Abstract

The article shows the documentary research with qualitative approach that has the objective of characterizing the distinctive concepts of the Chile University Extension from the contexts that have given them origin. The results confirm that University Area has been drafted starting at the diverse inherited concepts from the historical contexts in which its impression as a substantive function has been conceived, implemented and validated. The distinctive inherited concepts of historical tradition correspond to communication, cultural diffusion and society service. The demanded concepts by contemporary contexts correspond to the means correlation and third mission. All of them consolidate a legitimate heritage that allows to project its significance in the middle and long period.