SUNEDU investigates faculty appointments at UNA Puno

The National Superintendency of Higher University Education (SUNEDU) is investigating the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (UNA) in Puno regarding the application of Law 32171. The investigation focuses on the appointment of faculty members who may not have met the legal requirements, including specific public competition criteria and the necessary employment link required through the 2023-II semester.

A critical issue identified is the administrative timeline: a commission led by former Research Vice-Rector Ariel Velasco Cárdenas submitted proposals that led to university-approved appointments on December 31, 2024. However, the formal consultation with SUNEDU did not occur until January 15, 2025.

Law 32171 allows for a one-time exceptional appointment of contracted teachers in public universities, provided they have five years of experience, an employment link through 2023-II, and a position obtained via public competition. Prior to these appointments, the Comptroller's Office issued a report in December 2024 warning that the university's guidelines might contravene the law. The controversy impacts university resources and has created uncertainty for faculty members who met the legal requirements but were excluded from the process.