Strategic framework
Introduction
The School of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Costa Rica, founded in 1989, is a national leader in the training of professionals in the Human Movement Sciences. It offers Bachelor's and Licentiate degrees in this discipline, as well as graduate programs in Recreation and Human Movement Sciences. With more than three decades of experience, it promotes innovation and comprehensive development through research and community outreach projects, encouraging health, sports, and recreation. Its commitment to academic excellence contributes to the country’s scientific and social progress, strengthening its leadership at the national level.
Mision
To train highly qualified professionals in Human Movement Sciences and Recreation, emphasizing academic excellence, innovation, and inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinarity. Our commitment is to respond to social needs, improve quality of life, and foster positive change through teaching, research, and community engagement, aligned with the humanistic and democratic values of the University of Costa Rica.
Vision
To be recognized as national and international leaders in the innovative development of Human Movement Sciences and Recreation, distinguished by our academic excellence, commitment to cuttingedge research, and effective application of technology. We are dedicated to proactively addressing the changing demands of today’s society through transformative teaching, impactful community outreach, and global interdisciplinary collaboration.
Philosophy
Values
The School of Physical Education and Sports guides its work in alignment with the institution’s values, as stated in Articles 1, 3, 4, and 5 of the Organic Statute of the University. Additionally, it strengthens its identity by incorporating values that represent individuals and reinforce our mission and vision as an Academic Unit, as follows:
Integrity: We act with transparency and honesty, guided by strong moral and spiritual ethics, demonstrating coherence in all our actions.
Respect: We cultivate an environment where empathy, inclusion, tolerance, and kindness are fundamental pillars for achieving our objectives.
Collaboration: We work together with gentleness and humility, recognizing and valuing individual differences.
Commitment: We commit ourselves with responsibility and dedication to our shared goals and values.
Excellence: We strive for excellence through innovation and proactivity, constantly challenging ourselves to improve and exceed expectations.
Universal References
The Universal References are the guiding ideas that reflect and shape the type of human being and professional the program seeks to develop.
It is a science that analyzes the human being in movement and their relationship with the environment.
It presents inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary characteristics.
It is theoretical–practical in nature and proposes solutions to societal challenges from the perspective of Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education.
It is grounded in research; therefore, research is promoted throughout the entire curriculum.
It focuses on training qualified professionals capable of developing programs in Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education, encouraging lifelong participation through the provision of adequate spaces, facilities, and equipment.
It promotes activities aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of integrity and ethical values in Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education, and ensures that programs are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.
The School of Physical Education and Sports guides its work in alignment with the institution’s values, as stated in Articles 1, 3, 4, and 5 of the Organic Statute of the University. Additionally, it strengthens its identity by incorporating values that represent individuals and reinforce our mission and vision as an Academic Unit, as follows:
Integrity: We act with transparency and honesty, guided by strong moral and spiritual ethics, demonstrating coherence in all our actions.
Respect: We cultivate an environment where empathy, inclusion, tolerance, and kindness are fundamental pillars for achieving our objectives.
Collaboration: We work together with gentleness and humility, recognizing and valuing individual differences.
Commitment: We commit ourselves with responsibility and dedication to our shared goals and values.
Excellence: We strive for excellence through innovation and proactivity, constantly challenging ourselves to improve and exceed expectations.
Universal References
The Universal References are the guiding ideas that reflect and shape the type of human being and professional the program seeks to develop.
It is a science that analyzes the human being in movement and their relationship with the environment.
It presents inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary characteristics.
It is theoretical–practical in nature and proposes solutions to societal challenges from the perspective of Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education.
It is grounded in research; therefore, research is promoted throughout the entire curriculum.
It focuses on training qualified professionals capable of developing programs in Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education, encouraging lifelong participation through the provision of adequate spaces, facilities, and equipment.
It promotes activities aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of integrity and ethical values in Physical Activity, Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Physical Education, and ensures that programs are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.