THE UNIVERSITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In this article it is discussed the pattern of Colombian university that has been developed from the last decade of last century. Some of their missions are revised, as a paradigm in crisis, for that which is important the reflection on the cultural, social and civic challenges. Anchored in a tradition of poverty and straggler of their present time, some of their reaches are questioned that they have to do with the lack of answers for the solution of the national problems, as well as for the statement of a humanist philosophy that belongs together with the defense of values and the construction of a less excluding civility. It is also wanted, to penetrate in the search of new meanings that helps us to the understanding of a university culture promoter, without directive cracks, in defense of a sustainable development and of the care of the environment.