University Pedagogy

Fourth International Congress on Higher Education
"UNIVERSIDAD 2004"
University 2004
February 2 to 6, 2004

International Convention Center
Havana, Cuba

EduToursToCuba.com invites Canadian and American university professors, students, researchers and faculty linked to higher education as well as college and high school teachers, students, administrators of higher education institutions and officials from other institutions, organizations and enterprises related to higher education to participate in this biennial Congress. It will be one of the most important events on higher education.

We have flights from Toronto and Montreal, Canada to Havana. For US citizens traveling with a license, direct air from Miami, New York and Los Angeles to Havana is also possible, on request.

Official languages - English, Spanish and Portuguese

The following is the appeal of the organizing committee based in Havana:

Dear Colleague:

The Ministry of Higher Education and the Universities of the Republic of Cuba are pleased to summon you to participate in the Fourth International Congress on Higher Education "UNIVERSIDAD 2004", to be held at the International Conventions Center of Havana, from February 2 to 6, 2004.

The Congress, whose main topic is "The University for a Better World", will be the appropriate forum to jointly examine the necessary transformations needed in Higher Education institutions, so they play a decisive role in the sustainable development of our countries.

After three previous Congresses with fruitful debates, we will meet again to exchange views on how to attain a better University, for a better society in our countries.

It will be a great pleasure for us if you attend the Congress; we will be able to offer you a cordial and warm welcome in our hospitable country.

The International Congress on Higher Education "UNIVERSIDAD" originated during the debates of the Regional Conference on Higher Education for Latin America and the Caribbean, summoned by CRESALC/UNESCO in Havana City in 1996, within the program of the preparatory regional conferences for the World Conference that would take place in Paris two years later. In its editions in 1998, 2000, and 2002, respectively, the Congress had a wide participation of specialists from all over the world, in particular those from Latin America and the Caribbean: In the last meeting, there were over 1300 participants, 916 coming from 35 countries and representatives from five international organizations, in addition to those from the host country, Cuba. They had an active participation in the forums opened for reflection.

The Congress on Higher Education "UNIVERSIDAD 2004" will take place at a moment in the history of human kind, ruled by globalization, the society of knowledge, the impact of new information and communication technologies, and the accelerated deterioration of the environment. This means the need for serious changes in the life of society as a whole, and where Universities should play a leading role in the sustainable development of our countries.

This scientific event on higher education has among its purposes to favour the reflection on the missions and functions of the University, in general, and in the Latin American context, in particular.

GENERAL PROGRAM

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

The scientific program comprises: plenary sessions, where master lectures will be delivered by personalities of renowned international prestige, round tables, and panels that will open the discussion on the main topics of the Congress. In different commissions that will hold sessions simultaneously, specific topics will be dealt with in special lectures, round tables, panels and the presentation of free oral topics, posters, and videos. During the Congress, 6 scientific events will be held. Prestigious Cuban professors will teach Pre-congress courses and courses after the Congress on different topics regarding Higher Education. Specialized visits to centres of interest will be carried out. All this work will deal with the university every day life under the Congress slogan: "The University for a Better World."

The organizers of the Congress are interested in the presentation of scientific research papers, development papers, implementation papers, and also papers in which professors and managers show concrete experiences in their university every day life and projects and experiences in the community work.

• New developments and perspectives in Higher Education for a better world.
• The Universalization of the University
• Relevancy, quality, accreditation and internationalization of Higher Education.
• Contribution of Higher Education to sustainable development.
• Improvement of Higher Education Pedagogy.
• Information and communication technologies in the transformation of university processes.

• Relevancy, quality and strategies for higher education development.
• Social equity in the students' performance and access to higher education.
• The University and the local and regional development. Ways of integration and synergy.
• University internationalization and its processes.
• Mass University. Quality, relevancy and equity.
• University international co-operation for regional development and integration
• Evaluation of quality and accreditation in higher education. Policies and strategies.
• Contemporary pedagogic tendencies. Practical experiences and research.
• Experiences in professor and teacher training.
• Medical education. Its contribution to a good health for all.
• Improvement of physical activity and sports in the university and community environment.
• Engineer and architect training. Its improvement for development.
• Artistic instruction at higher level. Contribution of graduates to the comprehensive general culture.
• Professional humanistic instruction and instruction in values for a more objective society.
• Training of agricultural science professionals and rural development.
• University and society. Interaction for a sustainable social development.
• Role of the university in the preparation and further education of managers from developing countries.
• University and environment. Their contribution to sustainable development.
• Postgraduate education for the development of the university and the society. Management, quality and social impact of postgraduate education.
• Scientific research in the development of the university and the society.
• Science and innovation at the university. Their role in the technology transfer.
• University extension in the development of a comprehensive general culture.
• Role of the unions at the universities. Their contribution to the development and well being of workers.
• Role of the student organizations at the universities. Their contribution to the fulfillment of the social mission of universities.
• Improvement of the university student research. A student point of view.
• Contemporary tendencies and realities of distance education.
• Virtual university. Use of the information and communication technologies.
• The integral formation of the university doctors in the science of health for Latin America.
• The Physical Education and the University Sports: an Educational Option for a world of Peace.
• The improvement of the physical activity and the sport in the university environment and community.
• The formation of professionals in tourism.
• The woman and the university.

1. 7th International Workshop on "Higher Education and its Perspectives"
2. 4th Workshop on Higher Education Pedagogy
3. 4th Workshop on "University, Environment and Sustainable Development".
4. 7th Advisory Meeting on Postgraduate Education in Ibero-America
5. 4th Symposium on "University, Science and Technology".
6. 6th International Workshop on "Distance Education"
7. 2nd International Workshop "Evaluation of the quality and accreditation in Higher Education"
8. I International Conference "Higher Education and Tourism Development: challenges and perspectives".

• Meeting of foreign students who have graduated in Cuba.
• Meeting of rectors and university authorities present in the Congress.
• Related exhibition.
• 2nd Workshop on the "Teaching Profession Project": Comprehensive training of university teachers in Health Science for Latin America.
• VII University Extension Forum.
• Forum of the organizations of mass in the university student environment.

OBJECTIVES

• Identify the main development tendencies of Higher Education for a better world.
• Analyze experiences about the contribution from universities to the solution of social and economic problems the communities face and to sustainable development.
• Enrich Higher Education Pedagogy and especially its Didactics, with a view to satisfy current demands of training professionals and teachers.
• Favour the establishment of ways for international cooperation between institutions, entities, organizations and universities, which enable to qualitatively improve Higher Education and to be able to face, with more possibilities, their commitments to society.

Organizing Committee

President
Dr. Fernando Vecino Alegret, minister of Higher Education (MES), Republic of Cuba.

First vice-president
Dr. Rodolfo Alarcón Ortiz, first deputy-minister (MES)

Vice-presidents
Dr. Eduardo Cruz González, deputy-minister (MES)
Dr. José Luis García Cueva, deputy-minister (MES)
Dr. Aurora Fernández González, deputy-minister (MES)

Members
B.A. Magaly González Pírez, deputy-minister (Ministry of Education of the Republic of Cuba)
Dr.. Ileana Morales Suarez, deputy-minister (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cuba)
Dr. Raúl Roa Kourí, president of UNESCO Cuban National Commission
B.A. María de los Angeles Rodríguez Taboada, rector ("Manuel Fajardo" Higher Institute of Physical Culture)
Dr. Juan Vela Valdés, rector (University of Havana)
Dr. Arturo Bada González, rector ("José Antonio Echeverría" Higher Polytechnic Institute)
Dr. José R. Saborido Loidi, rector ("Martha Abreau" Central University of Las Villas)
Dr. Marcos Cortina Vega, rector (University of Oriente)
Dr. Francisco Benítes Cárdenas, rector ("Fructuoso Rodríguez" Agrarian University of Havana)
Dr. Gil Ramón González González, rector ("Hermanos Saíz Montes de Oca" University of Pinar del Río) Engineer Jorge Rodríguez Pérez, rector ("Camilo Cienfuegos" University of Matanzas)
Dr. Juan José Cabello Eras, rector ("Carlos Rafael Rodríguez" University of Cienfuegos)
Dr. Mario Ares Sánchez, rector (University of Ciego de Avila)
B.A. Carlos Díaz Barranco, rector (University of Camagüey)
Dr. Segundo Pacheco Toledo, rector ("Oscar Lucero Moya" University of Holguín)
Dr. Antonia María Castillo Ruiz, rector (University of Granma)
Dr. Manuel Vega Almaguer, rector (Higher Institute of Mines and Metallurgy of Moa)
Dr. Francisco Bermúdez Laguna, rector (University Center of Las Tunas)
Dr. Raúl de la Peña Silva, rector (University Center of Guantánamo)
Dr. Ana María González Mafud, rector (Higher Institute of Arts)
Engineer Tomás Bello Tápanes, deputy-director (International Conventions Center)
Engineer Luis Abreu Mejías, secretary general (National Education, Science and Sports Workers´Union)
B.A. Hassán Pérez Casabona, president (University Students Federation)
Dr. Pedro Hurrutinier Silva, director (Professional Training Division, MES)
Dr. Julio Castro Lamas, director (Postgraduate Education Division, MES)
Dra. Lourdes Alicia Díaz Fernández , director (International Relations Division, MES)
Dr. Edwin Pedrero González, director (Science and Technique Division, MES)
Dr. Francisco Lee Tenorio, director (Center for New Technologies of Communications and Computer Science, MES)
B.A. Clemente González Pérez, director (University Extension Division, MES)
B.A. Mariela Columbié Santana, director (Coordinating Center for Management Studies, MES)
Dr. Elvira Martín Sabina, director (Center for Studies on Higher Education Improvement (CEPES), University of Havana (UH)
Engineer Eduardo Rodríguez López , director (National Enterprise of Production and Services for Higher Education, MES)
B.A. Miriam Alpízar Santana, director (Accounting and Finance Division, MES)
Engineer Cristóbal Pupo Téllez, director general (UniversiTUR Travel Agency)

Executive secretaries Dr. Silvio Montalvo Martínez, Oficina de Eventos Universitarios (University Events Office (MES)
Engineer Raúl Nariño Rodríguez, Oficina de Eventos Universitarios (University Events Office (MES)

Scientific Committee
President: Dr. José Luis García Cuevas, deputy minister (MES)
Vice-president: Dr. Elvira Martín Sabina, director (Center for Studies on Higher Education Improvement (CEPES), University of Havana (UH)
Secretary: Dr. Andrés García Martínez, CEPES(UH)

Standards for the presentation of papers and summaries

• 35 mm slides
• VHS video (NTSC 3,58 standard; no other Standard)

• The delivery of all travel documents and information from our Montreal office to participants
• Personalized travel service and suggestions including extended stays
• Return air from Toronto or Montreal
• Canadian taxes and Canadian airport departure tax
• Cuban tourist card
• Reception at the Havana airport by Congress representatives
• All transportation and transfers in modern air-conditioned buses dedicated to Congress delegates, accompanied by guide. Transfers airport/hotel/airport, daily transfers to the headquarters of the Congress and transfers to all the official activities of the Congress.
• Seven nights and 8 days at the hotel of your choice (from two to five star hotels) in single or double occupancy
• Breakfast every day
• Assistance of specialized Cuban guide in Cuba
• Payment by credit card or by check for the full air/hotel/transport package.

For description and images of the three star BelloCaribe Hotel, the four star Neptuno Triton Hotel and the five star Nacional, Habana Libre and Melia Habana Hotels, click here. The rates do not include the registration fee which is payable only in Cuba and in US dollars.

The Registration fee includes the welcome cocktail, entry to the full program, the Congress documents, participation in all the scientific sessions and the related exhibition. The accompanying people have the right to participate in the Opening ceremony and the Welcome cocktail.

• Cuban airport departure taxes (25 $US)
• Two meals per day
• Drinks
• Insurance- complete cancellation, interruption, baggage, health and accident deluxe package insurance available from EduToursToCuba.com on request. Please indicate your age and date of birth.
• Tips

Extended stay for holidays in Havana or Varadero is also possible: On request.

Air is done in collaboration with Cubana de Aviacion an Airbus 320, leased from LACSA, Costa Rican airlines, with a crew trained and licensed in Costa Rica. Itinerary with Cubana de Aviacion. Direct flight from Canada to Havana.

If you are interested, how do you proceed?
1.
If you have any questions, e-mail EduToursToCuba.com. This is the official education tours web site of Voyage Culture Cuba (VCC), the registered and licensed travel agency that is authorized to process registrations and payments.
2.
Complete our Registration form and send it in to VCC with a down payment of 200 $ CA. In order to assure that you procure the hotel of your choice, we suggest that you register with VCC and make the down payment as soon as possible. Payment to VCC can be made by Credit Card or by check made out to VCC in Trust. Please note that insurance must be purchased at the same time as the down payment.
3.
If you want to submit papers or summaries please contact the event organizers at one of the following e-mail addresses: ofieven@reduniv.edu.cu or univ2004@reduniv.edu.cu
4.
Final payment to VCC is due at the latest 60 days before the departure, that is December 02, 2003.

Payment and cancellation policy - Please read carefully

Deposit and Final Payment

A 200 $ CA deposit and full payment of cancellation insurance if traveler opts for insurance with VCC is required as soon as possible as the down payment in order for us to reserve your flight and hotel as well as reserve your registration with the Congress (payable in Cuba). At the time of the down payment, the person must also indicate double or single occupancy, in the case of the former also indicate the name of the person with whom the double occupancy is to be shared. The trip is offered on a first come, first serve basis. If the payment reaches our office and no more space is available for the flight and hotel requested, then we can offer you another flight and air alternative that you are free to reject or accept. If no alternative is available to your liking, then the check will be returned or your credit card will not be charged without any costs to you.
Any requests for add-ons in Cuba such as a one-week holiday, must be made at the time of your down payment for the Congress and an additional 100 $ CA will be requested to secure this reservation as well.
The final payment must reach our office at the latest 60 (sixty) days before the departure date that is by December 2nd, 2003.
Once you have made your down payment, you will get a receipt with an invoice requesting the final payment, indicating the exact amount to be paid and the date due.
If we do not receive the full balance payment in time, we reserve the right to cancel your request and the down payment will be 100 % non-refundable.

Cancellation and cancellation fees

50% of the down payment (100$ of the 200$) is refundable up to 60 days before the departure. For cancellations received from 60 days up to 45 days before departure, that is from December 2nd to December 17th then the cancellation penalty is 50 % of the total payment.
Any cancellation after December 17th is 100 % non refundable.
Any change between single and double occupancy after the initial down payment will be subject to a 50 $ CA service charge provided that we can effectuate the change desired. Note: We do not offer twining for the Congress.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the same name as to be found in your passport. Any error on the name on your part will be subject to a 50 $ CA penalty.

Passport and baggage allowance

It is the responsibility of the travelers to have in your possession at the departure time, during the trip and for the return from Cuba a valid passport.
Baggage allowance consists of two bags with one carry-on for a total of 30 kilos.

Other congresses and events in Cuba:

• Biotechnology
• Pedagogy - General
• University Pedagogy
• Philosophy/Social Science
• Jazz Festival
• Film Festival