Paper short abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the main results of a programme on transversalisation of the intercultural approach in a public university in Mexico, the Universidad Veracruzana. It also put forward emerging questions regarding its scope and objectives, which can also provide useful insights for higher education institutions with diverse population and located in multicultural sites.

Paper long abstract

Having an intercultural university as part of its structure, the Universidad Veracruzana, one of the biggest public universities in México, has implemented a programme devoted to the transversalisation of the intercultural approach for the whole institution. What does transversalisation mean in this particular context? How has the programme gone beyond dealing with ethnic diversity amongst students?

How does the intercultural approach a) impact academic programmes and pedagogical practices, b) encourage dialogue of knowledge, and c) shape the perceptions of the academic community regarding diversity and the ways of dealing with it?

More than just having affirmative action strategies oriented to favour access and achievements of minorities such as indigenous peoples, transversalisation of the intercultural approach could be a real opportunity to transform higher education institutions.