Comparative Perception Study, a Look at the 2020 Self-Assessment

The consolidation of a culture of self-assessment in higher education is fundamental to strengthening quality processes, continuous improvement, and institutional decision-making. In this context, this study presents a comparative analysis of perceptions based on the results obtained from self-assessment exercises conducted during the 2020 academic year in academic programs at Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD). The initiative was coordinated with ECEDU’s PIE 039 project and VISAE’s Comprehensive Quality Assurance System for Programs and Services, both aimed at strengthening curriculum management and an organizational culture of quality.

The analysis drew on systematized information from students, graduates, and representatives of the business sector, collected through perception surveys administered across various programs and educational levels in the institution’s eight regions. The evaluation addressed digital educational resources, academic interaction, curricular relevance, graduate performance, employment outcomes, and the adequacy of learning environments, complemented by document review and analysis of institutional indicators.

Results indicate high levels of satisfaction and positive perceptions regarding program quality, the relevance of the open and distance education model, and the professional and social impact of graduates. Likewise, the study highlights the importance of self-assessment as a mechanism for self-regulation, institutional strengthening, and the development of strategies for academic excellence, educational inclusion, and the continuous improvement of educational processes.