The ACOFI student chapter: A journey through its approaches over the years and activities in Colombian territory.

Abstract

This report is a compilation of the activities carried out by the student chapter of the Colombian Association of Engineering Faculties (ACOFI) in the year 2023. It is structured into two sections, with the first one providing an overview from its inception to the previous year, considering the proposed approaches and their inherent challenges each year, and the second section focusing on the development of activities and achievements for the year in question.

The Colombian Association of Engineering Faculties (ACOFI), as an integrating entity, aims to consolidate the creation of a student chapter within itself. This chapter not only establishes interdisciplinary relationships with the engineering faculties it comprises but also allows student volunteers to enhance their research capabilities and "soft" skills, which are often overlooked or underdeveloped within engineering curricula. Additionally, it engages in promotional activities towards communities or entities that may require engineering services, thereby increasing the visibility of engineering fields.

In 2013, ACOFI organized WEEF 2013 (World Engineering Education Forum) with the support of the 9th Global Student Forum (9th GSF), providing a platform for Colombian engineering students. Building on the success of the 2013 event, the decision was made in 2014 to host the first Colombian Forum of Engineering Students (FCEI) within the International Engineering Education Encounter (EIEI). This initiative continued to grow, and by the fourth version of FCEI in 2017, a student chapter within ACOFI was established. This provided a space for students to actively participate in association activities, while also encouraging students from other universities to join and develop interpersonal skills through workshops, conferences, and debates aimed at sharing engineering experiences and fostering continuous learning.

This growth momentum has led the student chapter to a mature state, as it continues to engage in activities to promote and foster engineering in the country. It strengthens and expands the student and research network through both in-person and virtual activities, reaching universities, higher education institutions, primary and secondary education institutions, as well as collaborating with other associations and institutions not directly related to engineering. This broad approach acknowledges that engineering education should not be confined to specific contexts but should be disseminated widely. In 2023, a significant number of activities were carried out nationwide, with international integration and participation, fostering greater cohesion within the engineering discipline and nurturing students as future professionals in their respective engineering fields. This is achieved while implementing new methodologies and participation strategies focused on creativity and problem-solving abilities, not necessarily tied to a specific engineering discipline.