On Monday, March 3, the National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile) presented its new study, “The Management of Higher Education Institutions in Relation to Coexistence, Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The publication was authored by CNA-Chile’s Vice President, Erika Castillo Barrientos, along with CNA professionals Javiera Matus León, Katherine Barrios Narváez, Gabriela Cortés Castillo, Carla Muñoz Ortiz, and María Esperanza Troncoso Cerda.
In October 2023, the higher education system made significant progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion with the entry into force of the Accreditation Criteria and Standards, in which the Commission incorporated Criterion No. 7 (for the university subsystem) and Criterion No. 9 (for the technical-professional subsystem) on “Management of Coexistence, Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” This development posed a significant challenge for CNA-Chile and national higher education institutions (HEIs). The present study highlights key underlying elements for understanding and implementing these criteria, enabling HEIs to analyze their progress comparatively and project their future actions.
Through a sample-based approach, the study reflects on the practices of higher education institutions as evidenced in the decisions and commitments made within the accreditation process. By making explicit the principles that underpin quality and their institutional appropriation, this publication seeks to facilitate a comparative evaluation of institutional development—allowing not only for the assessment of progress but also for the planning of future actions to strengthen institutional management.
For one of the authors, CNA-Chile’s Vice President, Erika Castillo, this publication represents a significant advancement in the field, enriched by the wealth of materials generated through accreditation processes. “Accreditation is not just an evaluation but also an opportunity to strengthen quality and equity in higher education. It is essential to generate concrete and sustainable improvements. We hope this publication serves as a valuable resource for institutions and contributes to promoting fairer and more inclusive educational environments,” emphasized CNA-Chile’s Vice President.
You can find and download the study here.
