The University of the Sea (UMAR)

The University of the Sea (UMAR) is an institution of higher education and scientific research of the state of Oaxaca, which has the support and recognition of the federal government. UMAR is based on the new university model of the Mixteca Technological University (UTM), also in the Oaxaca System of State Universities (SUNEO).

The decision to create the UMAR was made in 1991 by Lic. Heladio Ramirez Lopez, Governor of Oaxaca State (1986-1992).

Doctor Modesto Seara Vázquez, Director of the Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca (Technological University of the Mixtec), was in charge of the design and execution of the UMAR.

He decided to establish it in the facilities of the Secundaria Tecnica Pesquera (Technical Fishing High School) in Puerto Angel, which were relocated in close proximity.

Concluding the remodeling work, the university was formally inaugurated on August 22, 1992. In 2001, activities were initiated at the campuses in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.

The educational model of UMAR takes place in safe and appropriate environments for professional training, offering services such as libraries, computer labs, other laboratories, auditoriums, cafeterias, and housing for professors, among others.

Teaching. We offer higher education programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, providing an excellent education for professional researchers and highly trained professors. Research. Through our on-going development in research and higher education, we contribute greatly to the economic, technological, and cultural independence of the country, thus creating conditions that bring about an appropriate social development. Cultural Promotion. We encourage all type of activities aimed at the preservation and growth of our cultural heritage, its archeological sites and indigenous languages, as well as expressions of community life that exemplify our national identity.

On-going, timely and topical research at a regional, state and national level. We carry out scientific, humanistic and technological research that focuses mainly on dealing with problems of the state and the country.

To support the well-rounded education of the student, UMAR has developed its model of teaching based on the following foundations and requirements:

Students have a full-time schedule, with an attendance policy of 80% which includes library study time, computer lab time, conferences and tutorials. Students are assessed on an on-going basis: (mid-term, ordinary, final, special and make-up exams). Students are offered tuition exemption through scholarships, regardless of the number of students who have problems with finances or a lower academic background.

Parent and tutor involvement in the academic process through an on-going dialog between the university and tutors. Rules and regulations that seek a balance in work ethic, social responsibility and freedom. Research professors are hired on a full-time basis. They divide their time between teaching and research.

Using an academic strategy, the research professors are the pillar of the academic model. In carrying out their work within a process of teaching and learning, the professors reflect the UMAR curricular model.

We are a decentralized public institution, created and supported by the Oaxacan state government to contribute to the expansion and growth process of teaching, research, cultural promotion and development. Our goal is to create equality of access and territorial distribution of opportunities for the Oaxacan population as well as for the whole country. Our services are carried out with a high quality, relevance and social commitment. Social solidarity, the respect of human dignity, care of the environment, and civic co-responsibility within the community are the principals that guide the daily academic life of the staff, students and graduates.

• Loyalty. Compromise, trust and loyalty to the institution, its mission, principles, and purposes.
• Service. Willingness on the part of the institution to answer the needs of society with an attitude of giving, collaboration and an attentive spirit.
• Responsibility. An honest fulfillment of the commitments gained for and by the institution, carrying out the entrusted activities in the right way.
• Honesty. To think, speak, and act adhering to moral principles and values.
• Quality. To achieve excellence in our educational services to live up to the vision and the mission.
• Respect. We consider the students and the employees the most valuable resource and the driving force of our institution. We respect their human integrity and acknowledge that it is their performance and contribution that enables us to achieve improvement in our institution.