THE UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA

LOCATION

The University of Costa Rica is located in San Pedro, Montes de Oca, at the eastern San Jose, in the Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, surrounded by modern commercial buildings, and a beautiful natural scenic.

MISSION STATEMENT: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The University of Costa Rica's primary mission is to advance knowledge and respond effectively and holistically to the basic needs of a society in development.
The advancement of knowledge, the foundation of the university mission, foments permanent formation of outstanding professionals who act as disseminating agents for the community at large.
The history of the University of Costa Rica goes back to the year 1814 with the opening of the Casa de Ensenanza (House of learning) Santo Tomas, which in 1843 became the University of St. Thomas.
On August 26, 1940, the University of Costa Rica was created as an autonomous institution of higher education dedicated to teaching, learning, research, public service, artistic creation, spiritual and professional development and, above all, the dissemination of knowledge.
Since then, has guaranteed academic excellence through thirty-three research centers with more than 700 research projects, over a hundred undergraduate major (103 bachelor's and 108 licenciatura -a five-year undergraduate program- degree programs), forty-one master's programs, and four doctorates. In addition, students of the University of Costa Rica dedicate half a million hours annually to community extension work in recompense for their educational opportunity.
The excellence of the University of Costa Rica is evident in the formation of a permanent population of 30.000 students, in the professional development and merit programs for professors, and in the endeavor to make knowledge more accessible to the general public, particulary to the scientific community.

UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE

The University of Costa Rica has an organizational structure that groups academic areas with common elements. Also, has a democratic participation of the university community in the decision-making process through representation of the governing and administrative bodies of the university.
The University Legislature is the highest governing authority. It defines general university policy as well as any specific policy changes required by the times.
The Board of Directors, next in the chain of authority, is composed of seven members chosen by popular vote from the university community. The Minister of Education, the President of the University, two student representatives, and one representative of the Federation of Professional Associations are also members of the board. Its function is to direct, coordinate, and supervise university operations.
The Office of Academic Affairs is the academic authority that supervises, evaluates, updates, and develops academic programs. It is also responsible for faculty evaluation and incentive programs. In conjuntion with the Office of Student Affairs, it implements admission policies and monitors students' academic achievement.
The Office of Research not only supervises and coordinates all institutional research activity but also stimulates the creativity of scientists through institutes and research centers.
The Office of Extension projects the University to the national community. This is carried out through cultural, service, extension and information programs.
The Office of Student Affairs provides holistic attention to students. It covers a gamut of areas that include admission, scholarships, health and recreation, as well as counseling and career orientation.
The Office of Administrative Affairs directs, supervises and evaluates the administrative and financial systems at the university.


For more information about the University of Costa Rica, please visit the site http://www.ucr.ac.cr (Spanish version).