This study examines the role of university governance in enhancing the quality of life through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main objective is to analyze how institutional strategies, policies, and participatory governance structures within higher education contribute to sustainable well-being among students, staff, and surrounding communities. The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including a comparative case study of five universities across Latin America and Europe, semi-structured interviews with academic leaders, and a quantitative survey administered to over 800 university stakeholders. The results reveal that universities with integrative governance models—characterized by cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and inclusive decision-making—are more effective in aligning their operations with the SDGs and in fostering a higher perceived quality of life. Key factors include access to green infrastructure, mental health services, equitable participation, and curriculum innovation. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to understanding how governance practices can be leveraged to create sustainable academic ecosystems, offering a model for other institutions committed to the Agenda 2030. The findings also provide actionable recommendations for policy reforms and strategic planning in higher education governance.

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C.G. Lirios, J.C. Guillén, C.Y.Q. Campas, M.F. Gutiérrez and J.E.C. Medina “University Governance, SDGs, and Quality of Life: A SEM” International Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, vol. 11, pp. 4-15, 2025. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.20469/ijaps.11.50002