Description of the President of the University

For the purposes of recruiting the most suitable candidate for the position of President of the University of Puerto Rico, this document lists the basic criteria to guide the selection of the candidate and the qualifications, competencies, and skills such person must have.

CREDENTIALS

  • A doctorate or terminal degree in their field.
  • Hold at least the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent.
  • Be an academic who is recognized in Puerto Rico and abroad for their excellence and distinguished career.

ACADEMIC-AMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

  • Knowledge and understanding of the current global developments, trends, and debates in matters of post-secondary education, curriculum modalities, research, and creative work.
  • Ability to represent the University internationally so as to advance a richer and more diverse experience and academic offerings at the University.
  • Know and honor the philosophy and public policy of the University and its role in the development of a fully democratic Puerto Rican society with a high quality of life.
  • Ability to integrate the school system toward college education.
  • Profess a steadfast commitment to University values and to the defense of institutional autonomy as a necessary condition to fully achieve the University’s mission and role.
  • Promote the soundest and most delicate balance that must be kept between the University and the State and its representatives.
  • Vision and commitment to the mission of the University of Puerto Rico as an institution of higher education clearly committed to the conservation, production, and dissemination of knowledge, research, and creative works.
  • Commitment and ability to promote the highest excellence in teaching, quality academic offerings, research, and creative works, service to the country, and collaboration with the University in community initiatives of great public interest.
  • A particular commitment to prioritizing the strengthening and expansion of research and creative work, securing the identification and assignment of necessary resources.
  • Complete understanding that all institutional efforts must be directed to maintaining and promoting a University that serves the development and well-being of our country.
  • Know and adhere to institutional regulations, rules, and policies.
  • Strong leadership and ability to inspire and lead the university community toward transformative processes.
  • Ability to bring about the broadest participation from the University community and from society in an open and sustained dialogue on how to transform the University to make it more relevant for the country so it may achieve its goals.
  • A systemic vision of the University to promote the most effective integration of all of its components.
  • A collaborative vision of all University components to promote safety and security, excellent services, and harmony among all components.
  • Knowledge and commitment to advancing and achieving the goals and objectives of the current Strategic Plan for the University of Puerto Rico.
  • Effective administrative experience in line with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
  • Ability to create an administration based on an open-door policy that is responsible, supportive of the University community, and directed toward bolstering trust, credibility among its leaders, and institutional stability.
  • Ability to recruit and lead an effective and highly competitive team.
  • Commitment to fostering and enabling the professional development and improvement of University staff.
  • Ability to stimulate and support quality and excellence in teaching, research and creative work of faculty members.
  • Ability to support the development and institution of adaptable and efficient information technology for the entire institution.
  • Know and prioritize institutional accreditations.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

  • Ability to bring people together, a good communicator who knows how to listen to the community, and ability to put into practice different conflict models involving diverse sectors of the University community.
  • Independent judgment and ability to effectively interact with public and private entities in our society.
  • Ability to create an environment of respect and harmony when discussing diverse ideas and dissenting opinions.
  • Possess effective communication skills and abilities.
  • Ability to promote collaborations with the public and private sector that may be practicable to advance important public interests.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

  • Knowledge of the Certified Fiscal Plan and commitment to its compliance, including transformation actions and the development of a new Fiscal Plan.
  • Ability to make the most of the opportunities that may generate more income for the University.
  • Commitment to fostering and creating an environment conducive to increased external fundraising.
  • Commitment to the soundest and most transparent administration, with a policy of accountability and a culture of constant and strict assessments.
  • Ability to understand, analyze, and manage the complex financial situation of the University and make correct and fair decisions for its optimal operation.
  • Ability and commitment to strengthening the Endowment Fund and other University financial support.

STUDENT AFFAIRS

  • Complete understanding of the public responsibility that the University has as an institution at the service of the country and knowledge of how to channel concrete actions to ensure that every student, particularly those with limited means, has the greatest possible access to the highest quality college education, to which they are entitled.
  • Promote the implementation of the most advanced technology in student services and teaching, in keeping with our prestige as an institution and with a view to constant progress and innovation.
  • Commitment to ensuring the best living, educational, and work conditions for the members of the University community.
  • Ability to recognize the importance and need to built, occupy, and maintain quality spaces and dignified surroundings as a haven for the teaching-learning process.
  • Commitment to student success before, during and after their academic career.