JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The University of Morelia (UdeMorelia) in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, and Saint Peter’s University, in New Jersey, United States, announced this week a mutual academic collaboration agreement that will include double degrees, certifications, short stays, student mobility, faculty exchange and shared curriculum design, with an explicit commitment aimed at reducing the economic barrier for Michoacán students.
Dr. Hubert Benítez, D.D.S., Ph.D. noted that Saint Peter’s is prepared to recognize undergraduate degrees earned in Mexico, meaning that students can advance directly to postgraduate studies without repeating academic cycles.
Regarding tuition costs, Dr. Benitez also explained that there is no single figure, as it depends on variables such as the duration of the program, number of courses, whether it is in-person or online, on-campus residence, and the immigration status of each student. He noted, however that, “We want to eliminate the financial barrier to accessing a higher education program at Saint Peter’s University,” adding that 100% of students would receive some form of financial aid.
Guillermo de Vega, Ph.D., MBA, executive vice president and director of operations at Saint Peter’s University, explained that options will range from fully online programs to hybrid or in-person models with campus immersion, and that the financial model can be adjusted according to the number of students and the type of academic experience desired.
Representing the University of Morelia were Dr. Alfredo Neftalí López Lora, from Physical Culture and Sports; Valeria Mendoza Loaiza, Director of the Faculty of Art History; and Wendy Vianney Picho Rivas, director of the Faculty of Business.
Each one presented specific needs in their areas, from short stays and certifications in exercise science and physical education, to teacher exchange, master classes and curriculum strengthening in business, digital art, art history, video games, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with an ethical focus. Leonardo Chauca, Dierctor of University Outreach and Welfare at UdeMorelia, emphasized the need to implementa first masterclass or shared academic experience that marks the formal start of the collaboration. The rector of Udem, Pedro Chávez Villa, emphasized that the institution is going through a process of reflection to adjust its academic model to the new global trends in higher education.
He explained that the university maintains a founding motto that guides its work: each human being as a principle, a free society as a goal. He noted that the alliance with Saint Peter’s represents an opportunity to rethink curricula, strengthen internationalization and offer students tools in line with a changing job market.
Credit for much of this source content, for helping facilitate these partnership meetings and for covering each session goes to Quadratin Hispano.