Icíar Astiasarán: "We university professors are academics, and we build the prestige of this University with our research work".

Last week, the ICS Siemens Gamesa classroom hosted the closing ceremony for the V edition of the DOCENS Program program for faculty in training. Promoted by the Core Curriculum Institute, on this occasion, 27 teachers from all Schools and schools completed the program. 

DOCENS was born in 2018 with the goal of providing new professors with all the necessary training resources to exercise their teaching at the University. With a duration of two academic years, the program addresses both institutional aspects and issues related to teaching skills, methodologies and tools.

During the closing ceremony, Icíar Astiasarán, Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology and former Vice President of research (2011-2022), addressed a few words to the attendees: "You, who are the present and the future of the University, have the task of research. We are aware that it is a task that always has its pitfalls: it does not have the face of the student, the attention with others, the preparation of classes... Time can pass and research can be delayed. But university professors are academics, and we build the prestige of this University with our research work. It makes us a reference in our field".

For his part, Tomás Gómez-Acebo, Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials and former Vice President of Students (2012-2022), highlighted how fortunate it is for students in the DOCENS Program to have a mentor who "gives them a hand": "In our academic degree program , the figure of a mentor, of someone who guides us -even if it is only the director of our department financial aid us financial aid to know what we can do to take better advantage of the opportunities that come our way".

He also pointed out the different challenges that professors may encounter throughout their academic degree program : "There may come a time when we have to be available for whatever comes our way. The tasks of service or management in the University can touch all of us. But it's a sample trust from those around you, and you know you'll never be alone.

Participants in the DOCENS Program have attended monthly seminars with complementary readings to encourage dialogue and reflection. They have also been accompanied by a mentor throughout the two years of the program.

The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Director of the Core Curriculum Institute and Full Professor of the School of Communication, Manuel Martín Algarra. Pablo Sánchez-Ostiz, Full Professor of Criminal Law and Vice President of faculty (2022-present), also took part in the event and presented the diplomas to the professors participating in the program. The event concluded with an aperitif in the ICS hall.

Mónica AriasSchool of Nursing)

The DOCENS Program has offered me a valuable opportunity to stop, think and reflect on our professor work. It has been very enriching to share this experience with colleagues from other Schools, in a very well organized environment, with varied sessions and high level speakers. 

José Sebastián Gutiérrez (Tecnun)

The DOCENS Program sessions have helped me to value the role of the professor not only as someone who teaches, but also as someone who accompanies and forms people. I would recommend this program for its ability to renew our view of teaching with meaning and above all with a commitment.

Reinaldo GarcíaSchool of Sciences)

I am grateful for the unique opportunity that DOCENS gives you to contrast visions and learning about university teaching with colleagues from disciplines so different from mine. I am also grateful for the bonds we have created with other colleagues: we are all relatively new to this institution and I believe that the program has helped us to create a group with its own identity.

Patricia San MiguelSchool of Communication)

DOCENS has not taught me how to be a better teacher, yet. But it has taught me how I would like to be, how I would like to teach my classes and how I would like to look at and experience the University of Navarra. One of the things I have liked most about Docens has been the possibility of having a mentor, who has become for me a beacon, a "Yoda master". I suppose that the mentor is not aware of the role he/she has, but I would love that in future editions I could explain to future professors of the University the importance of having someone to share and be grateful for the time they dedicate to us.