To mark the start of the 2026 academic year, the School of Design held a welcome event designed to support new students as they begin their college experience.
The activity consisted of a series of games and group activities specifically designed to encourage participation, teamwork, and interaction among students.
Among them were highlights such as Ludo, a central activity based on challenges linked to different areas of the university; the Geometric Riddle, focused on solving puzzles through visual associations; Investigators, a game involving the decoding of keywords; and the Creative Hub collaborative challenge, which emphasized group organization and collective creation.
These recreational activities helped create a relaxed atmosphere, fostering initial connections and strengthening a sense of belonging from the very start of the academic journey.
The event also featured an informal gathering space with a food stand, which served as a hub for attendees to interact and socialize, further enhancing the sense of community.
A Message from the Dean
During the event, Oscar Aguirre, dean of the School of Design, welcomed the Class of 2026 and reflected on the start of a pivotal phase in the students’ education—not only academically, but also personally and professionally.
In his message, he emphasized that beginning a college career involves undergoing a process of transformation, in which each student will develop their calling through the practice, thought, and planning of design. In this regard, he highlighted the value of choosing a discipline that is constantly evolving and deeply intertwined with technological and social changes.
Choosing design means embracing a constantly evolving field that is deeply intertwined with technological and social changes.
He also emphasized the role of design as a tool for innovation, making an impact, and adding value to society, noting that being a designer involves developing not only creativity but also critical thinking and the ability to understand context.
Design is about challenging conventions, innovating, and imagining new ways of living, creating, and communicating.
Aguirre also encouraged students to approach this stage with an open mind, where curiosity and a commitment to learning serve as key drivers, and to make the most of opportunities for interaction, both with faculty and with their peers.
Keep an open mind, driven by curiosity and actively engaged with knowledge.
Finally, he encouraged the class of 2026 to make the most of this new phase and to actively engage in their educational journey.
