The University Council's mission is to articulate the academic policy of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, to harmonize the academic policy of the various Academic Senates, ensuring that it does not deviate from institutional policy; to ratify the academic standards and guidelines for faculty and students proposed by the various Academic Senates once their compatibility with institutional policy has been ascertained; and to advise the President on the general operation of the University.
Composition of the board
The Council is composed of: the presidents of the Academic Senates of the units (in the case of the School of Law and the School of Optometry, one (1) member of the Faculty, elected by its Senate respectively, shall represent said unit); one (1) vice-president of the Academic Senates; three (3) students, one (1) for the graduate and/or professional programs and two (2) for the undergraduate programs, selected in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations of the University Council; the three (3) vice presidents of the University; two (2) chief executives of the units; one (1) representative of the administration; the President of the University and the person occupying the Executive Secretariat. The latter two shall have voice, but no vote.
Functions
a) Academic
The Council shall consider proposals from the Academic Senates on academic standards, graduation and general education requirements, creation, changes, extension and suppression of courses and programs leading to degrees, and the rules for the establishment and observance of university calendars.
b) Teachers and students
The Council shall consider proposals related to faculty and student affairs.
c) Advisor
The Council shall advise the President of the University on matters of broad educational, administrative, and research policy, such as: a) budgetary priorities; b) general planning; c) establishment and dissolution of colleges, schools, divisions, institutes, and similar educational units; d) affiliations and special programs; e) regulations affecting the faculty and student body relating to academic freedom and equal opportunity; and f) the establishment of personnel policy and procedures.
Standing Committees
The Council consists of four (4) standing committees:
The Executive Committee shall be composed of five (5) members: the President and Vice-President of the Council who are members of the Faculty; one (1) member elected by the Assembly; one (1) representative of the administration and one (1) representative for the students.
Educational Policy Committee shall be composed of seven (7) members of the Council: four (4) representatives of the Faculty; two (2) representatives of the administration, including the Vice President for Academic, Student Affairs and Systemic Planning, and one (1) representative for the students.
Functions: Shall be responsible for academic programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees and policy related to educational resources.
Student Policy Committee shall consist of six (6) members of the Council: three (3) representatives of the Faculty; two (2) representatives of the administration, including the Vice President for Religious Affairs, and one (1) representative for the students.
Functions: This Committee shall deal with student admission and retention standards, the policy to be followed regarding examinations, grading, attendance and academic honors, and academic standards in the establishment of University calendars and other student policies. It shall also deal with general student financial aid policy, veterans' affairs, academic counseling, career guidance, promotion and recruitment programs, student regulations, medical services, residence halls, extracurricular activities, student organizations, and amendments to the General Student Regulations.
The Faculty Policy Committee shall consist of five (5) members: three (3) representatives of the Faculty and two (2) representatives of the administration who shall be the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Systemic Planning and the Vice President for Management, Finance and Systemic Services.
Functions: This Committee shall deal with Faculty appointment policy, contract renewal, layoffs, promotions, tenure, salaries, research, academic load, professional improvement, leaves of absence, academic freedom, and other Faculty related policies found in the Faculty Handbook and other University documents. It shall also hear proposals to amend the Faculty Handbook.
Board Members and Committee Composition
EXECUTIVE
Victor Maldonado, President (PON)
José E. Hernández, Vice President (MET)
Francisco J. Concepción, Executive Secretary
Osvaldo Gelabert, Faculty Representative (FAJ)
Evelyn Avilés, administration representative (VAAE)
Carlos A. Rodríguez, student (SG)
EDUCATION POLICY
Osvaldo Gelabert (FAJ) - chairman
María T. De Jesús (GUA) - secretary
Edna Y. Santiago (SG) - undersecretary
Giam S. Vega (OPTM) - Faculty
Maria A. Rosario (DER) - student
Karen Woolcock (ARE) - chairperson
Jacqueline Alvarez (VAAE) - administration
STUDENT POLICY
Ángela Belgiovane (ARE) - president
Lydia E. Santiago (FAJ) - secretary
Antonio Carro (BAR) - faculty
Jolymer Arocho (AGU) - student
José Romero (GUA) - rector
Norberto Domínguez (VAR) - administration
PERSONNEL POLICY
James D. Rivera (AGU) - chairman
Carlos Boria (BAY) - secretary
Heriberto Quiñones (DER) - Faculty
Camille Lamboy (VGFSS) - administration
Jacqueline Alvarez (VAAE) - administration
Calendar of meetings and activities
| Orientation Meeting | August 15, 2025 |
| Workshop on Parliamentary Rules | September 12, 2025 |
| First Regular Meeting | November 13, 2025 |
| Due Date of Reports | October 30, 2025 |
| Second Regular Meeting | March 6, 2026 |
| Due Date of Reports | February 20, 2026 |
| Third Regular Meeting | May 22, 2026 |
| Due Date of Reports | May 8, 2026 |
| Thirty-sixth University Council | May 27, 2026 |