied fields. This new “STEM+H” Our society and the world face unprecedented plan will provide the guidelines to expand and enhance challenges that require prompt responses from academia. our programs and initiatives in these critical areas toward Rapid environmental degradation, rising unemployment the year 2020. These plans focus on the health and health- and plunging financial markets, health epidemics, and related professions, fields of increasing importance, the need to develop alternative energy sources, are taking bold steps to expand the Health Sciences program factors that make our society vulnerable. At the same at the three institutions, particularly at the Universidad time, we must continue to compete and excel on a Metropolitana (UMET). Plans for developing a community global scale. Therefore, we must harness science and health center at UMET’s campus in the municipality of important center will provide ample exhibition and technology to resolve these problems and aspire to an Bayamón were finalized. We completed the transfer of meeting spaces for both national and international artists. ideal in order to enhance the quality of life for our society. several health programs from our main campus in Cupey to We continue to create alliances with local AGMUS has adopted a dual approach to meet these Bayamón to better accommodate the physical and market governments and the private sector. An agreement was challenges. First, by developing an exemplary education needs of our newly developed nursing degree programs. reached between UMET, the Department of Education, with curriculums tailored to current economic, social and At the Universidad del Turabo (UT), our efforts led to and the Municipality of Comerío to offer short-term global trends. But that is not enough. We have proactively obtaining accreditation for its Nursing School. technical programs establish a UMET technical school in R 8 8 AN A ANA NA N AG G.. MÉ M MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉN NDE DE DEZ U UNIVERSITY NIV VERS ERSITY IT SY ITY SYSTEM YSTE STEM TEM • A AN ANNUAL NNUA U LR UA REPORT EPO PORT 20 P 2200 2008-2009 0088-2 --2200 009 09 We have proactively expanded the scope of our mission, participating actively with other sectors of society in search of powerful solutions. Dr. Méndez receiving a lifetime achievement award from Kimberly and Manuel A. Casiano, awarded by Casiano Communications, editors of the leading business newspaper on the Island. expanded the scope of our mission, participating actively Important goals in infrastructure were attained. the facilities of the newly constructed local vocational with other sectors of society in search of powerful solutions. We purchased 15 acres in the Municipality of Gurabo school. These facilities are used to offer training for nursing Undoubtedly, we have become a leader in both the educational for expanding the Universidad del Turabo campus. technicians, medical record administrators and computer arena and in promoting and implementing ideas that foster Architectural plans were finished for the expansion technicians. Over 150 students have benefited form this social change and social responsibility in Puerto Rico. of the Museum and Center for Humanistic Studies program. Plans are underway to replicate this initiative at Universidad del Turabo. The new facilities of this in other vocational schools throughout the island. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 9 addressed the need for a governmental fiscal reform system’s Channel 40 brought the new SíTV-Canal strategy as well as increasing technological alternatives Universitario to the screen. The station will continue as a available to dispose and reduce solid waste and its impact PBS affiliate but will expand its offering to include topics on the economy and the environment. Our Institute’s ranging from current affairs to university life. New news forums have generated much interest from the Island’s policymakers, business and opinion leaders, making the Institute a key player in the public discussion of issues in Puerto Rico. This year, a total of four policy reports were published and distributed to policy makers and the public. Building upon the internationalization strategy INTECO will develop a and the aim to serve other Hispanic communities as center for the study of States where it developed two campuses, Orlando and renewable energy and comprehensive market study was conducted to determine engineering such as such as the Dominican Republic, Panama and other the photovoltaic and wind technologies. stated in Vision 2015, AGMUS branched out to the United South Florida. These now serve over 1,700 students. A the feasibility of expanding services to emerging markets Regis University, of Colorado, awarded Dr. Méndez a Doctor Honoris Causa degree, his second award, for his lifetime work in higher education. Spearheaded by AGMUS, with the support of locations in the state of Florida. In Tampa, for example, Municipalities and private industries, the four regional economic there is great demand for AGMUS’ dual-language model, a development consortia have taken on ambitious agendas. registered trademark. The Dominican Republic represents anchors will bring to life talk shows, news analysis, live coverage The consortium alliance of the northern region, INTENOR, is an opportunity to establish a community college concept of cultural events, and coverage of academic activities of the completing construction plans for the Center for Research using the Universidad del Turabo’s (UT) academic curriculum. three universities. The first programs will feature the UMET’s & Development and Industrial Support (CREDIS), within the On the international scene, the university system environmental adventures, the UT’s artists in residence at INTENOR Science Park in the Municipality of Barceloneta. CREDIS plans to launch Puerto Rico’s first Distance Learning the Humanistic Museum and UNE’s Jesús Piñero Center, will house the research projects related to the pharmaceutical University with a full curriculum from the three institutions. honoring the legacy of the island’s first Puerto Rican governor. industry. On the other hand, the INTECO alliance, in eastern The system will use state-of-the-art technology that will As we continue writing the pages of our history, central Puerto Rico, will have developed a center for the study foster interactive learning through live conversations, the Office of the President, with the aid guidance and of renewable energy, through the Puerto Rico Energy Center chats and seminars. This “virtual” University aims to support of the Board of Directors, expects nothing (PREC), to research photovoltaic, plasma and wind technologies. attract local as well as international students seeking less than to work with dedication and excellence in INTENE in the eastern sector and DISUR in the south are also an updated curriculum and learning methodologies contributing to meet the challenges posed by today’s developing projects geared to the specific needs of their regions. based on professional and work experiences. Once complex outlook. As we complete our 60th anniversary, This year, more than ever before, our work again, AGMUS will be in the vanguard creating the we reaffirm our mission of service to Puerto Rico and the transcended the university community to a greater audience. first university of this type originating in Puerto Rico. Hispanic community, begun by Ana G. Méndez, and one The Public Policy Institute (IPP) brought public attention Digitalization and rebranding the university that our entire system understands to be relevant today. to pressing problems facing our society. The Institute held several forums, one of which addressed issue of creating José F. Méndez, Dr.h.c. efficient and effective government by Ambassador Maurice President McTigue, from George Mason University. The Institute also ANA A G. G MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ ND EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIVERS NIV IVERS ERSITY ER SITY IT SYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YSTE STE ST EM • AN A ANNUAL NN NUA UA UALREPORT R REPO REPORT E RT EPO 2008-2 20 200 2008-2009 8 2009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 2008-2009 10 0 ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 11 Development and Alumni Affairs Development and Alumni Affairs Building Dreams: nstitutional development and alumni relations are two key I While over 100 corporations, foundations, and firms areas that make AGMUS standout as an educational insti- contributed to the campaign, three gifts stand apart. The José tution. These attest to the quality of our education and our A. (Tony) Santana Foundation, a nonprofit organization, part reputation among alumni. Our office’s mission is to develop of the Empresas Santana conglomerate, donated $1 million relationships with alumni and link potential donors with pro- toward the academic program in hospitality management grams, scholarships and the construction of new facilities. and culinary arts at UNE. The school, which now bears the During the 2008-2009 academic year, our office ef- name José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospital- fectively formed alumni groups, from the three universities. ity and Culinary Arts, will use the funds for academic develop- We made it a priority to involve alumni in identifying potential ment, scholarships and the construction of new culinary arts partners. Most developed a commitment to their alma mater laboratories. thing back. The Museum and Center for Humanistic Studies at UT has been dedicated to Dr. Josefina Camacho Nuez, mother Our Capital Campaign efforts that began in 2004 of Guillermo L. Martínez, philanthropist and arts patron, who ended successfully in December 2008. The campaign goal donated $1 million for the expansion of this project. New ex- was $24.6 million, of which $20 million was raised. The funds hibit halls and open spaces will allow for greater access to the are destined for eight major projects: the School of Business permanent collection. and Entrepreneurship (Universidad del Turabo), programs The UT School of Engineering received a donation of and scholarships in science and technology (UMET), the Stu- $2,295,000 from a group of engineers and engineering firms dent and Alumni Village (UT), the new AGMUS SíTV, the José to expand the School of Engineering. These funds were used A. Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary forlaboratoriesforelectricalengineering,informationsystems Arts (Universidad del Este), the José Domingo Pérez School of and improvement of classrooms. The school has been named Engineering (UT), the Permanent Scholarship Fund, and the the José Domingo Pérez School of Engineering in honor of Dr. Josefina Camacho de la Nuez Museum and Humanistic engineer Pérez and his leadership in the field of engineering Studies Center (UT). and the Capital Campaign. ANA G. G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIVERSITY NIV NIVERS NI VERS ERSITY ER TYSYSTEM SYSTE SY SYSTEM YSTEM STE TE EM • AN A ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 20 2200 2008-2009 08-2 8-2009 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 12 12 has supported tax reform laws that would increase the cur- dergraduate students; 249 have since graduated. Under the rent 33% deduction for donations in order to stimulate chari- Permanent Scholarship Fund, 175 students are receiving table giving in Puerto Rico. scholarships in the three institutions. “Envision-Support-Transform” while students and now as alumni, they want to give some- Last year the scholarship fund benefited 441 un- In retrospect, this year we fulfilled many dreams en- Once again we led the Puerto Rico Chapter of the visioned. Progressively we will create alliances with individu- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), which estab- als and organizations that also believe in building dreams for lishes standards of conduct for the fundraising profession. It the future. Our Collaborators A & M Contractors, Inc./ Empresas Kier A T & T Puerto Rico Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR, Ltd. AIREKO Construction AMGEN American Construction Co. Ana G. Méndez Memorial Fund Antonio Roig Ferré y María Dolores Roig Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital / Familia Escudero Avaya / Envision Technologies Aventis Pharmaceuticals BBDO / Puerto Rico BBVA Bacardí Corporation Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Banco Santander de Puerto Rico Berlitz Languages Bermúdez, Longo & Díaz Massó, S.E. Cadierno Corporation Cancio, Nadal, Rivera & Díaz Caribbean Industrial Construction Carolina Shopping Court / José R. Bacardí Casiano Communications, Inc. Centennial de PR Centro de Imágenes del Noreste / Dr. Emilio Torres Reyes Coca-Cola Foundation Coca Cola PR Bottlers Constructora Santiago II Corp. Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Ana G. Méndez CT Radiology Complex / MRI Institute Cué & López Contractors Deloitte & Touche Doral Financial Corporation Dow, Lohnes, and Albertson Dr. Jesús Joel Pérez Dr. José Antonio Molina Dr. Juan M. González Lamela EcoEléctrica El Comandante Operating Corp. Empresas Cordero Badillo Empresas Sadurní Empresas VRM Ericsson Caribbean Estudios Técnicos, Inc. / Joaquín Villamil Fiddler, González & Rodríguez Fraternidad Phi Eta Mu, Corp. Fundación Ángel Ramos Fundación Banco Popular Fundación Corazón Guerrero Fundación Educativa Sprint Fundación José A. Santana / Empresas Santana Fundación José Domingo Pérez Fundación José Jaime Pierluisi Fundación Plaza Las Américas GAR Housing Corp. / Res A.G. Management Corp. Grupo Arana Grupo Stella Guillermo L. Martínez Camacho Hewlett Packard Hill Construction Corp. Hilton International Company Hospital Hnos. Meléndez Industria Hotelera de Puerto Rico IPR Pharmaceuticals Ing. Adriel Longo Ing. Juan J. Bermúdez Ing. Juan J. Jiménez Ing. Pablo del Valle / Del Valle Group Inter-Continental San Juan Hotel Jabiana Development Johnson & Johnson José E. De La Cruz Skerrett Law Office KCS Cleaning Service, Inc. L’BEL Paris Lcdo. Mario F. Gaztambide, Jr. Lehman Brothers Lema Developers Lilly del Caribe Los Prados Urbanos, Inc. MFPW J. Walter Thompson Marxuach & Longo Mary P. Dolciani (Halloran Foundation) Medical Card System (MCS) Medtronic Foundation Merck, Sharp & Dohme Merck, Sharp & Dohme - Carolina Mesirow Financial Microsoft Caribbean, Inc. Millipore Foundation Municipio Autónomo de Caguas National Science Foundation Omega Engineering S. E. Patheon / MOVA Pharmaceutical Peregrine Development Corp. Phi Eta Mu PIA of PR & the Caribbean, Inc. PRT / Wireline Services Procter & Gamble QB Construction S.E. Radiology Institute Imaging Center Rafael y Salfa Tamayo Ricoh Rubén Valdés / Portales de MADECO Sociedad Española de Auxilio Mutuo Teléfonos Públicos de Puerto Rico Telepro Caribe, Inc. The Efrón Foundation, Inc. The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation Triple-S Management Corp. Wal*Mart / Sam’s Club William Randolph Hearst Foundation Wyeth Laboratories Xerox Corp. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 13 Institute for Public Policy Institute for Public Policy Relevant Policies in an Era of Rapid Change A t this critical juncture in global affairs, Puerto Rico This past year the IPP addressed a number of vital needs to develop public policy alternatives to guide public issues. The IPP generated public discussion in support present and future decision makers. AGMUS made a of the not-for-profit sector, or Third Sector. The IPP advocated strategic move to promote public policy alternatives through the passage of Senate Bill # 2551 that would make contribu- academic research and public discussion. As a result, the Pu- tions to nonprofits 100% tax deductible. The proposal is still blic Policy Institute (IPP) was created to study current public being analyzed by the Legislature. The Institute also focused policies and promote new or alternative policies for Puerto on supporting legislation to raise municipal autonomy to con- Rico. Its vision guided by its Board President, attorney César R. stitutional status based on a keynote speech given by former Vázquez, and its dynamic Advisory Board, is to incorporate citi- Governor Rafael Hernández Colón in 2008. IPP efforts involved zens in the discussion of public policies, present alternatives meeting with various legislators to discuss the benefits of mu- to public sector decision makers, and foster the formation of nicipal autonomy. public officials serving in the legislature, judiciary and executive branch of government. The IPP advocated the passage of Senate Bill # 2551 that would make contributions to nonprofits 100% tax deductible. Raising awareness about environmental issues In sum, the Institute continues to be at the forefront remains a priority. The IPP has collaborated in developing of discussion of relevant public policies. In today’s dynamic strategies for managing solid waste conversion to energy. scenario, it is a vital voice for the analysis and development of The forum “Technological Options in the Management of sound policies for Puerto Rico. Solid Waste” showcased proven technologies. The speakers were Dr. Nicholas J. Themelis, from Columbia University, with panelists Carl Soderberg, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency in Puerto Rico, and Javier Quintana, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority. The IPP has also promoted the importance of stimulating competitiveness for economic growth linked to environmental issues. This year, governmental reform and downsizing the public sector has generated public discussion and controversy. In light of this, the Institute sponsored a forum on “Transforming the Government” with special guest, the Honorable Maurice McTigue, Vice President and Director of the The forums were broadcast live on SíTV for public viewers. government accountability project of the Mercatus Center, a think-tank of George Mason University. He proposed changes in public sector management and budgeting based on results; and emphasized that transparency and accountability are crucial to successful governance. Local experts, participating as respondents, included William Lockwood, past President of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico; Josen Rossi, President of the Manufacturers Association and Roberto Jiménez, Director of Vision-to-Action consulting firm. In 2008-2009, six policy papers were published by the IPP which addressed the topics of the forums. These papers are a significant educational contribution to policymakers, academics and the general public. ANA G. ANA G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV NIVERS VERS ERSITY ER IT TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTE SYSTEM YSTE STEM EM •A AN ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 2200 2008-2009 008-2 8-2009 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 14 4 Ambassador Maurice McTigue, George Mason University, speaks at the forum on transforming government to a full auditorium. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 15 Economic Development and Commercialization Teaming up for Science, Technology and Economic Development he Office of Economic Development and Commer- T es and educational institutions to participate in governmental cialization is an important arm supporting AGMUS in action. This in turn impacts the quality of life of all citizens. its vision to create and participate in activities that fos- AGMUS’ foresight to take a lead in creating multi- ter Puerto Rico’s socio-economic development as well as the sector centers, joining science and technology to promote transfer and commercialization of technology. economic development and serve the needs and future INTENE Science and technology parks tion of regional organizations of economic development, and and organize four regional economic development organi- multi-sector consortia of private, public and third-sector orga- zations: INTENOR (Spanish acronym for the Northern Tech- Research Centers, such as Center for Research and De- nizations, including academia. We are committed to support- nological Initiative), INTENE (North-Eastern Technological velopment and Industrial Support in Barceloneta and the ing the creation of university programs and activities which Initiative), INTECO (Eastern-Central Technological Initiative), Puerto Rico Energy Center in the Universidad del Turabo stimulate innovation and an institutional entrepreneurial cul- and DISUR (Alliance for the Integrated Development of the Mass transportation projects ture, linked with regional initiatives. Another objective is to South). In 2008-2009 these four successful regional consortia, create and support institutional processes and policies that have become major players in promoting and implementing achieve technology transfer. In promoting business creation, economic development. A multi-sector board of directors the formation of entrepreneurs, and the creation of capital, guides the corporations; area municipalities, the private sec- we are also promoting a dissemination of wealth at all levels tor and leading academic institutions are represented on the of society. board. More than 50 municipalities jointly benefit from their cuses on the resources, needs and profile of each region and A myriad of other activities throughout AGMUS are matches those characteristics to business creation, employ- planned for the four regional consortia as they are proving to ment generation and investment. We see regionalization as be effective and vital motors in the socio-economic develop- an exercise in democracy that allows communities, business- ment of Puerto Rico. ANA G. ANA G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV NIVERS VERS ERSITY ER IT TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTE SYSTEM YSTE STEM EM •A AN ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 2200 2008-2009 008-2 8-2009 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL DISUR gic projects: growth of regions, has borne fruit. AGMUS has helped create programs. INTECO We participate and actively foster the development of strate- Our objectives include promoting the consolida- Our regional, economic development model fo- 16 6 INTENOR Business Incubator Renewable energy projects AGMUS has already submitted its first four patent applications and is in the The second major area of activity for the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization is technology transfer, in terms of both licensing intellectual property as well as in the creation of university-related business “startups”. AGMUS has already submitted its first four patent applications and is in the process of implementing an aggressive commercialization plan. Also, it has completed commercial- process of implementing an aggressive commercialization plan. ization agreements that should evolve into joint ventures with innovative technology entrepreneurs. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 17 Vice Presidents & Chancellors Vice Presidents & Chancellors Leading our System Alfonso L. Dávila Executive Vice President and Acting Vice President of Financial Affairs Luis A. Zayas Vice President of United States and Latin American Affairs Dennis R. Alicea, Ph.D. Chancellor Universidad del Turabo ANA UNIVERSITYSYSTEM SYSTEM• •ANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT 2008-2009 ANA G. G. MÉNDEZ MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY 2008-2009 18 18 Jorge L. Crespo Vice President of Planning and Academic Affairs Migdalia Torres, Ph.D. Chancellor Distance Education Initiative Francisco Bartolomei Vice President of Marketing and Students Affairs Victoria de Jesús, Ed.D. Vice President of Human Resources Jesús A. Díaz Vice President of Administrative Affairs Federico M. Matheu, Ph.D. Chancellor Universidad Metropolitana Alberto Maldonado Ruiz, Esq. Chancellor Universidad del Este Margarita Millán, Esq. Vice President and General Manager Sí TV – Ana G. Méndez University Channel ANA MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 ANA G. G MÉ M ÉNDE NDE DEZ U NIIV N NIV VEERS ER RS SITY SITY ITTY TY SYS SSYSTEM SY YSSTE TEM • A TE AN NNUAL NUA N UA AL RREPO EPPO EPO ORT RT 200 20 008-2 00 88---2200 0009 0099 19 19 OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT U.S. Presidential Advisory Board in Alfonso L. Dávila Science, Engineering and Health Science and technology is a primary focus of the programs of AGMUS and the U.S. Presidential Advisory Board has played a pi- Progress at the Speed of Technology votal role in important advances made by our universities in the sciences, engineering and health areas. The Board is made up of distinguished professionals in science and technology from United States government agencies and private institutions. Dr. Susan Phillips Speece Science, engineering and health related fields play an important role at AGMUS. Herman J. Gibb, P.h.D. Florabel G. Mullick, MD Dr. Michael Chartock T he Office of the Executive Vice President facilitates and promotes the effective flow of communication and implementation among the system’s academic institutions, the Vice Presidential divisions and SíTV, as well as oversees the telecommunications and Information Technology Department and development of AGMUS’ University Centers. Information, communication and decision making Scott May Dr. William Dawes, Jr. Félix R. Schmidt, MD Ronald Blackburn are at the crux of our mission. As meeting point, we are the hub where the academic vision meets administrative challenges and a diversity of our academic communities find a common ground. Dr. Mark Bradley Lyles Dr. Melissa A. McDiarmid is the state-of-the-art technological infrastructure that main- Nizar N . Zein, MD tains and nurtures all administrative and academic processes. Dr. José A. Centeno This year has seen an increase in biotechnology research. Undergraduate students have opportunities to carry out their experiments in fully equipped state-of-theart laboratories. ANA G. MÉNDEZUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYSYSTEM SYSTEM • ANNUALREPORT REPORT 2008-2009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 2008-2009 20 The primary facilitator of these complex processes Health related careers are offered at the three institutions with a consistently high enrollment rate. Technology is the universal member of our system which enables the efficient management of our resources. This year that students and the public have to ad campaigns has pro- our commitment to Information Technology (IT) is evidenced vided management with valuable data on the of the student by our $1.5M annual investment in software, hardware and recruitment process. We have broken down the way in which IT services. This included an investment in the network’s in- we collect this data to develop a computerized system which formation “backbone” in each institution. Another major in- includes the phases of a student’s recruitment process: an frastructure enhancement was the replacement of the main analysis of the potential student’s in a field of study, know- connections to the public network by new high speed links, ledge about the application process, did the candidate apply increasing data traffic transport capacity by an average of for admission and has the student registered at the institution. 1000%. This significant increase in capacity was done to ad- This information serves as “intelligent reporting” for manage- dress the need to support video conferencing, multimedia ment and can be strategic in the decision making process. content, online courses, access to external data bases, and In order to protect the systems for all of our users, other web based applications used in the classroom. proactive security measures have been taken. An Intrusion Technology has facilitated the collection of informa- Prevention System was introduced as web filters to detect tion that many times shapes the direction of the institutions. external threats to the system. We also installed an Internet For example, data collected from marketing on the response Security and Acceleration Server (ISA) which rates the content ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 21 VICE PRESIDENCY OF PLANNING AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS CORPORATE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Building Global Bridges T he mission of the Office of Corporate and International Affairs is to bridge academic and institutional ties with international educational institutions. This year there have been important ac- We also installed... a system which rates the content of web pages to secure the student’s safe navigation on the world wide web. complishments that aid in our endeavor to build global bridges. Our office constantly seeks out and responds Jorge L. Crespo Planning for the Future Today effectively to local trends. In the case of southern Puerto Rico, the Port of the Americas represents an opportunity for economic development. This year, we sponsored the Symposium on Port Logistics, held in Ponce, in coordination with Universidad del Turabo (UT). Experts in port science from Panama, Holland and Belgium shared their expertise with the newly de- of web pages to secure the student’s safe navigation on veloped Port of the Americas, of which AGMUS is a the world wide web. By complementing security mea- collaborator. Over 160 port specialist and business sures with our internal audit systems, we mitigate prob- leaders attended the symposium. lems while detecting weak links. In order to continually strengthen profes- In today’s fast paced society it is imperative sional schools, this year we identified the University that academic institutions remain at the forefront of of Toulouse, France, as a strategic partner. Our bi- technological developments. Our efforts this academic lingual (English-Spanish) program and the Doctorate year included updating our current WIFI infrastructure program in Business Administration at UT will ben- to the new wireless technology in two or our campuses efit directly from this partnership. The partnership will as well as replacing mainframe servers in our Data Cen- lead to professor and student exchanges, as well as ter, our hub of information, in order to optimize the use collaborative projects that will continue to make our of energy. learning experiences at AGMUS ones with an interna- In the coming year, we will bring “virtual” PC’s tional perspectives. into our computer laboratories and classrooms which This year we strengthen our ties with our will centralize the use of computers and eventually re- neighbor in the Caribbean, the Dominican Repub- duce the use of energy. We will continue to work to- lic and President Leonel Fernández. President Fer- wards optimizing the use of technology to provide for nandez’s Foundation for Globalization and Develop- the best learning experience of our students as well as ment is a recognized non-profit organization which providing the best information for decision making. promotes environmental conservation as well as the study of issues of globalization. The alliance will allow lectures on these topics to be held in Puerto Rico, and in particular at the UT’s Center for Environmental Innovation. ANA G. MÉNDEZUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYSYSTEM SYSTEM • ANNUALREPORT REPORT 2008-2009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 2008-2009 22 T he Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs plays a pivotal role in positioning AGMUS performed this year. Its goal was to streamline and share as a leading institution within Puerto Rico’s higher assessment tools, methods, and calendars. Now, the education system. The vice presidency has two major areas institutions share information and resources that will support of responsibility: the academic component and institutional strategic decision-making as well as help shape future planning which includes strategic planning, institutional projects. research, statistics, as well as coordinating the system’s physical and infrastructure development. Within the academic component, student retention remains a priority. For the third consecutive year, AGMUS Planning is a pillar of development and progress achieved an increase in its first-year retention rate, which in AGMUS. This academic year (2008-2009), a system-wide, amounted to a 1.2% increase for the system (67.6%) or a summative evaluation was developed to assess the progress 5.2% increase as compared to the 2004 figures. This rate is of our planning process. Accordingly, as a whole the System higher than the average benchmark for peer institutions in achieved an average completion rate of 81% with regard the United States. Furthermore, the Career Ladder model was of the goals and projects set for the first two years of the implemented at the Technical Studies School as a graduation Strategic Guidelines (2006-07 and 2007-2008). In addition, and retention strategy for those students with a grade a strategic process involving the three universities was point average (GPA) lower than 2.0. To support its retention In the area of adult education, the AHORA program, established in 1995, continues to a great success and has reached a record 8,000 students. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 23 UNIVERSITY CENTERS Unique learning opportunities close to home strategies and improve overall student services, AGMUS must have accurate data and information to address students’ changing needs. To this end, an investment was made for Universidad Metropolitana and Universidad del Este in the acquisition and implementation Student Space, a leading provider of student information systems focusing on student tracking, retention and early intervention solutions. The successful adult education program AHORA, established in 1995, reached a record of 8,000 students during the 2008-2009 academic year. The program extends to the three main campuses and the university centers throughout the Island. Seven new academic programs were designed exclusively for the adult centered accelerated program, which includes five master’s degrees and two bachelor’s degrees. AGMUS School for Technical Studies provides one- As part of our goal to improve service for our student body, we continue to seek accurate data that and two-year certificates and associate degrees in highdemand fields for students not attracted by the traditional four-year college degrees. This year enrollment met the goal of more than 2,400 students and a significant increase in productivity indexes was achieved. The technical studies school also established a working alliance with the Municipality of Comerío and the Department of Education of Puerto Rico in order to provide technical programs in the newly constructed vocational school at that municipality, reaching will permit us to develop School of Technical Programs developed other partnerships, targeted strategies that fit primarily with the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation students’ changing needs. to provide training in vocational and administrative areas for ANA G. ANA G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV NIVERS VERS ERSITY ER IT TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTE SYSTEM YSTE STEM EM •A AN ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 2200 2008-2009 008-2 8-2009 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 24 4 an initial enrollment of 140 new students. In addition, the Workers and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation inmates, security guards and administrative personnel. Both the adult program (AHORA) and the Technical Programs now serve over 25% of AGMUS total enrollment, or some 10,400 students, making a significant contribution to the strengthening and growth of the University System. The year 2008-09 also witnessed a substantial increase in external funds for the three university institutions. Overall, AGMUS received the approval of $28.5 million in grants and contracts from a wide variety of entities such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal Department of Education, NASA, and other federal and local agencies. This represented a 31% increase in approved funds from last year, an impressive achievement considering the particularly difficult year this was in terms of the A GMUS’s thirteen University Centers (UCs) continue to play a pivotal role in educating students in remote or peripheral communities. The Office of the Associate Vice President of University Centers, establishes the mission of these Centers to advance regional socio-economic development by providing quality and current academic programs in Puerto Rico’s more remote regions. This year the curriculum has evolved around high demand degrees such as criminal justice, health related professions, and social work in all of the Centers. At the Cayey Center, the classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology including electronic and printable blackboards that aid student retention. This year, students and faculty from the social work program moved quickly into action to address the educational, health and psychological needs of a community in the Municipality of Patillas after it was affected by a devastating flood. The non traditional combination of academic work and community link has given this University Center one of the highest student retention rates, 89.7%. Metro Orlando, Florida USA economic environment. South Florida In the important area of physical planning, the vice presidency provided critical support in the Isabela conceptualization and design of future strategic Barceloneta Aguadilla Utuado expansion projects, such as the Metropolitan Utuado Institute of Research (MIR) and the Center for Bayamón Jayuya Research & Development and Industrial Support (CREDIS) for Universidad Metropolitana; the Center Naguabo Cayey Yauco Yabucoa Ponce Cabo Rojo Ponce Santa Isabel of Excellence for Community Health at Universidad del Turabo; and the Jesús T. Piñero Library and Social Research Center at Universidad del Este. Overall, the Vice Presidency has focused on leading the planning process and providing the institutions with support in an advisory capacity to meet our goals of academic excellence. UNE’s Barceloneta Center, as well as the Cayey Center, also has technology build into the learning experience in the classroom. It has sophisticated science laboratories with a showcase of equipment for sonography, radiology and mammography. It admits students with above average GPA’s which this year reached an enrollment of approximately 80 students. The University Centers are effective in bridging the gap between school and the workplace. Because of the size of the learning communities, the UCs provide a comfortable setting with unique learning opportunities close to home. Next year our goal is to expand the state-of-the-art technological services for all Centers. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 25 VICE PRESIDENCY OF MARKETING AND STUDENT AFFAIRS Student Enrollment - First Semester Francisco Bartolomei 39,075 40,976 37,954 36,616 Public Commitment and Quality Service for an Engaged Student Body 34,302 30,797 27,262 22,754 2000-01 24,497 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 a widely viewed television debate with the gubernatorial relevant and responsive ways to connect, guide and bring candidates, in which AGMUS students prepared the questions together our internal and external communities. through live video and internet. The Vice Presidency registered an increase in student We also provided support to those affected by enrollment to an all time high of 40,976, which is a significant massive lay-offs in the public and private sector this year. increase of 1,901 more students than last year. AGMUS also As a direct response, the Vice Presidency organized an registered an increase in its share of, post secondary education GMUS strives to be much more than a traditional university market from 21% in 2001 to 27% in 2007. More students system. It is deeply engaged in our students and Puerto Rico’s where displaced workers and professionals were oriented every year trust AGUMS with their academic and professional well-being and development. Through social marketing about new careers options, new fields of study, employment in student enrollment A employment fair, Reinventa tu futuro, Reinvent your Future, and public relations strategies, we promote AGMUS’ commitment opportunities and innovative ideas for new businesses. We to an all time high of and involvement in relevant and critical public issues that face society. encouraged self-analysis to venture into new career options We advocate for the Third Sector as an effective social and economic by taking advantage of our flexible and varied curriculum. force. We endorse regional multi-sectorial alliances that promote Through these initiatives, AGMUS is in constant pursuit of The Vice Presidency registered an increase 40,976, which is a significant increase of 1,947 more students than last year. futures. AGMUS provides an array of services to students so that they can graduate, continue their studies or enter the workforce. Through the use of technology, phone or e-mail, regional socioeconomic growth and sustainability. An important campaign this year was an educational campaign to encourage young voters to exercise their right to vote, knowing that a large number of young people were not registered to vote in the 2004 elections. The campaign Vota o Quédate Callao’, Vote or Keep Quiet, communicated to young people that they must vote if they want their opinions counted. The campaign also included ANA AN ANA NA G. G M MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE ND N DE D EZUNIVERSITY EZ U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV VE ER ERS RS SITY ITY TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YST STE S TE T EM •A AN ANNUAL NNU NUA NUA UALREPORT R REPORT EP E EPO PO PORT R2008-2009 T 200 22008-2009 2008 20 00008-2 8 2009 200 0009 009 ANA G.. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 26 26 ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 27 Throughout 2008 we carried out public information campaigns and personal follow-up student services, they are aware of in order to engage their grades, required courses for graduation, registration students and the public completed. This service is valuable to students, most of which to be responsible members of society. ciety. deadlines and administrative procedures that need to be balance work and study responsibilities. The Vice Presidency’s Contact and Customer Service of converting calls from prospective applicants into actual monthly visitors to our web page, an increase of 10,706 from Center will be expand expanding to improve the services enrollment. In order to gauge service and student satisfaction, the previous year. provide to our students. The that we p representativesuseanewsoftwaretosurveyclientsatisfaction Because of our efforts to engage young people and Center will eventually have C via telephone and record the use of the Contact Center. The the quality and variety of academic programs that AGMUS 16 service representatives. 1 results are published by the Vice Presidency and analyzed provides,thisyearbroughtthesystemanunprecedentedpublic TThis h year the Contact Center internally in order to continuously improve operations and serviced 579,425 calls through ser ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 28 28 The System received acknowledgements, awards and public recognition. The media coverage, through news sources, alone for this year is equivalent to $8,182,342. services to our students. acknowledgement.Thesystemreceivedacknowledgements, awards and public recognition. The media coverage, through news sources, alone for this year is equivalent to $8,182,342 1-800 telephone line. Service tthe he 1 A new AGMUS web site was launched this year. representatives provide orientation repres The new dynamic design provides easier navigation and academic programs, account on aca highlights the system’s tools and technological services. This students and other universities. We are confident that we will balances, b alances as well as inquiries about new version includes web 2.0, multimedia and statistical continue to play an important role in attracting and retaining program o offerings with the purpose analysis of the traffic. During the summer, there were 54,793 students in the future. Student services have become AGMUS’ competitive advantage. The services provide a differentiation among ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 29 VICE PRESIDENCY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS Jesús A. Díaz Towards a culture of conservation is an important concern because of intensive night time A On next year’s agenda is a water-recycling project that will utilize recycled water from air conditioning systems chieving well-designed, well-maintained, green, use, estimated to be 58%, at the institutions. As measures energy efficient, student-friendly campuses and of increased security, for the first time all three institutions facilities are the goals of the Office of the Vice use a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) sensors to President of Administrative Affairs. Our office looks for the access parking. In addition, three trolleys offer constant uniformity in the process and services of the entire AGMUS transportation and patrol in cases of car trouble and physical universe: all three institutions and their grounds, security prevention. the thirteen university centers, the television station and A central electronic surveillance system covering auxiliary enterprises, such as libraries, concession stands, all three institutions was installed. Security cameras were cafeterias, vending machines, and printing shop. We are increased, leading to a reduction of 16,000 hours in also responsible for the development of new facilities security guard services. In addition, “overtime” in security and physical infrastructure, both the engineering and and maintenance services decreased by 80%, a savings of architectural processes, where we apply value engineering approximately $10,000. Since the electronic surveillance to increase control and better administer projects. was installed, we registered a reduction in the number of Our campuses and facilities are used intensely. Last academic year, the three institutions received between resolve situations before they reach the courts. 20,000 and 250,000 visitors. We consider the physical Another key area of savings is the use and and rainwater as a way of infrastructure and upkeep to be part and parcel of students’ conservation of resources. Our office established the education. A welcoming, professional, pleasant and clean position of “specialist in applications” in order to collect On next year’s agenda is a water-recycling project lowering costs. environment is a university system’s best face. Achieving data on energy and water consumption, contracted hours thatwillutilizerecycledwaterfromairconditioningsystems this is a great challenge for AGMUS because the campuses for security and maintenance; as well as to oversee room and rainwater as a way of lowering costs. Next year, we are spread out and the infrastructure varies with each. temperature and light sensors controls. Monitoring these plan to increase Wi-Fi zones in all three institutions and resources allows us to project services and expenses university centers, with the expectation that student use, related to indirect costs. currently 85%, will increase to 100%. Theresponsibilityforsecurityandtheadministration of parking lots has added to our scope of activity. Security ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 30 30 complaints and lawsuits by 40% because the cameras help Another area of conservation is the use of energy. This year we concluded, a one-year pilot project at Universidad Metropolitana which saved $600,000 in energy consumption in a space of more than 60,000 square feet. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 31 VICE PRESIDENCY OF HUMAN RESOURCES Victoria de Jesús, Ed.D. Rightsizing to Meet Challenges The hiring process—postings, applications, profiles and resumes – is conducted through the AGMUS web page. Staff evaluations, records, and contracts are in digital format. The web page is a friendly and manageable tool for enhancing communication at all levels. Satisfaction surveys are also distributed through the he Vice Presidency of Human Resources promotes internet on issues such as strategic planning, communication, the system’s organizational development of faculty client services, and organizational climate. Every two years, we and administrative personnel, among AGMUS’ most survey our associates and faculty on their perception of the T valuable resources. Continuing education is our priority. This year we and so did satisfaction levels in all categories. organized the Management Academy, a 12-session training As part of our commitment to employee health and programthatstrengthenssupervisory,communication,process well-being,theHealth@ProgramInitiativeprovidesnutritional analysis, interpersonal relations, and management skills. This information and guidance on preventing illnesses. In addition, program has helped management expand its skills, which is a we have nutritionists who guide employees on eating right for must in a changing environment. a healthy lifestyle. Supporting the professional growth of our Another landmark achievement was the creation of The use of technology management team, we also introduced a Quality Program in the Association for AGMUS Employees and Retired Employees, which promotes exchanges and educational activities by in Human Resources is conjunction with the American Society for Quality. During the 2008-2009academicyear,68employeesachievedanimportant bringing together former employees and faculty on a regular goal by obtaining Certified Quality Improvement Certificates. basis. an integral component AGMUS offers a comprehensive benefits package TheVicePresidencyofHumanResourcesmakessocial of our commitment to that is constantly updated and enhanced. Yet, we were able responsibility part of its framework. A donation of computer to save $4 million without downsizing. Efforts were focused hardware, which included training in the use of the equipment, increase efficiency and on freezing vacancies and postponing salary increases. Within was made to an elementary school in Caguas. Other donations the context of “rightsizing,” recruitment revolves around went to Hogar Rafaela Ybarra, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and reduce paper work, improving the quality of teaching, and hiring professors with other organizations. Lastly, we have hosted quality assurance doctoral degrees who have had publishing success. Emphasis trainings for municipal personnel of the municipalities that we thereby supporting the is on academics in the areas of business administration, serve. environment. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 32 32 quality of services. This year, employee participation increased entrepreneurship, technology and science. This year we are pleased to report there was a $4 million savings without the need to downsize. Our focus in the next year will be to continue to The use of technology in human resources is an “rightsize” without affecting our associates. We project that integral component of our commitment to increase efficiency human resources will continue to provide the best support, and reduce paperwork, thereby supporting the environment. information, and professional development to our system. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 33 VICE PRESIDENCY OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENCY OF UNITED STATES AND LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS Alfonso L. Dávila Luis A. Zayas Information for Opportunity Beyond our strategic decision making Borders T his Vice Presidency has as a mission to lead the activities and expansion of the system in the United States and Latin America, under AGMUS Ventures. This academic year, has brought many accomplishments that expand the opportunities beyond our borders. The main focus of the Vice Presidency is on two campuses outside of Puerto Rico: Orlando Campus, founded in 2003, and South Florida Campus, founded in 2006. In total these campuses have 1,600 students. This year we achieved an 18% increase in enrolment from the previous year. In Orlando and South Florida we have academic programs of the three institutions. In 2009, 153 graduates from the Orlando campus and 49 from South Florida. The curriculum and methodology implemented in these campuses is an AGMUS registered trademark called Discipline Based Dual Language Immersion Model®. This model builds on the development of another language based on the first language. Classes and course work are taught 50 per cent in Spanish and 50 per cent in English. The program’s goal is to develop dual language proficiency in the student’s field of study, so that he or she carries this bilingual ability into their professional lives. There are two programs that are an essential component of our student’s success: the adult AHORA program and the Bridge Program. Since 2003, 674 adults have earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the accelerated program in Florida. This academic year it is estimated that 70% or more of the AHORA bilingual program participants are women, of whom over 50% are heads of families. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 34 34 This academic year, the program registered a high retention rate, 77%. T he Vice Presidency for Financial Affairs is committed world. To this end, we were vigilant of increasing our This year we have made significant strides in our budgeting analysis and control systems. Budget versus actual reports to management are now available in digital format, on a daily basis. collections and facilitating student loans, while promoting The year 2008-2009 also witnessed an other sources of revenues such as external grants and improvement in the compliance monitoring of sponsored donations. In addition, the Budget Office was successful in programs. A Director of Compliance position was created evaluating and establishing historical financial tendencies to partner with the Principal Investigators of research and indicators that help us detect and modify areas of projects at the institutions to monitor the financial opportunity for savings and controls within our system. and programmatic regulations that apply to federally This year we have made significant strides in our funded research. In addition, a special email address was budgeting analysis and control systems. Budget versus reactivated (spfm@suagm.edu) so that associates and the actual reports to management are now available in digital general public can communicate confidential information format, on a daily basis. We also initiated a process to concerning the compliance of sponsored programs. to supporting student learning and faculty research through a financially strong university system. This year was particularly challenging in the control of The Bridge Program (Programa Puente) is designed for individuals who do not meet at least one of the admission requirements for the adult accelerated program and its purpose is to facilitate the skills needed for the AHORA program. Bridge currently has 233 students on both campuses. This academic year, the program registered a high retention rate, 77%. A vital part of our institution is the staff and faculty that compose our US family. A conscious effort has been made so that the staff and faculty reflect the composition of our student body, representing 15 nationalities. This academic year, the Orlando faculty totals 149 professors and 100 in South Florida. In the coming year, we will partner with Regis University, to complete the design of the new on-line dual language immersion master’s degree programs, the first on-line programs to systematically incorporate voice and video to develop the language arts skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening - in English and Spanish We will also continue to expand the AGMUS Ventures with a focus on other Florida sites and the northeast US. Our aim is to continue to develop the academic,professionalandlanguageskillsofadultstudents to improve their competitiveness in the job market and improve their quality of life. expenses, because of the repercussions of the investment provide management with monthly financial statements Also this year, AGMUS’ institutions chose to to better communicate the short term changes in the participate in the new TEACH Program sponsored by the system’s financial position. In addition, reporting formats US Department of Education. This program provides a were redesigned to be more “user-friendly” and therefore $4,000 yearly grant to students committed to teaching in more useful in management’s decision making. low income schools. The financial aid office communicates On the investment front, the institution changed investment consultants and trustee for the endowment the requirements, procedures and counsels students on this excellent professional opportunity. fund. This change will allow for a more complete reporting This year AGMUS has enhanced student financial system designed for better decision making at the Board of services and accessibility to the financial aid, while at the Directors, senior management and investment committee same time, it has enabled the AGMUS to stay on track in levels. the changing economic landscape. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 35 Our Institutions 36 37 A Success Story: Diana del Carmen Obregón Universidad del Turabo A Comprehensive Institution Dennis R. Alicea, Ph.D., Chancellor A view of UT’s Casa Solaria ecological house has won recognition for its efficient eco-design. U CNN en Español’s journalist Alberto Padilla addressing UT’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Students tackle experiments at an engineering laboratory in UT’s competitive engineering school. ANA G. ANA G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIVERS NIV NIVERS ERSITY ER IT TY T YSYSTEM SY SYSTE SYSTEM STEM STE EM •A AN ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 200 22008-2009 8-2009 8-2 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 38 38 niversidad del Turabo (UT) has been effective in fostering growth at its main campus and the six Centers located in outlying municipalities inspired by a vision of creating a comprehensive institution. UT’s total enrollment in 2008 reached 15,403 students, an increase of 6.7% from the previous year. UT provided scholarships to faculty members to continue doctoral studies. Thirty nine (39) faculty members are enrolled in doctoral studies to expand the 49% already faculty members with doctoral degree. Faculty is comprised of vastly educated professors with scientific and research capacities. During academic year 2008-2009, UT developed new programs such as: Master degrees in Public Affairs Conflict Mediation, Quality Management and Project Management; Undergraduate Degrees in Social Work and Computerized Information Systems; Associate Degrees in Hotel and Tourism Administration, Environmental Technician, Computers & Networks;TechnicalProgramsCertificatesinPracticalNursing, Pharmacist Technician, and Port Operations. This year UT witnessed its first doctoral-degree graduates in Education. Career and Employment Center increased participating employers by 5%. During this year 151 students participated in Internships and a total of 2,776 students participated in job fairs. The institution has aggressively sought external funding. Over $8 million in external funding has been awarded for student scholarships, academic improvements, student services and infrastructure improvements by Federal agencies such as National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Energy, and Department Education; industries such as AMGEN and Medtronics; and local agencies such as the Puerto Rico Legislature and Office of Youth Services. Meanwhile, the Capital Campaign reached the goal of $7.6 millionforitsmaincomponents:PermanentScholarshipFund, Annual Fund, School of Engineering, Museum and Center of Humanistic Studies Dr. Josefina Camacho de la Nuez and School of Business and Entrepreneurship. During the last four years UT has been the only national Hispanic-serving and Puerto Rican institution to participate in the Samuel P. Massie Chair of Excellence program, funded by the Federal Department of Energy to produce groundbreaking environmental research and topnotch researchers. At UT, the Massie Chair supported research in environmental science and energy, in coordination with the Puerto Rico Energy Center (PREC) and the Eastern Central Technological Initiative (INTECO, its Spanish acronym). Providingapanoramicviewofthechangingbusiness scenario, UT’s Business and Entrepreneurial School hosted the Forum on New Perspectives on Economic and Business Opportunities for Puerto Rico. Guest speaker Alberto Padilla, business journalist for CNN en Español, spoke about the current challenges of the business world and its impact on Latin America and the Caribbean, to local and international professors of business and governance. In its vision of a comprehensive institution, the resident writer Edgardo Rodríguez Julia provided six conferences Heteroglosas Antillanas. Another milestone was reached with the creation of the García Passalacqua-Acosta Center at UT’s Library. Juan Manuel García Passalacqua, a renowned historian, political analyst and writer, served as advisortotwooftheIsland’sGovernors.Hiswife,IvonneAcosta, also a renowned writer and bestselling author, entrusted UT with their documents and manuscripts establishing a reading room in the library which bears their name. To foster the development of ethical and civic values in students and the community at large, the Institute of Applied Ethics hosted a series of forums and developed various community projects. Also students from the Honor Program participate actively as volunteers in social causes targeted to the elderly, abused women and children. In conclusion, many accomplishments were achieved paving the direction for UT to reach its goal of being the “comprehensive university”, for its academic community. I n 2003 I graduated top of my high school class with a GPA of 4.00. In August of that year, I enrolled in natural sciences studies at the University of Puerto Rico, at Rio Piedras. At the time, I was interested in studying medicine, but I quickly discovered that it wasn’t my passion. I realized I wanted to help people with matters not visible to the eye, such as a wound or a fracture. This is why I changed my major and institution. In 2004, I began my studies in Psychology at the Honor Program at the University of Turabo. On January 27, 2007, the year I was to conclude my undergraduate studies, I was the victim of car accident, in which I lost my right arm, and almost lost my right leg. It was a difficult time in my life. Nevertheless, there were family and friends around me which gave me strength. There was also a group of very special people at the Honor Program who provided unconditional support. Their encouragement made me understand that regardless of what had happened to me; I could reach my goals and thus materialize my dreams. Today, June 7, 2009 I graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a 4.00 grade point average. I never let obstacles overcome me, I never stopped believing in myself nor did those who love me. Today, I am reaching for my next dream; to obtain a master’s degree in psychology, as well as a doctorate. I will be able to serve thousands of people. I will work hard for them and hope that they also believe in me. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 39 Universidad Metropolitana Creating effective alliances for Puerto Rico’s sustainable development Federico M. Matheu, Ph.D., Chancellor Communications Laboratory, with an investment of $1.2M, is a state-of-the-art lab with video, television and radio capabilities. Dr. Ibrahim Saleh, a communications expert, was UMET’s Fulbright Scholar this year from the American University in Cairo. UMET’s newest publication to promote sustainability. P t Rico ur society faces unparalleled economic and environmental problems and academia must innovative in order to find solutions. The Universidad Metropolitana has faced this through a twofold approach: to excel in scientific research, mathematics and technology; and to become an effective advocate for sustainable development in Puerto Rico. During the 2008-2009 academic year, the university made significant strides in achieving both objectives. The School of Environmental Affairs (SEA) has become the premier center of environmental education in Puerto Rico, and has earned UMET the title of “University of the Environment”. This year, SEA published the book “Hacia el desarrollo inteligente: 10 principios y 100 estrategias para Puerto Rico” (Towards smart growth: 10 principles and 100 strategies for Puerto Rico) which recommends policies for sustainability. SEA also published the research “LandUse Sustainability Index”, to be used my municipalities as indicators and policies in their progress toward effective landuse. Another award was won by UMET this year. The 2008 Environmental Award was granted to SEA’s director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Prof. Maria Juncos Gautier for her leadership and contribution to the advancement of environmental causes. Through the research efforts of Dr. Beatriz Zayas, director of the university’s ChEMTox Laboratory, and her collaboratorDr.OsvaldoCox,UMETsubmitteditsfirstscientific patent to the U.S. Patent Office. Drs. Zayas and Cox designed, developed and tested these new anti-cancer compounds, whose fluorescent properties give them the potential as markers to detect cancer cells. The compounds are subjected to further studies at the SEA laboratory in Cupey. Another important step in our quest for innovation is the eco-business program that transforms ideas into viable businesses that address the Island’s environmental problems. Twenty-one entrepreneurs have been advised on their environmental business plans. Six of these will be selected to be part of “environmental business incubator project” in O the municipality of Barceloneta. The School of Environmental Affairs was awarded a grant of $600,000 from the National Science Foundation towards this effort. Further outreach was achieved beyond our campus; this time, by the School of Technical Studies. Through a strategic alliance with the municipality of Comerío, a new technical school will provide technical degrees in highdemand occupations, such as: health plan administrators, nurse assistants and computer technicians. The School of Business Administration and its Entrepreneurs Students Association won the distinction for its best practices in entrepreneurship at the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization convention in Chicago. The group of students also won the First Prize among twohundred institutions of higher education for best business plans and web page design. We were honored to host Fulbright professor Ibrahim Saleh of the American University in Cairo, Egypt, who gave a series of lectures on perspectives of communications. Dr. Saleh’s visit was held to inaugurate the $1.2 million Communications Laboratory. Its sophisticated equipment offers digital video, radio transmission capability and media production that will benefit all of academic community. Last summer, over one-hundred (100) students from the School of Science and Technology participated in undergraduate research projects. Fifteen of these students received scholarships from the Spanish Research Council, in Spain. Their findings were presented at a US symposium, where more than 150 students participated from universities in Puerto Rico and US. Because of its innovative curriculum, particularly in the sciences, enrollment reached a record of 12,125 students. The freshman retention rate rose from 64% to 68%, due, in part, to the implementation of a program developed by the Center for Individualized Education that offers independent mentoring and counseling services to address student’s personal and academic needs. UMET continues its quest for external funds. During the academic year 2008-2009, more than $13 million were collected for 52 different programs. In the past four years, the institution has received approximately $46 million, mostly for science, environmental science, students’ services and technology programs. We celebrated the end of the academic year with our male student athletes’ win in Puerto Rico’s most competitive intercollegiate track & field event. Our female athletes won second place in their category. The Cocodrilos and Cocodrilas were outstanding in their third year as members of the Intercollegiate Athletic League. A Success Story: Harry Peña W hen the plastic recycling plant where I worked closed in 1995, I enrolled in Universidad Metropolitana’s masters program in environmental management. As a student, I was recruited by a company that inspected for lead-based paint and asbestos in public housing projects. I also gained experience in air-quality monitoring in buildings scheduled for demolition. In 2001, I resigned to work on my own and devoted time to my thesis. The 9/11 attacks made me change course. A New York City environmental firm recruited me to work on Ground Zero. For three weeks, I trained people and monitored the air quality of buildings. Thanks to the interdisciplinary training I had received at UMET, I was able to take advantage of this opportunity. Upon my return to Puerto Rico, I decided to set up my own business. On one job, inspecting historic bridges for lead-based paint, I realized there were no guidelines on preserving the colonial structures without affecting the bodies of water. This became my thesis topic and in 2004, I obtained an MA in environmental management. Today, my company, Zimmetry Environmental Management Corp., is a leader in environmental inspection of buildings. The master’s program, and my professors, helped me launch Zimmetry. They helped me with their vision and experience and I followed every piece of advice they gave me. Now, I offer a course at UMET on occupational health and safety. I believe in the school and have recruited three graduates. I urge my students to use the tools they have been given and put in the maximum effort, and they will excel. Success depends on knowledge and learned skills, and more than anything, on the attitude we bring to everything we do. /02/09 PP22 215 R1 Jacket Date:07 Power:PO_0902 ANA ANA AN NA G. G M MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ É ÉNDE ND N NDE DE DE DEZ EZ ZUNIVERSITY UNIV U UNIVERSITY NIV NIVERS NIV VERSITY ER E ERS RS RS SITY IITY IT TY TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YST STE STE TEM TEM •A AN ANNUA ANNUAL NN NU NUA UAL UA ALREPORT R REPORT EP E EPO PO PORT R2008-2009 T 200 22008-2009 2008 20 00008-2 8 20 2000 009 009 ANA G.. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 40 ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 41 Universidad del Este Pursuing a vision of research, entrepreneurship, community service and internationalization Alberto Maldonado Ruiz, Esq., Chancellor U niversidad del Este (UNE) continues to move ahead in its steady pursuit of academic excellence. Quality in academic programs and services, coupled with proactive attention to student needs, remain institutional priorities. The quest of specialized accreditations emerges at the forefront of academic initiatives. At the top of the list of outcomes are new academic developments and accreditations in science and technology UNE’s Job Placement Center successfully matched 309 people with jobs. Radiology and health related fields are high demand occupations being met by UNE. ANA G. ANA G MÉ M MÉNDEZ ÉNDE NDEZ EZUNIVERSITY U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV NIVERS VERS ERSITY ER IT TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTE SYSTEM YSTE STEM EM •A AN ANNUAL NNUA N ALREPORT R REPORT EPORT EPO R2008-2009 RT T 2200 2008-2009 008-2 8-2009 009 ANA G. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 42 2 and in allied health fields with certificate programs in Practical nursing, in Computer repair and Network installations. A Master’s degree in Education with specialization in School Psychology adds to the graduate portfolio. Associate degrees in architectural drafting and in avionics technology are in the pipeline. Doctoral degrees in the faculty body have risen to 41%. In service trainings with an emphasis in the integration to the teaching and learning process of constructivist methodologies, technology and assessment permeate academic life. In support of programs, bibliographic resources in multiple media grow alongside programs. Prestigious accreditations and licensing that attest to the quality and character of its academic programs and services have been accomplished: the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and from the Joint Review of the Health Commission onEducationinRadiologicTechnology(JRCERT).Additionally, the Preschool Education Center was licensed by the Puerto Rico General Council of Education. Specialized accreditations at the national level include programs in business programs, nursing, social work, teacher education and culinary arts. Enrollment totals 12,291, an increase of 18.5% in 5 years. During the same period, graduate enrollment increased in 569%. Retention efforts are on the rise with an overall 69% for the fall 2008 cohort. Student services staff availability have been extended to evenings and weekends in response to student demands and needs. Events and activities focusing in a positive outlook on life and wellness are serving to create a climate of respect and non violence. UNE’scommitmenttowardtheintegraldevelopment of its student body has led to greater access and more availabilityofopportunities. Theinternprogramwassuccessful in providing educational and research opportunities for 163 students in competitive universities such as Princeton, Rutgers, Penn State, Ohio State and Harvard. In order to meet the needs and demands of an emerging knowledge–based economy, UNE prioritizes research as a key institutional goal. The institution continues to accomplish major milestones in pursuing the process of strengthening and building the capacity to promote research activities among faculty members and undergraduate students. Fiscal resources for research activities reached a historical high of $1.3 million with significant support from NIH/RIMI and NIH/MBRS/RISE programs funding. As part of a commitment to promote volunteerism, the Honors Program participants serviced 561 hours to several local non-profit organizations equipped with a Service Learning course and guidance. A tribute to Puerto Rico’s past was instituted when UNE was entrusted with the legacy of the first Puerto Rican governor. The Jesús T. Piñero Collection, while preserving the heritage of this important statesman, is documenting an era for a new generation of Puerto Ricans. Next stages include the transformation of the Collection into the Jesús T. Piñero Library and Research Center open to scholars and the community. Fundraising efforts have secured the commitment ofprivateorganizationsandpartnerships.EmpresasSantana’s $1 million donation was earmarked for the José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation ($100,000) and the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) de Puerto Rico ($50,000) are supporting educational scholarships. External funds ($7,170,828) for the current period are supporting research, student services and infrastructure. UNE continues to receive international recognitions for its accomplishments. Most recently, the World Confederation of Businesses recognized UNE with the 2008 Bizz Award. A Success Story: Emmanuel Vázquez-Rivera E mmanuel Vázquez-Rivera demonstrated his interest in science early at UNE. Since he began his studies at UNE he distinguished himself by his leadership and academic commitment, joining the honor program during his first semester of study. His first encounter with research was as a participant in the pre-College Research Symposium sponsored by Universidad Metropolitana as a Model Institution for Excellence of the National Science Foundation. This experience opened doors taking him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the summer of 2007, as an intern. During this time he published an article in the University’s scientific journal. That summer, Emmanuel won a grant from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) to continue his research in applied microbiology. With these experiences under his belt, he also found time to be a student leader on campus. Emmanuel is the founder and President of UNE’s Students in Biotechnology. One of his most significant activities was serving as a research mentor for other science students. Since being admitted to the Department of Molecular Biology of the Lewis-Singler Institute for Integrative Genomics of Princeton University for graduate studies, Emmanuel will have reached one of his many academic goals. He is a source of pride for the Honors Program to which he belongs and for UNE. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 43 Distance Education Initiative 2008-2009 Ana G. Méndez University System’s Television Channel A groundbreaking vision of education at a distance SíTV: where information and education meet Margarita Millán, Esq. Journalists Zugey Lamela and Ariel Rivera Vázquez are the new news anchors for SíTV Informa. Migdalia Torres, Ph.D. T he Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS), a pioneer in distance learning, moved closer to its vision of establishing the first Puerto Rican distance university. Based on a philosophy of inclusiveness in education, the university is envisioned to become a major alternative to traditional education, by being the first accredited distance university to grant graduate degrees while meeting the highest standards of quality and academic excellence. An important step was taken during this academic year, when distance education was separated from its television counterpart, the rebranded educational station SíTV. Although the distance-learning program continues to be offered on Channel 40 (Channel 40.1, according to its digital ID), they are now two separate entities. AGMUS’ distance education initiative is currently being evaluated by the Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education (CES, by its Spanish acronym) to grant a license for full operation. Once this license is granted, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education will perform an evaluation to then grant the accreditation to the distance university. Online education has gained much popularity with AGMUS students. Courses with low enrollment at different campuses have been more successful online. Twenty-six courses are being offered, with 31 active sections and a total enrollment of 534 students from the three university campuses. This online program plans to expand through an agreement with AGMUS Ventures, which ratified the design of 29 dual language online courses. UT and Regis University assisted the distance university in developing dual language courses. These courses will be offered at the ANA AN ANA NA G. G M MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE ND N DE D EZUNIVERSITY EZ U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV VE ER ERS RS SITY ITY TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YST STE S TE T EM •A AN ANNUAL NNU NUA NUA UALREPORT R REPORT EP E EPO PO PORT R2008-2009 T 200 22008-2009 2008 20 00008-2 8 2009 200 0009 009 ANA G.. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 44 44 Metro Orlando and South Florida campuses. In addition, the distance education initiative is developing 14 online modules to grant a Certificate of advanced degree in Entrepreneurship, Capitanes del Mundo Empresarial, which would be offered by the eastern-central economic development consortium, INTECO. The External University Educational System (SEDUE, by its Spanish acronym) has brought distance-learning to students. The SEDUE project introduced hundreds of students via television to basic Spanish, English, Humanities and other courses. These have now evolved into “hybrid courses,” a combination of online and television-courses. Enrollment during 2008-2009 academic year totaled 560 students and generated revenue of $270,480. In addition to servicing the AGMUS community, we have also collaborated with the public school system. The successful LOGOS mathematics project provides teachers with advanced problem-solving mathematics, aligned with the standards of the Department of Education. This year, the Department of Education renewed funding for the successful project which will produce two new tele-courses; $558,500 was allocated for mathematics teachers to enroll in the program. Another major accomplishment this year was the launching of the Internet SEDUE radio programs and www. sedueradio.com. AGMUS began one of Puerto Rico’s first formal distance education programs in 1985. With this experience and investment, we have been able to keep abreast of the competition and able to see into the future of distance education. T aking a giant step, AGMUS launched SíTV Canal Universitario Ana G. Méndez, changing the name and image of the historical TV station. The rebranded WMTJTV, Channel 40, reinvented itself as an alternative channel – educational, informative and also entertaining, with a greater number of high-quality, locally produced programs and high definition (HD) broadcasts. Access is strengthened via the island’s three cable-TV carriers: SíTV: OneLink Channel 3, Liberty Channel 40 and Choice Cable Channel 26 Creating a new identity for the station coincided with the switch to digital TV. By federal mandate, all television stations were required to broadcast in digital format by June 12, 2009. Digital transmission offers TV viewers better picture and sound quality, and additional programming choices through multiple broadcast streams, referred to as multicasting. The AGMUS educational station was ready by the original Federal Communications Commission deadline in February 2009. AGMUS, a pioneer in educational TV, is the only educational institution in Puerto Rico with a non-commercial broadcast license. In establishing a new identity, SíTV has developed twenty-three original programs, among them, Aventura Científica (Scientific Adventures), a series of thirteen programs produced in collaboration with Universidad Metropolitana ’s School of Environmental Affairs. They are filmed on location, for example in the Cucharillas marshlands and Jobos Bay natural reserve, and address topics such as recycling and sustainable development. María Falcón, winner of international awards, among them The Conservation Film Maker of the Year Award, is the producer. Using the talent of the system’s universities is central to creating new programming. The station joined forces with bo the Universidad del Turabo e on Sí al Museo (Yes to the n Museum). The first of ten programs starred the permanent collection of archeological artifacts of the Museum and Center of Humanistic Studies, which is located on the UT campus. As part of this cultural offering, SíTV viewers “visit” prominent, local artists in their workshops and learn about local customs, art trends, up and coming artists and exhibitions at various cultural institutions. SíTV Informa, is expected to become the station’s hallmark.Theredesigned30-minutenewscastisairedMonday through Friday, and includes segments on the environment, art and culture, business, technology, among others. Experts from the three universities give depth to these reports with analysis that goes beyond the breaking news. Journalists Zugey Lamela and Ariel Rivera Vázquez are news anchors. The station’s first exclusive live transmission was coverage of the 7th Annual Plaza Food Fest with international chef Lidia Bastianich, of “Lidia’s Italy” television program. To reach a larger student audience, SíTV will broadcast live the Volleyball Final Series of the Athletic Inter Universities League as part of a plan for sports involvement. SíTV, a positive and affirmative brand, has become a workshop for talented producers, technicians and reporters to contribute to quality educational programming in Puerto Rico. ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 45 Projections 2009-2010 Organizational Chart Projections for next academic year include: BOARD OF DIRECTORS A view of the architectural design for the UT’s community health center. • In order to continue to attract quality faculty and maintain our standard of excellence, we will continue to acquire national accreditations for the health programs at UNE, UMET and UT. • We will launch AGMUS’ Distance University with the licensing required by the appropriate agencies thereby initiating a new chapter in distance education in Puerto Rico. • In an effort to expand the health sciences programs across the system, we will finalize the details of the design of a Community Health and Wellness Center at both UT and UNE. • A long awaited goal will be reached in the coming year when we break ground to initiate construction of CREDIS (Center for Research Development and Industrial Support) at Barceloneta. A key project and alliance which will focus on biotechnical pharmaceutical research which will propel the region’s economic development. • As a Center for Excellence in research, UT’s Puerto Rico Energy Center will continue to expand its research agenda through undergraduate and graduate research initiatives in renewable energies. • We will conclude AGMUS Ventures feasibility study to determine the expansion of AGMUS and the opportunities of growth, such as establishing a community college model, under UNE’s academic program, in South Florida and the Dominican Republic. • We will continue to establish collaborative agreements with the Department of Education and municipalities to develop educational centers such as the one created with the Municipality of Comerío, in order to bring the AGMUS’ technical programs to other remote areas of the Island. ANA AN ANA NA G. G M MÉ MÉNDE MÉNDEZ ÉNDE ND N DE D EZUNIVERSITY EZ U UNIV UNIVERSITY NIV NIV VE ER ERS RS SITY ITY TYSYSTEM SY S SYSTEM YST STE S TE T EM •A AN ANNUAL NNU NUA NUA UALREPORT R REPORT EP E EPO PO PORT R2008-2009 T 200 22008-2009 2008 20 00008-2 8 2009 200 0009 009 ANA G.. MÉNDEZ • ANNUAL 46 46 • Our culture of business innovation will continue to expand through the creation of business incubators and strategic alliancesforresearchandcommercializationwiththeregional consortia: INTECO, INTENOR, INTENE AND DISUR. • In light of the changing workplace and professional landscape, we will assess and identify economic, social, and global trends in order to develop a Career Think-Thank that will foster new academic careers and degrees. Its mission will be to identify new niches and unexplored opportunities in academia. Executive Committee Finance Committee Academic & Student Affairs Committee Bylaws Committee Internal Auditor We will be consistent in carrying out its Vision 2015 in making the AGMUS a center of innovation and a versatile institution. Our vision extends beyond classroom walls to include the economic development, at both the regional and municipal level, which we understand is the key in fostering a strong and prosperous society. PRESIDENT Chancellor Universidad Metropolitana Executive Vice President A view of the Center for Research Development and Industrial Support (CREDIS) at Barceloneta which will carry out pharmaceutical research. Audit Committee VP Planning and Academic Affairs Vice President of Financial Affairs Chancellor Universidad del Este Vice President of Administrative Affairs Chancellor Universidad del Turabo Vice President of Marketing and Student Affairs Chancellor Distance Education Initiative Vice President for US and Latin American Affairs Vice President and General Manager SiTV Vice President of Human Resources ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009 47 General Information Ana G. Méndez University System PO Box 21345 San Juan, PR 00928-1345 Phone: 787-751-0178 Fax: 787-766-1706 E-mail: ac_jmendez@suagm.edu Website: www.suagm.edu The Institutions Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 21150 San Juan, PR 00928-1150 Phone: 787-766-1717 Fax: 787-759-7663 E-mail: umet_fmatheu@suagm.edu Universidad del Este PO Box 2010 Carolina, PR 00984-2010 Phone: 787-257-7373 Fax: 787-752-0070 E-mail: ue_amaldonado@suagm.edu Universidad del Turabo PO Box 3030 Gurabo, PR 00778-3030 Phone: 787-743-7979 Fax: 787-744-5394 E-mail: ut_dalicea@suagm.edu Distance Education Initiative Comerío Avenue 1600, Suite 1 Bayamón, PR 00961-6376 Phone 787.288.1100 ext 8320 Fax: 787.288.1141 E-mail: ca_mtorres@suagm.edu SíTV PO Box 21345 San Juan, PR 00928-1345 Phone: 787-766-2600 Fax: 787-250-8546 E-mail: mamillan@suagm.edu Metro Orlando Campus 5601 South Semoran Blvd. Terracota Business Center Suite 55 Orlando, FL 32822 Phone: 407-207-3363 Fax: 407-207-3373 E-mail: eacosta@suagm.edu South Florida Campus PO Box 27-8740 Miramar, FL 33027-8740 Phone: 954-885-5595 Fax: 954-885-5861 E-mail: snazario@suagm.edu ANA ANA A G. G MÉ MÉNDEZ ÉN NDE DE DEZ Z UNIV U UNIVERSITY N ERS NIV R ITY RS IT TY T Y SYSTE SY SYSTEM YS STE ST TE EM • AN ANNUA ANNUAL N LR NUA REPORT E RT EPO RT 200 2008-2 2008-2009 8 009 48 8 48