University of Puerto Rico
Founded in 1903, the
University of Puerto Rico (
UPR) is the oldest and largest
university system in
Puerto Rico. Though Puerto Rico is not a
U.S. state, the system is run much like a
state university system and its programs have been accreditated by US accreditation agencies It is also the largest university system on the island and consists of 11
campuses.
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University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras |
In 1900, at
Fajardo, the "Escuela Normal Industrial" is established as the first higher education center in
Puerto Rico. The following year it was moved to Rio Piedras. On
March 12,
1903 a law was passed which officially created the University of Puerto Rico. That same day the "Escuela Normal" was proclaimed as the first department of the University of Puerto Rico.
In 1908, the United States government extended financial aid to the University of Puerto Rico as part of the Morill Act thus making the university a
land grant. From these new funds another campus, "El Colegio de Agricultura", was established in 1911 at
Mayagüez. One year later its name was changed to "Colegio de Agricultura y Artes Mecánicas" (CAAM).
On
September 20,
1966, then Governor Roberto Sánchez Vilella signed a law which reorganizes the University of Puerto Rico. The most important changes were the following:
* It grants complete autonomy to the School of Medicine which becomes the Medical Sciences campus.
* It grants complete autonomy to the Mayagüez and Río Piedras campuses. The former is renamed as "Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez" (RUM), a name it keeps to this day. At present time the RUM is well known for its excellence in Engineering and Science programs. The Rio Piedras campus is best known for the Social and Hummanities studies. Also,it has strong sciences deparments. At present time, the Rio Piedras Campus has an strong emphasis in the doctoral level programs. The Law School is the oldest in Puerto Rico.
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Portico of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (RUM) |
* Three regional colleges are established at
Arecibo,
Cayey and
Humacao.
*In 1969 the regional college at
Cayey becomes an official campus. It is granted complete autonomy in 1982.
*In 1969 the regional college at
Ponce is inaugurated.
*In 1970 the regional college at
Bayamón is inaugurated.
*In 1972 the regional college at
Aguadilla is inaugurated.
*In 1973 the regional college at
Carolina is inaugurated.
*In 1978 the regional college at
Utuado is inaugurated.
*
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus*
University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla*
University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo*
University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón*
University of Puerto Rico at Carolina*
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey*
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao*
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez*
University of Puerto Rico at Ponce*
University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras*
University of Puerto Rico at Utuado*
Official website*
WRTU Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico
