 | ||
The Jesuit University System (SUJ) is a network of private universities that belong to the Mexican Province of the Society of Jesus, Jesuits, who have universities around the world joined by such associations. SUJ is described as "an educational work of the Society of Jesus that allows mutual support, as well as the formation of a university community that transcends the physical location of each of the campuses that comprise it."
Contents
Universities
The system consists of eight universities, seven universities entrusted to the Society of Jesus and a partner university, ISIA, which together seek to fulfill the mission of the educational work of the Mexican Province of the Society of Jesus. Currently the universities that comprise it are:
1. Intercultural Institute of Ayuuk (ISIA), Jaltepec, Oaxaca. This is a project of the Ayuuk Studies Center (CEA-UIIA A.C.) which began its academic operations in 2006 in the indigenous community of Jaltepec of Candayoc Mixe, Oaxaca. It is a private institution of public access that seeks to subsidize tuition scholarships for all students who come from indigenous and non-indigenous communities, through various donations. Its faculty is made up of in-house lecturers as well as lecturers who come from other universities, so that it is able to impart a comprehensive and intercultural education.
2. Western Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESO), Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. This is also called Jesuit University of Guadalajara, and was founded in 1957. It offers 33 degree programs, 3 specialties, 19 master's, and 4 doctorates. ITESO enrollment is around 10,000 students.
3. Iberoamericana University, Mexico City. With a history of over 60 years, the Iberoamericana University has not only witnessed but been an active agent in the development of Mexico. Their collaboration supported by teaching, research, and dissemination has been supported by the principles of freedom and social responsibility. Currently, Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City offers 37 undergraduate programs, 21 master's programs, and 7 doctoral programs in addition to offering courses and diplomas in various disciplines. The approximate college enrollment is 9,700 students.
4. Universidad Iberoamericana León. Founded in 1978 as the first campus of the Universidad Iberoamericana in the province, it was heir to a rich educational tradition that brought prestige and commitment. It enrolls around 2,300 students in 18 undergraduate programs and 6 master's.
5. Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla. It currently has a range of 29 undergraduate programs, 17 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs while serving around 4,400 students. The university also runs two prep schools, one in Tlaxcala opened in 2007 and one in Veracruz that opened in 2008.
6. Ibero-American University of Torreón. Founded 24 years ago, it has grown to about 1,800 students in 15 undergraduate and two master's programs. It has extension divisions in Monterrey and Saltillo.
7. Ibero-American University Tijuana. In 1982 Ibero in Tijuana had a high school and offered undergraduate degrees in architecture, law, and Graphic Design. It now offers 13 undergraduate programs, 10 master's, and a doctorate.
8. Loyola University of the Pacific, Acapulco. This joined JUS in 2005 at the instigation of a group of Acapulcan entrepreneurs. It grew to offer 9 bachelors and 4 master's programs.
Organization
The universities in the system are independent in finances, labor, curriculum, and continuing education offerings, and in their internal organization. They share the mission of the Society of Jesus, its educational model and Ignatian pedagogy, collegial management style, and similar conception of curricula, but have varied curricula. They also share research agendas and strategic planning as a system.
The Assistant for Education to the Provincial Superior of the Mexican Jesuits chairs the Council of Higher Education which governs Jesuit University System. The Council aims to promote and develop a common Jesuit identity, respecting the autonomy of each institution. It formulates the policies of the Society of Jesus for higher education in Mexico. It does strategic planning of development and harmonizes the operation of all the universities, including creation of new institutions and the closure or transfer of some of them. It promotes and encourages their unity while respecting individuality. It is the responsibility of the Council to establish and clarify the common objectives.
As collaborative organizations they share a Board of Rectors, an Academic Council (CAS), a Planning Commission (SPC), and an Executive Secretary.