Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus (UAGMCC, UAGM Cupey) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) in Puerto Rico is part of the Ana G. Méndez University System, a collection of institutions dedicated to provide excellence in education to students throughout Puerto Rico. UMET was formed in 1969 as a secondary campus of the Puerto Rico Junior College. It became an autonomous, non-profit institution in 1980 and changed its name to The Universidad Metropolitana in 1985.

Since then, the school has specialized in environmental studies, science and technology, and adult and distance learning programs in order to offer timely, job-oriented education to its students. It has been recognized as a Model of Excellence Institution by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and was one of the schools recently awarded an agreement to operate and maintain the world’s largest telescope at Arecibo University.

UMET strives to be a leader in sustainability, environmental conservation, and cutting-edge technology; its administration is dedicated to providing excellent academic services and support to unconventional groups, including working adults.

The AHORA (NOW) Program, or the School of Professional Studies, is tailored specifically to the needs of working adults who are interested in furthering their professional development. It offers rapid degree programs that can be completed in 5 to 8 weeks, and its innovative class structure includes work-life experience simulations, individualized programs of study, and a flexible schedule that fits with your lifestyle. Through the AHORA program, students can choose from more than ten different undergraduate degrees or nine master’s degrees.

UMET’s main campus is in Cupey, but there are three additional university centers in Aguadilla, Bayamón, and Jayuya. These centers are home to nine schools in a range of subjects, including environmental affairs, business administration, education, and technical studies.

The Universidad Metropolitana offers programs for certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The largest undergraduate degree program by student enrollment is Business Administration, followed by Social Sciences and Humanities. The largest graduate degree program is Education.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 49th in Puerto Rico and 3172nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	48.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$7,520
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	52 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	68% / 20%
Enrollment Total (all students)	11,596

Admissions

Applications for UMET are due in mid-August. Applicants should be high school graduates or the equivalent and have taken the CEEB or SAT admissions exam (if under age 25). Interviews are required by certain programs.

Transfer students must be able to provide a Retention Index and an Academic Index required by the university, as well as two credit transcripts from previous, duly accredited universities. They must also request a form for obtaining a recommendation from the Dean of the previous university.

Graduate students must have achieved the Admissions Index required by the desired program (Business Administration: 2.50, Education: 2.50, Environmental Affairs: 2.75, Health Sciences: 2.50) and complete a departmental interview

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Financial Aid

Financial aid, scholarships, and loans are available to students who demonstrate financial need. There are more than a dozen grant and scholarship programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, SMART Grant, TEACH Grant, and Ana G. Méndez Grant.

If you are not a need-based student, there is an honors program for students with exceptional academic merit. Any student wishing to apply for aid must complete a Federal Pell Grant application (FAFSA).

UMET also offers a Federal Work-Study Program and a Federal Work-Study Program in Community Service. Several loans are available for family and individual support.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6521st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Puerto Rico.

Students

UMET is home to approximately 5,000 students on the main campus (4,000 graduate and 1,000 undergraduate), and nearly 3,000 students in the AHORA program. There are over a dozen student associations and career interest groups, and you’re certain to find a way to connect with your classmates and develop as a professional.

UMET is dedicated to providing the services its students need. On campus, you’ll find academic support programs, an employment center, multidisciplinary services, and even a child care center. The campus library includes extensive physical and online collections, stocks faculty publications, and hosts monthly exhibitions.

There is no on-campus housing at UMET, and so students are encouraged to integrate with the surrounded community through various social programs, internships, and community services.

Class flexibility makes it possible to really incorporate your studies into your day-to-day life. You can choose to take day classes, evening classes, or distance learning classes during the week or on the weekends – whatever works best for you.

The Student Council is comprised of students from the Cayey campus, in addition to students from other programs. It promotes positive character within the student body and represents students before the administration in the event of a dispute.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

UMET athletes can participate in organized sports through the Interuniversity Athletic League (LAI). Competitions are held in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field, as well as other disciplines. Exceptional athletes may receive scholarships for tuition, room and board, study, and work.

Intramural sports include volleyball, basketball, billiards, dominoes, table tennis, marathon turkey, and a variety of other activities.

UMET cheerleaders support the school and its athletes through the Interuniversity Athletic League, in addition to participating in their own contests.

Additional School Information

UMET is dedicated to provided relevant, useful education to Puerto Rican residents, and so its logo and coat of arms – which depict an open book and the number 1980 – represent the birth of knowledge and education on campus when the school open as an independent institution in 1980.

Since its inception, the university has become increasingly focused on environmental conservatism. The Environmental Education Institute (EEI) was opened in 1990 with the purpose of teaching Puerto Rican residents about environmental protection and sustainability. The EEI has published more than twenty books, pamphlets, and guides on these topics, and in 1996 established the Puerto Rico Association of Environmental Education (PRAEE). In addition, the Institute has participated and sponsored numerous international conferences and seminars and has produced hundreds of environmental leaders and teachers.

The CIAC, which opened in 1993, is one of the school’s initiatives to support environmental education. It was the first environmental information center in Peru, and it promotes public awareness and education of environmental initiatives through two components that collect, organize, and share information about the environment and sustainability. The Service component is responsible for the compilation and distribution of information on subjects related to environmental problems in the Caribbean. The Special Projects component uses that information to reach out to the community through the creation of educational materials, the development of public awareness programs, and the design and management of environmental projects and fund-raising initiatives.

Bibliography

“New Consortium to Run Arecibo Observatory – ScienceInsider.” Science/AAAS | News – Up to the Minute News and Features from Science. Web. 08 July 2011.
SUAGM. Universidad Metropolitana Fact Sheet. SUAGM, 2010. SUAGM. Print.
“UMET- Universidad Metropolitana.” Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez. Web. 08 July 2011.

Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus