Office of the Secretary General
The Office of the Secretary General oversees the authorization and certification of institutional acts, helps develop and enforce internal regulations, and provides legal protection to the University. It also promotes high standards of ethics, integrity, and compliance, supporting the University’s academic and educational mission in line with its Bylaws.
Juan Eduardo Ibáñez Gomien
Juan Eduardo Ibañez Gomien earned his law degree from UC Chile, where he graduated with highest distinction. He subsequently obtained a Master of Law (LL.M.) from the University of California, Berkeley. He has a distinguished career in both academia as well as his professional practice. His academic work focuses on sustainability, governance, and compliance.
Core Functions
The Office of the Secretary General carries out the responsibilities defined in the University’s General Bylaws. These include authorizing actions taken by University authorities, proposing internal regulations for approval by the appropriate governing bodies, interpreting and ensuring compliance with those regulations, and officially certifying acts and events related to University life.
a) Giving formal authorization to the acts of the authorities, as set forth in the General Statutes and the University’s internal regulations;
b) Serving as member of the Leadership Council in his role as the University’s Certifying Officer (“Ministro de Fe”), reporting on legal and regulatory matters concerning University governance, as well as other issues entrusted by the University President;
c) Proposing internal regulations of the University for approval by the competent authorities, explain them, and ensure their observance;
d) Certifying events belonging to University life;
e) Receiving complaints, ordering the initiation of disciplinary and academic proceedings, and resolving them in conformity with the University’s internal regulations;
f) Authorizing the use of University spaces, in compliance with the relevant regulations.
Offices and Units
Central Units - Office of the Secretary General
Pro Office of the Secretary General - University Governance
The Pro Office of the Secretary General works closely with the University Secretary and plays a central role in University governance. It issues official University certifications and supports the proper functioning of the institution’s governing processes. Its responsibilities include maintaining the official record of UC Chile’s academic structure, reviewing and interpreting University regulations, and ensuring consistency across policies and procedures. The Office also ensures that appointments are made in accordance with applicable regulations and protects the integrity of electoral processes. In addition, the Office is responsible for issuing Presidential Decrees and Resolutions and serves as Leadership Council Secretary.
Office of Compliance
The Office also leads the design, implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the University’s legal and regulatory compliance framework. This work includes collaborating with University units to identify and address compliance gaps, implementing appropriate measures, and overseeing internal procedures to ensure responsible conduct aligned with the University’s values.
Executive Direction
The Office advises the Secretary General as needed, supports the planning and follow-up of initiatives and projects within the Office of the Secretary General, and works closely with the Office of the President, Vice President Offices, and Academic Units. The Office also oversees the financial and operational management of the Office of the Secretary General and its related units, supporting the effective operation of its offices and teams.
Related Units - Office of the Secretary General
Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office serves as an advisor or mediator that promotes respectful and constructive relationships among students, faculty, administrative staff, and professionals at UC Chile.
Ombuds
Support Unit for Victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination (UVG)
The UVG Unit is staffed by a specialized professional team and provides services focused on prevention, education, and support for individuals affected by sexual violence, gender-based violence, and discrimination.
Director
Legal Support Program for Victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination
This program offers information, legal guidance, and, when appropriate, legal representation within the framework of UC Chile’s Policy on the Prevention of and Support for Victims of Sexual Violence, Gender-Based Violence, and Discrimination. In addition to legal services, the program provides psychological support to offer emotional assistance to victims throughout judicial proceedings.
Data Protection Unit
The Data Protection Unit ensures institutional compliance with privacy and personal data protection requirements. Its work is supported by the Data Protection Committee, a multidisciplinary group made up of representatives from various University administrative units who contribute technical expertise.
Data Protection Officer
Initiatives
Civic education
Implementing an innovative model for civic education based on dialogue and reflection, accessible and progressively mandatory for all UC Chile students. More information in voces@uc.cl
Ethics and cross-cutting integrity
Creating a culture and habit of ethical discernment at UC Chile, to be practiced in all levels, i.e., by directors, faculty members, staff, and students.
New Process Regulations Project
The Regulations on Responsibility are a fundamental pillar of university life, establishing the mechanisms through which the observance of fundamental duties for the common good of the community is guaranteed, in agreement with institutional principles and values. The Regulations need to be reformed and updated in order to strengthen their educational purpose and institutional integrity.
Prevention of sexual violence and harassment
Promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive university culture, based on mutual respect and care, so that all members of the university community can grow and develop their abilities in a safe, constructive academic environment consistent with our Catholic identity. As Pope Francis stated in Dignitas Infinita (2024), we believe in the infinite dignity of persons and, therefore, we must make every effort to protect this dignity by promoting healthy relationships and preventing acts of a sexual nature or gender-based violence and discrimination from affecting members of our community.
Training for people who work with children and adolescents at UC Chile
Through a course based on the University’s principles, the aim is to provide psychosocial, learning, legal, and outreach tools for those who work with minors at UC Chile.
Comprehensive Management of Conflicts of Interest
Detecting, identifying, and managing situations of conflict of interest in a proactive manner, ensuring that decisions and actions at UC Chile are carried out independently, transparently, and in accordance with the law.