The governing structure of the Corporación Universidad del Sinú “Elías Bechara Zainúm” is comprised of collegiate bodies that, exercising university autonomy, guarantee strategic, regulatory, and administrative decision-making in accordance with institutional principles and the current legal framework. These bodies play a fundamental role in the formulation and implementation of academic, research, and outreach policies, ensuring the fulfillment of the institutional mission and the strengthening of educational quality.
In the development of University autonomy, collegiate bodies are established, finding a hierarchical structure as follows:
The General Assembly is the highest statutory body, made up of the founding members and benefactors, whose function is to define the pillars and provisions on which the University is based, determining Statutes, Reforms, appointment of senior members, allocation of institutional reserves, financial matters and liquidation of the Corporation, among other fundamental aspects.
The Governing Council, for its part, is the body responsible for exercising supreme direction over the academic and administrative policies of the University. It is composed of founding members and benefactors, as well as democratically elected representatives from each student, faculty member, and alumnus, all of whom have voice and vote in decision-making. Among its functions are the approval of the Institutional Educational Project, the Development Plan, regulatory reforms, the appointment of administrative staff, and ensuring that the University's operations comply with relevant legal provisions and the Statutes.
The Academic Council, as a collegial body, is responsible for submitting proposals that contribute to the academic development of the University in the areas of teaching, research, outreach, student welfare, and community engagement for approval by the Governing Board, as well as approving curriculum reforms and plans for new programs. This body is composed of the Rector, who presides over it, the Academic Director, deans, program directors, the Administrative Director, the Director of Student Welfare, and a democratically elected student, faculty, and alumni representatives.
The Faculty Council, as the final body in this hierarchy, is responsible for planning and directing the Faculty's academic development, particularly regarding research, teaching, and outreach programs. It submits proposals to the Academic Council and resolves disciplinary matters, referring those cases to the Academic Council for final decision. This body also includes the Academic Director, Program Directors, and democratically elected student, faculty, and alumni representatives.
The growth and strengthening of the Institution in recent years demonstrate an efficient management model committed to academic and administrative excellence. Its organizational structure, with a Rector's Office that ensures coherence among its campuses and democratic representation in its governing bodies, guarantees participatory and inclusive governance. Likewise, the strength of its Statutes has allowed for stability and transparency in decision-making, consolidating a University that responds to the challenges of the educational environment with equity, quality, and sustainability.