University’s policies, management and transformation at Central America and the Caribbean. (Challenges and perspectives)

Abstract

The commitment of Central American and Caribbean Higher Education Institutions (IES) is the advancement of a critical consciousness, social values such as solidarity and genuine cooperation. The university community must foster and practice these values and principles, especially in the current uncertainty context, due to the crisis of capitalism and the COVID-19 emergency. COVID-19 pandemic forced IES to review their performance. The challenges go through the construction of a “new normality” with equality and inclusion at different levels. This normality we are aiming at is that our universities become active agents for the wellbeing of individuals, communities and society. This paper briefly discusses three key aspects needed to meet these challenges: First, the structure and organization needed to achieve quality and relevance at universities. Second, challenges to meet today’s and tomorrow’s demands. Finally, participatory mechanisms for an effective and efficient university government.