Spanish
The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) is the first state university of the Dominican Republic and considered by many as the first university in the American continent, founded on October 28, 1538 through the papal bull In Apostolatus Culmine of Pope Paul III. Its main headquarters is located in the University City of Santo Domingo and has a network of campuses, centers and sub-centers throughout the country.
Origin of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo
UASD has its roots in the Studium Generale of the Dominican Convent, founded in 1518. In 1538, Pope Paul III elevated it to a university, granting it the same privileges as the University of Alcalá de Henares, under the name Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino. It was initially organized into four faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine and Arts, under the medieval European model.
However, the university did not receive official recognition from the Kingdom of Spain until 1558, which has generated controversies about its legitimacy as the first American university compared to institutions such as the University of San Marcos in Peru, founded in 1551 by royal decree and without interruptions in its operation.
Closures, Reappearances, and Controversies of the UASD
During the Haitian occupation (1822), the Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino was closed, and its archives were lost or dispersed. In 1866, José Gabriel García and Emiliano Tejera founded the Instituto Profesional, which functioned as the educational successor to the former university. In 1914, President Ramón Báez converted the Institute into the Universidad de Santo Domingo.
However, the university was again interrupted by the American military occupation (1916-1924). During the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, it was used as a tool of political control.
University autonomy and modern rebirth
In 1961, after the execution of Trujillo, Law 5778 granted autonomy to the University, becoming the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). In 1962, its first authorities were elected under autonomous regime.Since then, UASD has consolidated as the main public higher education center of the country, with broad national and international influence in the training of professionals, intellectuals, and leaders.
Faculties and Academic Offer
UASD has 9 faculties, over 60 undergraduate programs, and numerous postgraduate programs:
Faculties:
- Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences
- Engineering and Architecture
- Sciences
- Economic and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Education
- Humanities
- Arts
- Legal and Political Sciences
Featured Institutes:
- University Seismological Institute (ISU)
- Institute of Philosophy, History, Gender and Family
- Institute of Botanical and Zoological Research
- Institute of Chemistry (IQUASD)
- Marine Biology Research Center (CIBIMA)
Key Infrastructure and Services
Pedro Mir Library
It is one of the largest libraries in the Caribbean, designed as a Learning and Research Resource Center (CRAI). It houses auditoriums, specialized collections, and study spaces distributed over several levels.
Childcare
Provides comprehensive care for children of low-income students, aged 3 months to 6 years, allowing the permanence and academic performance of university mothers.Single National Exam for Medical Residencies (ENURM)
UASD coordinates this exam with the Ministry of Public Health, ensuring rigorous and transparent processes for access to medical specialties in the country.
Network of venues and national coverage
In addition to its headquarters in Santo Domingo, UASD is present in all regions of the country with more than 20 regional university campuses and centers (CUR), including:- Santiago
- San Pedro de Macorís
- Barahona
- San Francisco de Macorís
- La Vega
- San Juan de la Maguana
- Puerto Plata
- ...among others.
Current Authorities
- Rector: Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo
- Vice Rector for Teaching: Alejandro Ozuna Morla
- Vice Rector for Administration: Pablo Valdez
- Vice Rector for Research and Postgraduate: Dr. Mauro Canario
- Vice Rector for Extension: Antonio Medina Calcaño
- General Secretary: Juan Antonio Cerda Luna
Legacy and Relevance
UASD has trained generations of leaders, scientists, jurists, writers, and professionals who have marked Dominican history. Its commitment to public education, scientific research, and social equity consolidates it as an indispensable institution for the country's development.
Technical Sheet: Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD)
Official name: Autonomous University of Santo Domingo
Acronym: UASD
Motto: Primada de América
Original foundation: October 28, 1538 (as Santo Tomás de Aquino University)
Modern reopening: December 31, 1961 (autonomy by Law 5778)
Initial founders: Dominican friars of the Santo Domingo Convent
19th-century reformers: José Gabriel García and Emiliano Tejera (1866, Professional Institute)
Address and Contact
- Address: Alma Máter Avenue, University City, National District, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Phone: (809) 535-8273
- Email: rectoria@uasd.edu.do
- Official website: www.uasd.edu.do
- Postal address: 1355, Santo Domingo
Faculties (9)
- Health Sciences
- Economic and Social Sciences
- Engineering and Architecture
- Humanities
- Legal and Political Sciences
- Sciences
- Education
- Arts
- Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences
Research Institutes
- University Seismological Institute (ISU)
- Institute of History
- Institute of Psychology
- Institute of Chemistry (IQUASD)
- Institute of Philosophy
- Institute for Gender and Family Studies
- Institute of Botanical and Zoological Research, among others
Featured Services
- Pedro Mir Library (Learning and Research Resource Center - CRAI)
- University Childcare Center
- University Publishing House
- National Unique Exam for Medical Residencies (ENURM)
- Sports Field and cultural and artistic extension
⚖ Autonomy
- Granted by: Law No. 5778
- Date: December 31, 1961
- First autonomous elections: February 17, 1962
Current Authorities (2025)
- Rector: Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo
- Vice Rector for Teaching: Alejandro Ozuna Morla
- Vice Rector for Administration: Pablo Valdez
- Vice Rector for Research and Postgraduate Studies: Dr. Mauro Canario
- Vice Rector for Extension: Antonio Medina Calcaño
- Secretary General: Juan Antonio Cerda Luna
