The rector of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), Rubén Calderón, appears on the podcast ‘El Primer Café’, hosted by Pelayo López and broadcast on Teiba FM, to analyse the present and future of the academic institution.
The aim of the rector’s participation was to analyse in depth both the current situation and future projections for academic expansion, not only in territorial terms, but also in relation to the educational offer and the experience of local and visiting students.
He pointed out that despite having only 11 years of academic experience, UNEATLANTICO has experienced remarkable growth in multiple areas, including the internationalisation of students, which is part of its collective thinking. It currently offers 15 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees and 4 doctoral programmes, the latter of which drive scientific initiatives that promote institutional development. This dynamic allows it to represent approximately one third of the university system in Cantabria.
The debate continued with a discussion on the recent approval by the Council of Ministers of a measure aimed at supervising the opening of new university centres, with the aim of ensuring that they are properly integrated and meet the necessary conditions. In response, Calderón said that it is a priority to ensure academic excellence through minimum quality criteria.
‘The current university system is characterised by its guarantee-based approach,’ said Calderón. He stressed the need for universities to have both qualified staff and adequate infrastructure to ensure this excellence. Even so, he believes that the Spanish university system, which is part of the European Higher Education Area, is fulfilling its duties.
He concluded by highlighting that the institution’s vocation for service complements the Cantabrian university system by welcoming both local students and those from other regions. He also emphasised the growing support from various entities and recalled that, as a foundation, the university is fully oriented towards the benefit of its students.