The educational model at Facens University Center places students at the center of the learning process, combining theory and practice through real challenges from the market, society, and the planet.
Development is comprehensive, encompassing both technical and behavioral skills, which fosters self-awareness, proactivity, and entrepreneurship.
The Usina de Projetos Experimentais (UPX ) is a module included in the undergraduate curriculum at Facens University Center and promotes the development of technical and socio-emotional skills, as well as raising socio-environmental awareness and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Our students develop solutions for a broad spectrum of challenges, addressing both local and global problems, enabling them to meet socio-environmental and market demands. In this regard, UPX activities are always aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sustainable Projects Guide of Facens University Center.
Thus, the goal and distinguishing feature of our educational model is to develop in our students a systemic, multidisciplinary, and integrated perspective with the entire Smart Campus® Facens ecosystem. Each semester of the Engineering and Technology programs addresses a macro-theme in UPX, which are:
At Facens, the incorporation of new technologies and innovation in the educational environment has also been a priority. In the context of higher education, these resources significantly contribute to improving pedagogical processes, fostering a more interactive, applied learning experience centered on the development of essential skills.
One notable example is the presence of simulation rooms—true experimental laboratories designed to bring the classroom experience as close to reality as possible. These spaces allow, for instance, the simulation of client interviews in the Production Engineering program, as well as clinical care simulations for health-related programs. This infrastructure provides students with the opportunity to experience real-life situations in a controlled environment, supporting both technical and behavioral development in a safe and effective way.
» Advanced Simulation Room, Transport Phenomena Laboratory, and Morphofunctional Laboratory II
In 2024, one of the hottest years on record, Facens University Center promoted a highly relevant initiative in the field of sustainability education by hosting scientist Carlos Nobre — an international authority on the Amazon and climate change studies. The lecture, open to the public, was a unique opportunity to expand the debate on the impacts of global warming and the challenges humanity faces in the face of the climate emergency.
This initiative connected our students, faculty, and community to updated scientific knowledge, critical for shaping conscious, prepared, and transformative professionals.
The activity reflects our institutional commitment to civic education and to promoting a more sustainable future, particularly in combating global climate change.
Learn more and watch
the full lecture.
Throughout 2024, Facens University Center offered 22 graduate programs, totaling 85 cohorts supported by comprehensive infrastructure and a wide range of opportunities focused on professional development and civic education. Among the highlights, the MBA in Management and Innovation in Smart Cities provides solid training in management, combined with knowledge of trends and innovative solutions applicable to urban contexts. The program adopts a holistic approach, based on national and international case studies, and best practices related to energy, health and quality of life, industry, education, urban mobility, transportation, security and cybersecurity, information and communication technologies, social innovation, environment, architecture, urban planning, and new business models — always focused on building smarter, more human, and more sustainable cities.
The Automotive Engineering and Mobility program also stood out for its alignment with emerging trends in electric mobility. With an emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles, it addresses topics such as energy efficiency, reduced raw material consumption, rational mobility, and the application of artificial intelligence in project development and in the integration between vehicles and cities, aiming at more efficient resource use and improved quality of life in large metropolitan areas.
The Specialization in Industrial Processes and Sustainable Innovation promotes integrated training that combines technical and managerial skills, focusing on sustainable practices and emerging technologies. This program is another standout initiative, given its capacity to prepare new professionals to face the challenges of modern industry while fostering the development of efficient and environmentally responsible solutions. With an emphasis on topics such as green hydrogen and ESG, the program prepares students to lead sustainable transformations, optimizing processes and aligning industrial operations with global standards of environmental and social responsibility.
Learn more about our
graduate programs.
One of Enlace’s main tools is Metrô Enlace, a self-instructional learning path. Through the narrative of a subway journey, available in the Canvas Learning Management System, students are invited each semester to participate in the learning path to develop socio-emotional skills. They follow the activity route, self-assess in various aspects, and can monitor the longitudinal progress of their personal growth.
Metrô Enlace is divided into eight routes, each with three or four stations, and offers theoretical content with interactive sections, a “did you know?” segment related to the theme, reference videos, animations featuring subway characters (created to foster student identification), tips for cultivating socio-emotional skills, and reflective activities on the topics covered. The journey begins in the 1st semester with the Boarding Station (Estação de Embarque) and continues through routes from the 2nd to the 8th semester.
At the end of the Boarding Station, students are invited to complete a self-assessment that includes two questionnaires: the WHOQOL by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Fleck et al., 2000)¹, which evaluates quality of life in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, and the PIL-TEST (Nobre, 2016), which assesses life purpose. This assessment is repeated at the end of each semester and can be tracked by the student on a dashboard within the online system. In 2024, 48 teachers and 2,059 students were impacted by Metrô Enlace.
In Metrô Enlace, we explore three zones of the city of self-knowledge: the “self with myself” zone; the “self with others” zone; and the “self with the world” zone. In this experience, several competencies are developed, including those in the Sustainable Awareness track. This track focuses on competencies such as “Connectivity and belonging,” “Empathy and compassion,” “Integrity, authenticity, and commitment,” and “Critical thinking,” all of which are essential for building a fairer and more sustainable world.
The Sustainable Educator Award (Prêmio Educador Sustentável) recognizes and values innovative practices by educators who promote sustainability in education. Teachers are awarded for integrating sustainable concepts into the curriculum, engaging students in practical projects, and contributing to the development of conscious citizens committed to sustainable development. The award highlights initiatives that go beyond conventional teaching, encouraging social and environmental transformation.
The fifth edition celebrated the 9th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda, while also recognizing the Facens teaching community and reinforcing the institution’s commitment to innovative education for a sustainable future.
In 2024, we received 28 submissions across the three categories available this year: Sustainable Educator Award, Support in research and project development, and Interdisciplinary proposals.
Sustainable Educator Award: awards initiatives of classroom practices.
Support in research and project development: values participation in project supervision, ICs, and TCCs.
Interdisciplinary proposals: highlight initiatives that promote cooperation across different programs or disciplines.
In 2024, Facens University Center held three major institutional events: UP! Facens 2024, Plugin: Business & Innovation, and Plugin: Competitionsand Projects. These initiatives reinforce the institution’s commitment to providing a complete, dynamic, and practice-oriented academic experience, aligned with real-world demands while promoting integration among students, schools, society, the job market, and innovative projects.
UP! Facens 2024
Considered a landmark in the institutional calendar, UP! Facens offers five days of integration for freshmen, with a full schedule of activities including team dynamics, tours of the innovation centers, discussions with coordinators, talent shows, and opportunities for interaction with senior students.
In the 2024 edition, the event brought together 583 freshmen and 60 senior students, fostering a sense of welcome, belonging, and engagement from the very start of the academic journey.
Plugin: Business & Innovation
Plugin: Business & Innovation aims to connect students, alumni, professionals, and the community with the latest innovations and technologies in Engineering, Architecture, Technology, and Health.
The program included talks, challenges, exhibitions, workshops, and the traditional Career Fair, creating an environment for learning, networking, and professional development.
In 2024, the event welcomed 2,539 participants and showcased 539 academic projects, highlighting student leadership and strong connections with the productive sector.
Plugin: Competitions and Projects
Held between November and December, Plugin: Competitions and Projects is a free event open to the community, targeting elementary, high school, and university students. Its main goal is to promote the development of practical skills through challenges and collaborative projects.
This edition featured the active participation of 3,633 students and the execution of 12 academic competitions, such as:
Chemical Car Competition;
Glider Competition;
Catapult Battle;
Codesys Programming;
Morphophysiology Olympiad;
Arq & Urb & Ação Challenge;
Agronomy Engineering Marathon;
Among others.
In addition to the competitions, 626 interprofessional and curricular extension projects were presented, developed by students in Architecture and Urbanism, Engineering, Health, and Technology.
These activities strengthen Facens’ commitment to applied education, interdisciplinarity, and innovation, fostering the integration of teaching, research, extension, and society.
Learn more about Plugin.
The Facens Library features modern and comfortable facilities, providing its users with an environment conducive to study, research, and creativity. In the collection area, a variety of accessibility resources are also available, including platforms, tactile keyboards, voice scanners, screen readers, braille printers, tactile flooring, tablets, and service counters designed to accommodate wheelchair users or people of shorter stature.
In addition to its pleasant and welcoming environment, the Facens Library carries out a variety of initiatives throughout the year that bring together art and sustainability. These initiatives provide enriching experiences, encourage the development of empathy and sustainable attitudes, and promote reflection on the topics presented—stimulating new perspectives through creativity and support for initiatives that make a difference in society.
The activities carried out by the Facens Library throughout 2024 reinforce the institution’s commitment to the holistic education of students, encouraging reading, critical thinking, cultural expression, and social engagement. Highlights include:
