Oops, an error seems to have occurred. We're sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused. If the error persists, feel free to tell us about it.
| Background |
|
In 1983 the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) created the University Institute for Leadership and Management (IGLU). The key objective was to enhance the professional training and skills of university leaders/higher education decision-makers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, it focused on establishing greater social relevance and integration of the universitiy, i.e. within its external environment. Another important role that IGLU has is to contribute to the transformation of universities by acting as a catalyst for sustainable development. In short, the institute has focused on key issues related to the strategic management of universities. In 1997, the IOHE established the College of the Americas (COLAM) as part of its organizational vision. The general objective of this new program was to promote collaboration with universities in the Americas by establishing Inter-American research and training networks. More specifically, it aimed to support the development and integration of national societies in accordance with certain principles agreed upon by countries in the Americas, i.e. equity, quality, relevance and efficiency. In brief, COLAM has mainly based its strategy on distance education and the use of ICTs. A decade later, the need for a third institution was envisaged by the IOHE; this program would form part of IOHE's internal structure. The aim of this third program was to channel the strengths of both the IOHE and those of its members. Put simply, its objective was to create a (virtual) space for reflection, dialogue and action concerning important university themes. This was seen as essential tool for developing educational values and providing a critical analysis of global trends in higher education. In addition, the new program aids the practical application of these core values at universities. The institution that emerged as a result of this agreement with the IOHE is CAMPUS. Its key objective is to establish collaborative links and solidarity with IOHE members. In addition, it aims to promote a consensual process of integration within the Americas via university collaboration, improved intercultural understanding, and observance of the Proclamation of the World Conference on Higher Education of UNESCO- the latter of which invites universities from around the world to collaborate and form partnerships or alliances with interested parties, i.e. individuals who are responsible for establishing national and institutional policies. It also includes teachers, researchers, students, administrative staff, technical institutes of higher education, the general workforce and community groups. |