### UABC Kicks Off Semester with Two Online Programs
**Tijuana, August 5, 2024** – The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) is introducing two online degree programs in addition to its semi-presential and virtual class offerings for the upcoming school year starting in August 2024. A total of 12,521 students have enrolled in the state’s premier academic institution, with 5,581 joining the Tijuana campus, which includes Otay, Valle de las Palmas, Rosarito, and the Government Center, where one of the online programs will be based.
“We have identified the strengths of the university in providing educational services in semi-presential and distance learning modes. Consequently, we are now launching online programs like the Bachelor’s in Organizational Management and Innovation, which kicks off in September, following a call for applications in June. We received approximately 125 applications for this course, aiming to cater to the population segments that otherwise couldn’t dedicate themselves full-time to a degree,” explains Luis Enrique Palafox Maestre, UABC’s rector.
The university is also set to launch a second online program, a Bachelor’s in Data Analytics, offered through the Mexicali campus. “This new online degree is both a positive development and a response to the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Palafox added.
During the welcoming ceremony for over 45 new students, the rector encouraged them to seek help for economic, social, physical, and mental health issues if needed. He emphasized, “There will be tough times that make you want to give up, but remember the moment you discovered you were accepted. Earning a degree is crucial for achieving goals, becoming more sensitive to social issues, and attaining fulfillment. University values are practiced daily.”
Haydeé Gómez Llanos Juárez, the vice-rector of the Tijuana campus, remarked, “Gaining university admission is an accomplishment not only for the students but also for their families. It marks an opportunity for societal improvement and productivity. Being ‘cimarrones’ means embodying the spirit of struggle and overcoming challenges, always seeking respect and truth.”
### Secondary Article: Expanded Initiatives in Mexicali and Ensenada
As UABC broadens its educational offerings, Mexicali and Ensenada campuses are also set to see new developments. The Mexicali campus’s upcoming Bachelor’s in Data Analytics represents a forward-thinking step in aligning with current market demands, addressing the growing need for data professionals.
Meanwhile, the Ensenada campus is witnessing increased enrollment in scientific programs, seeking to leverage its proximity to marine research institutions. Collaborations with international universities are in the pipeline, promising enriched academic opportunities for UABC students and fostering global partnerships.
The university’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through innovative online programs is evident. These initiatives reflect UABC’s adaptive strategies to maintain educational continuity amidst challenges and its aim to remain at the forefront of academic excellence in the region.