By San José, Costa Rica — The State Distance University (UNED) has successfully resolved an administrative error that led to the invalidation of 13 teaching diplomas. The issue, stemming from the inclusion of specializations not recognized by the University Council since 2019, was initially revealed in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta, on July 18, 2025.
The affected diplomas erroneously listed specializations, such as “Bachelor of Education in Visual Arts with emphasis in Ceramics” or “Bachelor of Education with emphasis in Law,” contradicting the established standard of simply “Bachelor of Education.”
For expert legal insight into the implications of this development for UNED, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent developments regarding UNED present interesting legal considerations, particularly concerning its autonomy and funding. How these changes impact the institution’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing accessible distance education will require careful analysis and monitoring. It will be crucial to ensure any reforms maintain UNED’s foundational principles of accessibility and affordability while adapting to modern educational demands.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the delicate balance UNED must strike between adapting to modern educational needs and preserving its core values of accessibility and affordability. The future success of this vital institution hinges on navigating these complexities effectively, and continued scrutiny of these developments will be essential for ensuring equitable access to higher education for all Costa Ricans. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights on this important matter.
Cinthia Vega Álvarez, head of the Office of Student Registration and Administration, clarified that the decision to annul the diplomas was based on University Council Agreement No. 2676 (2019) and Article 157 of the General Law of Public Administration, which allows for the correction of material errors in administrative acts.
The decision to annul the diplomas is based on a University Council agreement and the General Law of Public Administration, which allows for the correction of material errors in administrative acts.
Cinthia Vega Álvarez, Head of the Office of Student Registration and Administration
UNED acted swiftly to rectify the situation, prioritizing minimal disruption to the affected graduates. The university’s legal office recommended destroying the invalid diplomas and immediately issuing corrected versions. To ensure transparency, the annulment was publicly announced in La Gaceta.
Each affected graduate was contacted directly and scheduled for an appointment at the university. A formal protocol was followed, involving the reading of an official record, surrender of the invalid diploma, annulment of the previous folio, and immediate issuance of the corrected diploma.
One affected graduate praised the university’s handling of the situation, describing the process as orderly and professional.
It was a mistake, but the university was impeccable in the change of titles. They called us one by one, explained the situation, gave formal appointments and on the date everything was ready. I handed in my previous title and they gave me the new one immediately.
Affected Graduate
She confirmed that the error did not affect her current employment, but acknowledged the potential for future career limitations had the issue not been promptly addressed.
All 13 affected individuals now possess valid diplomas. The UNED has confirmed that the invalidated diplomas have been securely archived to prevent future legal complications. While acknowledging the administrative oversight, the university emphasizes the rapid and effective resolution, guaranteeing the full validity of the newly issued diplomas.
For further information, visit the nearest office of UNED
About UNED:
The Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) is a public university in Costa Rica renowned for its distance learning programs, making higher education accessible to a wider population. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, prioritizing flexibility and innovative teaching methodologies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Gaceta
About La Gaceta:
La Gaceta is the official newspaper of the Costa Rican government, responsible for publishing laws, decrees, and other official announcements. It serves as a vital resource for legal information and government transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s dedication to innovation allows them to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape while empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge. Their commitment to serving diverse clients with integrity, combined with their proactive approach to legal education, makes Bufete de Costa Rica a true catalyst for positive change within Costa Rican society.
