IE University

IE University
Motto	"Unus Mundus Mentes Diversae"
Established	1997
Type	Private, For-profit
Rector	Salvador Carmona
Admin. staff	400 professors
Students	2085
Location	Segovia, Castile and León, Spain 40.953148°N 4.117513°W / 40.953148; -4.117513
Website	http://www.ie.edu/university/en

IE University is a private university, owned by for-profit business firm Instituto de Empresa S.L., whose main campus is located in Segovia, Castile and León (Spain).

IE University programs are run in English and Spanish, and are compliant with the terms of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Accord).

History

IE University was founded in 1997 with the name Universidad S.E.K. (S.E.K. are the initials of San Estanislao de Kostka, Saint Stanislaus Kostka in English language) and was owned by the Educational Institution SEK. In 2004, the regulator, the Junta de Castilla y León approves the bylaws of the Universidad S.E.K. On November 30, 2006, la Junta de Castilla y León authorizes the partial sale of ownership of Universidad S.E.K. to the business firm Instituto de Empresa, S. L. (owner of the IE Business School). In 2007 the Junta approves the modification of the bylaws of the Universidad S.E.K. In 2008 the name is changed from Universidad S.E.K. to IE Universidad in Spanish language, and the commercial name IE University in English language (IE being the initials of Instituto de Empresa). IE university began operations in September 2008, and its first class will graduate in 2012.

Authorities

Since its creation, IE University has had three Rectors: Santiago Iñiguez (2008-2009), Juan Luis Martínez (2009-2010), who resigned in April 2011, and Salvador Carmona (2011-date).

Student life

Students typically reside in the University’s Reyes Católicos Hall.

2010

IE University’s class of 2010 comprises students from 25 countries, giving it one of the most diverse student bodies in Europe.

Campus

Students at one of the Campus courtyard

The campus is situated beside the Eresma river, at the foot of the old city walls that surround Segovia’s historic quarter, and a five-minute walk from Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct.

The IE University campus has a surface area of over 18,000 m2, and facilities include a library and canteen. Further installations and resources include:

• Wi-fi all around campus
• Virtual classrooms
• Art and exhibition rooms
• Center of Applied Psychology
• Fully equipped radio and film studios
• Laboratories
• Architecture workshops

Santa Cruz la Real Convent

According to the Life of Saint Dominic of Guzmán, the Convent of Santa Cruz was the first to be founded by the Order of Preachers in Spain in 1218, just two years after the creation of the mendicant order of the Dominicans. Diego de Colmenares, a 16th century chronicler, adds that Saint Dominic did penance in a cave near the river to the north of the city, outside its walls, and that he founded the order in this spot.

The order's dedication to the holy cross also originates from the early times of this community according to Colmenares and other 14th century documents.

In the fifteenth century the Catholic Monarchs, as King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were known, gave their patronage to the convent and this royal protection was what led it to be known as Santa Cruz “la Real”, i.e. the convent of the “Royal” Holy Cross. Although the city's institutions had played a part in the convent's development, the Dominicans were not a prosperous order until the Catholic Monarchs came to the throne, when they were given control of the Inquisition. The convent was rebuilt over the former 13th century Romanesque structure and the current church, with its monumental portal, was also erected under Friar Tomás de Torquemada, the first Grand Inquisitor and prior of the Holy Cross community.

The Dominican presence in the convent lasted until the monks were released from their religious vows as decreed by the minister Mendizábal in 1836. The convent then became a hospice and, until recent times, it was a nursing home for the elderly under the ownership of the Segovia Provincial Council. It has since undergone extensive renovation to house IE University.

Aula Magna

The convent church was designed by fifteenth century Spanish architect Juan Guas, and is a faithful example of late gothic architecture. It now serves as IE University’s Aula Magna, being used for graduation ceremonies, conferences and other key events.

Aula Magna main door, work of the sculptor Juan Guas

Programs of study

Undergraduate programs

Bachelor of:

• Architecture
• Art History
• Biology
• Business Administration (BBA)
• Communication
• Law (LLB)
• Psychology
• Tourism Management
• International Relations
• Financial Sciences
• Dual Degree in BBA and LLB

Graduate school

See:

• IE Business School

Study abroad programs

IE University runs exchange programs with students (and professors) from international schools and universities, including Architectural Association School of Architecture, Brown University, University of Arizona, Universidad de Los Andes, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Politecnico di Milano.

Athletics

Intramurals and outdoor activities include swimming, aerobics, spinning, pilates, yoga, general fitness, capoeira, judo, taekwondo, kick boxing, Thai-boxing, tai-jitsu, karate, football, basketball, handball, badminton, table tennis, mountain walking, mountain biking and skiing.

Student clubs organize skiing trips to other European locations, cycling holidays in Holland (Bike&Boat trips), Mighty Movers Club for charities, Chess Club, Investment Club, Padel Club, Golf Club, Intra-Personal Skills Club, etc.

External links

• IE University website
• IE Higher Education Group website
• IE Business School website
• IE Media Campus
• / youtube
• / facebook
• flickr
• twitter.