LOS CICLOS INICIALES OPTATIVOS DEL CENTRO UNIVERSITARIO DE LA REGIóN ESTE: INNOVACIóN Y FLEXIBILIDAD CURRICULAR EN LA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA REPúBLICA, URUGUAY

The Republic University of Uruguay (UR) has begun a process of decentralization and deep changes. In this framework the Optional Initial Cycles (CIO, for the Spanish acronym) are created as an alternative route of entry into the university, which aim to facilitate access and decrease student desertion.This article describes the implementation and evaluation of the CIO in the context of university decentralization and the creation of the Eastern University Regional Centre.CIO’s main characteristics as an innovative program are the curriculum flexibility and the integration of knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach.Finally, it describes the strengths and challenges of the program and the implementation of improvements.Keywords: optional initial cycles, flexible paths, educational innovation, university decentralization.