Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo institutional updates

The Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) has initiated several efforts to enhance its academic and administrative framework. Initially, the university focused on strengthening academic dialogue through collaboration with the Universidad Nacional para la Defensa (UNADE), involving the exchange of research and publications regarding geopolitics and human security.

Subsequently, Rector Jorge Asjana David announced a broader institutional modernization plan. This strategy aims to align educational offerings with labor market demands through curricular reforms, including the introduction of new degrees in fields such as Cybersecurity Engineering, Robotics, and International Business. The plan also includes administrative transformations, the implementation of micro-credentials in sectors like agriculture and tourism, and the expansion of degree programs to regional centers.

Recently, the university addressed a dispute involving the Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS) following allegations by student organizations, including the Dominican Students Federation (FED), that thesis fees would increase from RD$8,000 to RD$55,000. UASD clarified that resolution FCS-1334-26 actually aims to reduce the maximum number of students per thesis group from three to two to improve academic quality and facilitate international accreditation. Dean Angel Nadal explained that the reduction in group size is intended to improve the coordination, supervision, and follow-up of research projects. Due to student protests, the Faculty Board approved resolution FCS 1434-2026, which postpones the implementation of these new group limits until 2027. The university has urged the academic community to rely on official channels to avoid misinformation.

As part of the ongoing modernization, the university is expanding its technical curriculum to include Software Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechatronics. Additionally, the Rector highlighted scientific research regarding canolid, a compound extracted from a Dominican plant that has shown potential anticancer properties in laboratory tests and is currently undergoing animal trials abroad.