University of Guadalajara History

University of Guadalajara History

Bolstered by more than two hundred years of tradition in education, research and promotion of science and culture, the University of Guadalajara is well poised to meet the challenges of the present and the future in its quest for continuous improvement and its determination to stay on the cutting edge in the 21st century. Its prestige and educational standards are those of a visionary institution capable of turning out not just competitive professionals but also citizens with social values and commitment.

The University of Guadalajara is comprised of a broad network of university campuses and high schools located throughout the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Its work in the fields of science, the humanities and technology greatly contributes to resolving some of the more problematic aspects of growth in this region.

The University of Guadalajara timeline

The University of Guadalajara during the colonial period

1591. Founding of the Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas (Colegio de Santo Tomás de Aquino) by Jesuit missioners.
1767. Expulsion of the Jesuits from Mexico. Among those expelled from the Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas is humanist Francisco Javier Clavijero. Fray Antonio Alcalde requests and obtains support from King Charles IV of Spain to found the University.
1792. Solemn inauguration of the Royal and Literary University of Guadalajara. The Royal Decree of Foundation is read before university officials and professors.

The University of Guadalajara in the 19th century

1821. The university changes its name to National University. Symbols of Spain are removed from its coat of arms, and the new national seal of Mexico is added.
1826-1860. A period of change. Conflicts between liberals and conservatives lead to difficult times characterized by repeated closings and re-openings of the university. The university undergoes a series of name changes: the Royal University of Guadalajara, the State Institute of Sciences, and finally the University of Guadalajara.
1867. Disputes between republicans and imperialists trying to rule Mexico. Withdrawal of French armies and fall of the government of Maximilian of Hapsburg.

The University in the 20th century.

1914. The Escuela Preparatoria (High School) of Jalisco is created.
1925. Foundation of the new University of Guadalajara and promulgation of its first charter. José Guadalupe Zuno and Enrique Diaz de León play key roles.
1933. First Congress of Mexican Universities, which defines an ideological orientation for educational policies.
1934. First academic reform in the University of Guadalajara: the Organic Act of February 16.
1935. The University of Guadalajara is replaced by the Direction of Higher Education of the State of Jalisco.
1937. The University of Guadalajara is re-established.
1947. The Organic Act of the University of Guadalajara is reformed.
1950s. The University of Guadalajara participates in the first National Conference of the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES, its acronym in Spanish). Charter reform under Rector Jorge Matute Remus.
1980s. The University of Guadalajara is reconceived as a nationalist, democratic and popular institution. First academic changes.
1989. The university reform process begins under the rectorship of Raúl Padilla López.
1990s. Academic and organizational reform: creation of the University Network, drafting of the Institutional Development Plan. Commemoration of the University of Guadalajara’s bicentennial.

NEW HORIZONS

The University of Guadalajara in the 21st century

The University enters the new knowledge society through six strategic lines of action designed to fulfill its commitment to society: educational innovation, research, internationalization, extension, management and governance.

The University of Guadalajara is engaged in constant innovation to provide its students with a comprehensive, ethical, scientific, aesthetic and humanist education. It is firmly committed to continuing progress by:

Developing a broader curriculum.
Consolidating of its academic faculty.
Achieving accreditation of its educational programs.
Promoting an academic culture focused on creating better citizens.
Meeting the demands of sustainable development.
Producing knowledge in all fields of arts and science
Creating new spaces for university education.

Visit the main website of the University of Guadalajara (www.udg.mx).

Dowload "A Vision of the University of Guadalajara for the New Millenium" (PDF file).

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