The Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) has once again demonstrated that the dedication and commitment of its professors do not go unnoticed by their students. In a year marked by growth and the institution’s consolidation as a benchmark in comprehensive education, student evaluations have once again confirmed the quality of the faculty and its impact on the holistic development of those who choose UFV as the place to pursue their university studies.
A professor of the Degree in Architecture with two students from the UFV
During the XXII Saint Thomas Day, the rector, Daniel Sada, highlighted a statistic that is undoubtedly a cause for celebration: over the past eight years, the overall faculty rating has consistently increased, reaching an average score of 4.97 out of 6 in the last year. This exceptional recognition becomes even more significant when considering the number of professors evaluated—more than 1,600—and the challenge of maintaining an upward trend in such a large sample.
“When evaluating such a vast number of professors, changes are like steering a cruise ship. Achieving significant improvements is difficult, but you have done it,” stated the rector. This sustained growth in faculty ratings reflects the daily effort UFV professors put into offering their best in the classroom. It is confirmation that their commitment to teaching, guiding, and inspiring students is bearing fruit.
This recognition of teaching quality is not just about numbers. It demonstrates that UFV professors do more than impart knowledge—they leave a lasting impact in the classroom. In a world where higher education can sometimes be reduced to mere information transmission, UFV strives to go further, offering a comprehensive education that transcends academics to shape individuals committed to truth, excellence, service to others, and the common good.
DOCENTIA: A Program for Continuous Faculty Quality Improvement
To ensure this excellence in teaching quality, UFV has a structured evaluation system that enables professors to continuously improve their classroom performance. Through the DOCENTIA program, whose model is accredited by ANECA and managed by the Vice-Rectorate for Faculty and Educational Model, UFV provides professors with insights into their teaching quality through a 360º evaluation. This program incorporates not only each professor’s self-reflection and self-evaluation but also assessments from their students, academic supervisors, and peer faculty members within their field. Conducted every three years, this evaluation serves as a strategic pillar for continuous improvement towards academic excellence and faculty recognition at UFV.
DOCENTIA is a key tool in this commitment, helping professors reflect on their teaching practice, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen their pedagogical leadership in aspects such as course planning, student mentorship, and comprehensive education as a mission.
The role of the faculty is fundamental in building a university that not only teaches but also transforms students’ lives. As the rector expressed to the entire academic community, “The students tell us: Yes, thank you. I value what you give me.” And they express this consistently, year after year, with increasingly positive evaluations, creating a lasting memory that remains with them as they become alumni.
An Educational Model That Leaves a Mark
This recognition is not only a source of pride but also a sign of hope. In a time when education faces unprecedented challenges, where knowledge seems to dissolve into immediacy and superficiality, UFV proves that there is another way: one of purposeful teaching, of education that changes realities, of professors who inspire and leave a lasting impact.
Thus, more than just a number, this recognition reflects UFV’s identity and its vision of higher education. It is a reminder that effort, vocation, and commitment to students’ holistic education are the best path to building a university of excellence—a community that not only educates but enlightens. Because at UFV, being a professor is much more than a profession—it is a way to transform the world.
