University and environment: An approach to the practices of connection with the environment, within the framework of a performance agreement at the University of Playa Ancha, from the student perspective

Abstract

The financing mechanisms of the Chilean educational system are varied, however there is a type of instrument that provides interesting returns to universities and their relationship with the environment based on guidelines and themes of national interest. These instruments are the performance agreement, and this study addresses, from the student perspective, some actions that were carried out at the University of Playa Ancha, within the framework of the UPA 1301 Performance Agreement. It is a quantitative investigation, whose The main interest was to know the perception of the students involved in this initiative regarding the contributions it generated to their professional training processes. The theoretical approach explores three axes: 1) university models, 2) the forms and expressions of university extension and connection with the environment, in addition to 3) social innovation. The results indicated that the processes of connection with the environment could make it possible to generate contributions not only to the academic development of those involved, but also to build and advance in the resolution of problems that are of interest to society.