Altiplano higher education development

The evaluation covered the period 6/86-5/88. Despite a number of difficulties, the University in general and the Quetzaltenango campus in particular have generally performed well. Numerous changes in curriculum have been made, and guidance counseling and research activities begun. Academic and administrative staffing is nearly complete and materials such as vehicles and classroom equipment have been acquired. The project is serving 318 students and has made substantial efforts to reach indigenous pupils with appropriate training programs. Financial controls are sound and the university has been able to recruit and accomodate large numbers of extra students without hardship. Project performance has been constrained by: (1) research efforts that do not focus on project needs; (2) poor administration of human resources; (3) the reluctance of students to attend new academic offerings for agricultural technicans and court interpreters; (4) student selection based primarily on psychological testing; (5) the lack of a permanent full scholarship capability to attract needy and academically capable indigenous students; and (6) the slowness of integrating Indian professionals into the project"s advisory and evaluation committees. While the University performed well in areas which were familiar, unfamiliar areas such as off-shore procurement required Mission support and additional technical/administrative assistance. Also, research capabilities are strongest at the central campus; the development of similar capabilities at Quetzaltenango will take longer than anticipated. Program concepts such as student development, which are new to many people, especialy at Quetzaltenango, will require more definition and TA. Action decisions address the above-noted problem areas.