The Faculty of Art, Design, and Audiovisual Communication (FADCOM) celebrates the international recognition earned by its faculty members Roberto Zurita, Marcelo Báez, and Elizabeth Elizalde, who received iPER/iPEER certification, an international standard that recognizes excellence in university teaching and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The ceremony to present the certifications and pins took place on July 22, 2026, in the auditorium of the Rector’s Office building on ESPOL’s Gustavo Galindo Velasco campus, as part of the ETALENT project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program. The event brought together officials from ESPOL, the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES), representatives of the ENTER Network, and faculty members who successfully completed this international evaluation process. The iPER/iPEER certification seeks to establish international standards for higher education faculty through an evidence-based evaluation process and review by international academic peers. This recognition promotes pedagogical excellence, innovation in teaching, and the ongoing professional development of faculty members.
During the ceremony, ESPOL President Cecilia Paredes emphasized that this certification represents much more than international accreditation, as it serves as evidence of the faculty’s commitment to reflecting on their teaching practice, rigorous evaluation, and continuous improvement. She also highlighted the importance of strengthening higher education in the face of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the constant evolution of knowledge.
On behalf of the certified faculty members, Elizabeth Elizalde, a professor at FADCOM, shared her experience during the certification process and emphasized the value of taking on new challenges to provide students with a better education. With this achievement, faculty members Roberto Zurita, Marcelo Báez, and Elizabeth Elizalde reaffirm FADCOM’s commitment to quality education, strengthening an academic program aligned with international standards and designed to meet the needs of future generations.
Related SDGs
SDG 4. Quality Education
It recognizes teaching excellence and promotes the ongoing strengthening of higher education.
SDG 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
It drives educational innovation through international standards and best academic practices.
SDG 17. Partnerships for the Goals
The certification is the result of international collaboration between universities and the European Union’s Erasmus+ program.
© Photography & Text: José Luis Castro
