Tec de Monterrey has reinvented its student experience, presents LiFE

The tens of thousands of students starting at or returning to Tecnológico de Monterrey’s 26 campuses this semester will be experiencing a new educational model for student life.

This will focus on providing students with integrated learning that will enhance their personal talent, leadership and self-realization, taking into consideration their physical, emotional and even spiritual balance.

THE NEW EDUCATIONAL MODEL AND THE FUTURE

“LiFE is part of the Tec’s transformation process,” explained Luis Raúl Dominguez, LiFE Director, in an interview with CONECTA.

This is because LiFE (Liderazgo y Formación Estudiantil) means Leadership and Student Education, which goes hand in hand with the new TEC21 Educational Model, which has a memorable student experience as one of its 4 tenets.

Now, cultural, sporting, and development activities are no longer considered “extracurricular” but have become integrated learning experiences.

As an example, Dominguez mentions what Jack Ma, founder of the electronic giant Alibaba, had to say at Davos last year.

“Education for the past 200 years was based on knowledge, which is something that machines will do. So, what should we teach? Values, relationships, caring for others, teamwork, more art, more sport, music, painting.”

The idea, he explains, is to invite students to really “experience” their university and not just “attend” it. They should take full advantage of the options to grow and develop as part of their integrated learning.

MUCH MORE THAN SPORTS AND ART

Tec de Monterrey turns 75 this year and has been recognized for its sports and cultural programs. However, LiFE now goes much further.

“Integrated learning (…) includes that component which helps us to be complete, rounded personalities, hence the English expression ‘a well-rounded education’,” explains Dominguez.

According to the LiFE manual’s glossary, a fulfilling life is the “adoption of possibilities that allow people to direct their decisions towards self-realization”, which “implies physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, financial and occupational balance”.

THE 5 TENETS OF LiFE

• Development of student talent:

Seeks to create frameworks within which students can develop artistic, sports and leadership talents. 

This includes both high-performance athletic or artistic programs and general options for everyone’s physical and social activities.

• Inclusive community:

Seeks to foment a culture that celebrates inter-cultural diversity, so that each student may feel part of a community.

This includes a culture free of discrimination and promotes unity between different genders, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, generational diversity, etc.

• Involvement in the life and running of the institution:

Encourages students to participate more and intervene more in the running of the institution.

This includes promoting the evolution of student government and different student groups towards a new stage.

• Guidance for a fulfilling life:

Involves counseling on defining career goals and long-term objectives in life.

This implies creating room for dialog and discussion that facilitate self-reflection and the tools to develop personal and professional skills.

• Integral health:

Concentrates on the physical and mental well-being of students.

This provides and facilitates areas and initiatives to maintain a healthy life.
 

Various programs and activities will accompany the LiFE model, together with LiFE coaches, counselors and trainers for students.

The Dirección de Asuntos Estudiantiles (Directorate of Student Affairs, DAE) that previously existed at the institution will be discontinued. 

“In LiFE, we seek your fulfillment and help strengthen your leadership. That is our commitment to our students,” explains the program guide.

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