Chancellor of Universidad Autónoma of Santo Domingo Visits Hostos

The Chancellor of Universidad Autónoma of Santo Domingo (UASD), Dr. Emma Polanco Melo, visited Hostos Community College on April 21, 2021 to meet with Hostos Interim President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Associate Dean of Community Relations Ana I. García Reyes.

Dr. Polanco Melo was accompanied by Vice Chancellor of Extension Antonio Medina Calcaño; Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate [work] Mauro Canario Lorenzo; Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Alejandro H. Ozuna Morla; Dean of Faculty of Legal and Political Science Bautista López García. The delegation also included Erasmo Chalas Tejada and Manuel Félix from the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New York. 
 
Dr. Polanco Melo and Dr. Cocco De Filippis talked on the fruitful relationship that exists between both institutions and agreed to continue collaborating through virtual platforms until the in-person study abroad exchange program can resume.

Associate Dean of Community Relations García Reyes has coordinated the summer study abroad, academic exchange program with UASD for 33 years. Thousands of NYC Department of Education (DOE) teachers, CUNY students, faculty, and staff have participated in this educational and culturally enriching study abroad professional development experience. The high-impact program model is made for the Department of Education and other professionals who work with English language learners in school. The program has received excellent evaluations by participants for its effectiveness throughout the years. It is also the first and oldest self-sustaining academic exchange/study abroad program that has taken place between Hostos and the UASD.

Dr. Polanco Melo has over 35 years of academic and administrative experience and was elected Chancellor of Universidad Autónoma of Santo Domingo in 2018. She is the first female Chancellor since UASD was founded 483 years ago.

About Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD)
UASD is the public university system in the Dominican Republic with its main campus in the Ciudad Universitaria of Santo Domingo and regional campuses in many cities throughout the country. UASD was founded by José Gabriel García and Emiliano Tejera in 1866 as the Professional Institute, replacing the former Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, one of the first universities of the Western Hemisphere which was founded unofficially through Papal Bull in 1538, officially by royal decree in 1558, and closed in 1822. It was later renamed the University of Santo Domingo in 1914.
 
About Eugenio María de Hostos Community College (Hostos)
Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change, transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. Hostos serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, and a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "student success coach" program, which partners students with individualized guidance, is emblematic of the premier emphasis on student support and services.
Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and 2 certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) is one of the pre-eminent Latino arts centers of the northeast. The HCAC has distinguished itself for showcasing traditional art forms as well as emerging and internationally renowned artists. Hostos Community College is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university serving more than 500,000 students at 25 colleges.
 
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