Academy of Christian Humanism University

Academy of Christian Humanism University Overview

The Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano (UAHC), also known as "La Academia," stands as a venerable Chilean private university, founded in 1988, with its roots tracing back to the visionary efforts of Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez (SDB) in 1975. This historical heritage endows UAHC with the distinction of being the oldest non-traditional Chilean university, and its formation aimed to assemble a community of intellectuals to critically analyze Chile's political, social, economic, and cultural landscape.

The university proudly offers an extensive array of educational programs, encompassing twenty-one undergraduate degree courses, five specialized second-degree programs, and nine master's programs in fields spanning the Social Sciences, Education, Arts and Culture, State, Economics, and Management. In addition to these, it boasts a distinguished Doctorate in Education, with an impressive two-decade legacy of contributing to academic research and innovation. The institution prides itself on nurturing a faculty of 503 esteemed academics (as recorded in 2008), each a paragon of knowledge and expertise in their respective disciplines.

At present, UAHC has earned the prestigious distinction of being accredited by the Chilean National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile) for a commendable four-year period, commencing from August 2022 and extending until August 2026. This accreditation attests to the university's steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and ensuring its continued role as a prominent institution of higher learning in Chile. To further solidify its position, UAHC proudly occupies the impressive 14th rank among Chilean universities, based on the esteemed SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2022 webometrics classification.

The university has thoughtfully established its presence across diverse campuses, with Casa Arrau gracing the Campus Brasil location. The central house is strategically nestled in the heart of Condell 343, Providencia commune, benefiting from close proximity to the Baquedano and Salvador Metro stations. Another thriving campus, Campus Brasil, enjoys a prime position at Huérfanos 2186 and 1869, Barrio Brasil, Santiago commune, and boasts convenient accessibility to the Cumming Metro station.

Commencing its illustrious journey in 1975, the genesis of UAHC can be traced back to the visionary vision of Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez. A staunch advocate of a non-confessional, pluralistic institution with a strong humanistic orientation, he placed a steadfast focus on social sciences education as the cornerstone of the university's mission.

Governed by a sound structure, UAHC operates under the auspices of an Assembly of Partners and an esteemed Board, vested with the solemn responsibility of defining the university's overarching policies. The university's academic authority lies vested in the Superior University Council, a distinguished collegial body composed of the Rector, Vice-Rectors, Deans, three faculty representatives, and two student representatives. The council's role is multifaceted, as it provides invaluable insights on academic development plans, facilitates effective management, and fosters active engagement across the university community.

Throughout its illustrious history, UAHC has borne witness to visionary leadership and commendable achievements, spearheaded by ten democratically elected Rectors. Each Rector served with dedication and commitment for four-year tenures, leaving their indelible imprint on the university's growth and development. Presently, the esteemed Rector is Pedro Rosas Aravena (s), exemplifying the values of academic excellence, ethical governance, and commitment to fostering humanistic values within the institution.

The university's academic structure comprises a rich tapestry of faculties, schools, and institutes, each representing an academic bastion, committed to imparting knowledge and skills in a plethora of disciplines. The Faculty of Social Sciences encompasses the School of Anthropology, Geography, and History, offering courses such as Anthropology, Geography, and Licentiate in History. The School of Political Science, Government, and Public Management caters to students pursuing careers in Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration. The School of Law equips aspiring legal professionals with comprehensive legal education through its programs in Law. The School of Psychology guides students in exploring the complexities of human behavior, with programs in Psychology. Lastly, the School of Sociology and Social Work imparts knowledge in Sociology, Social Work, and Social Work (Vespertine).

The Faculty of Pedagogy comprises the School of Special Education and Basic Education, nurturing educators in the domains of Elementary Education and Special Education. The School of Secondary Education in History and Language and Communication educates aspiring teachers in History and Language and Communication pedagogy.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Arts provides an immersive educational experience through its diverse schools and programs. The School of Dance trains artists in the art of dance, while the School of Film and Theater caters to students' creative ambitions in the realms of Film and Theater. The School of Musical Composition hones the talents of aspiring composers, and the School of Music Pedagogy equips educators to foster musical talent in their students. The School of Theater immerses students in the world of dramatic arts.

The Institute of Humanities serves as a bastion of thought and contemplation, offering Licentiate in Philosophy and Licentiate in Language and Literature programs. The Institute of Journalism, as a beacon of media and communication, propels students forward in their pursuit of Journalism.

In addition to these distinguished faculties, UAHC houses various Centers of Studies, Research Programs, and Extension Initiatives. The Center for Contemporary Reality Studies (CERC), the Group of Agrarian Research (GIA), the Labor Economics Program (PET), the Interdisciplinary Program of Education Research (PIIE), and the Gender and Society Studies Program (PROGÉNERO) are among the esteemed academic initiatives that thrive within the university's vibrant academic landscape. In addition, the Nucleus of Urban Anthropology Research, the Chilean Journal of Visual Anthropology, and the Caliber Journal of Journalism School each contribute their unique perspectives to the rich tapestry of knowledge and research at UAHC.

As is often the case with long-standing institutions, UAHC has encountered its fair share of controversies and incidents. Campus disruptions, instances of vandalism, and conflicts involving student groups have occasionally punctuated the institution's history, resulting in occasional disruptions to academic activities. However, the university remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, humanistic education, and cultivating a culture of critical thinking and societal engagement.