Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs oversees the development and implementation of the University's academic policies. The Vice President of Academic Affairs heads it. Among its functions are proposing university teaching, student admission, and inclusion policies.
About the Vice President for Academic Affairs
It is the authority in charge of developing and implementing the academic policy of the University and serves as the head of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Units of the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs
Office of Academic Affairs
This office is responsible for shaping and implementing the University’s educational project. It defines guidelines for the development of academic programs, ensuring their quality and effective integration across the institution and its academic units. It also leads cross-disciplinary initiatives such as General Education and Academic Integrity and actively fosters excellence in teaching and learning. It is led by Alondra Chamorro.
Office of Teaching Development & Innovation
This office designs and implements policies aimed at enhancing pedagogical skills and fostering teaching innovation. It promotes excellence in education through faculty recognition, professional development, and performance evaluation. It also generates knowledge by researching and sharing evidence-based innovative practices. It plays a key role in advancing high-quality teaching and learning across the University. The office is led by Chantal Jouannet.
Office of Learning & Student Academic Support
This office promotes the academic success of all students by implementing strategies such as diagnostic assessments, academic leveling, curricular adjustments, and academic support. It gathers and analyzes data on academic performance and progression to identify early alerts and provide targeted assistance. The office plays an active role in fostering high-quality teaching and learning across the University. It is led by Catalina García.
Office of Student Affairs
This office supports student well-being and holistic development by fostering a strong sense of belonging and enriching the university experience through a wide range of services, activities, and extra- and co-curricular programs in areas such as student development, sports, health, and wellness. It implements initiatives that promote successful social integration and the development of employability skills, while also providing guidance to student government representatives. The office is led by Carolina Méndez.
Office of Student Admission & School Outreach
This office designs and implements the University’s admissions policies and manages the application, selection, and enrollment processes that include both centralized pathways and diverse, equitable direct-entry opportunities. It promotes undergraduate academic programs and provides early, systematic, and close engagement with schools to connect with prospective applicants. The office is led by Juan Echeverría.
Registrar's Office
This office develops and implements policies related to academic processes and maintains secure and up-to-date records of students’ academic histories. It oversees key academic operations, including the annual academic calendar, classroom management, course scheduling, and registration. The office also provides official academic certifications and administers the awarding of degrees and diplomas. It is led by Gabriela Estay.
Bachillerato Inicia
This office oversees the “Inicia” College Program. It is responsible for designing and implementing the program’s academic policies as well as its outreach, application, selection, and admission processes. It manages the curriculum and coordinates with various degree program to ensure high-quality teaching and student learning. The office also promotes student retention through collaboration with institutional support services. Additionally, it contributes to the development of comprehensive support pathways, spanning from pre-university preparation to successful enrollment. The office is led by Pablo Marshall.
English UC Language Center
This center supports the design, implementation, and quality assurance of the University’s English language programs. It also provides English-language support services to students, faculty, and staff that enhance community engagement and facilitate the dissemination of academic research. In addition to these core functions, English UC fosters lifelong learning through a wide range of programs and services. Its main initiatives include administering internationally recognized English proficiency exams and participating in joint projects to strengthen professional development. These collaborations involve a broad spectrum of institutions, including K-12 and technical schools, government agencies, universities, and private sector organizations. The center is led by Christopher MacGuire.
University Entrance Exam Preparation Program
This program offers academic preparation courses to help students transition from high school to college. The courses build essential skills and strategies for success on university entrance exams and include vocational guidance. They are available in various formats across Santiago and other regions, including in-person and synchronous online classes, as well as intensive one-semester and yearlong programs. To promote equitable access, the program provides scholarships and financial aid. It also supports high school students and recent graduates throughout their journey, helping them prepare until they are successfully admitted to a university. It is led by Ariel Aguilar.
Executive Office for Academic Affairs
This office advises the Vice President for Academic Affairs on strategic matters, contributing to the development and monitoring of the VRA strategic plan and fostering collaboration with UC Presidency offices and across VRA departments. It oversees the VRA financial and operational management, supports the administration of its various offices, and evaluates the economic implications of academic program design and redesign. This office is also responsible for the financial and strategic management of VRA projects funded by public resources. It is led by Ignacia Torres.
Ignacia Torres
Director