The council is the governing body of the department and it is composed of:
1. All doctoral members of the teaching and research staff assigned to the department.
2. A representation of the remaining teaching and research staff, as follows:
- All full-time staff
- 50% of the part-time staff
3. 50% of the trainee research staff assigned to the department.
4. A representation of the students studying in different cycles and centres taught of the department, equal to half of the total number of members of the first two sections.
5. A representation of the administrative and service staff assigned to the department equal to a fifth of the total number of members in the first two sections.
6. A representation, where appropriate, of the associated teaching staff of health institutions equal to 10% of the total number of members of the first two sections.
The department council must be renewed every three years except in the case of student representatives, who hold a one-year term. Vacancies produced during this time shall be covered for the remaining time.
Competencies of the department council:
- Develop, approve and amend internal departmental regulations.
- Elect the director and members of the permanent board.
- Elect department representatives for faculty University committees.
- Create, if applicable, department teaching units and choose coordinators.
- Make a proposal to the Governing Council to create departmental sections and elect their directors.
- Demand responsibilities for those holding a post or chosen representatives and, if applicable, revoke these responsibilities.
- Issue a report on the proposals for curriculum regarding courses affiliated to the department and request modifications.
- Apply UV guidelines on language policy.
- Issue a report on proposals for organisation of the academic year prepared by the faculties.
- Assign responsibilities to teaching staff each academic year.
- Request staff and resources needed to carry out the department’s activities.
- Ensure, with respect for academic freedom, that the syllabi for courses taught by the department and are in accordance with the curriculum.
- Distribute the budget allocation of the department.
- Prepare the department’s annual report.
- Settle disputes that may arise within the department, without detriment to possible future appeals.
- Appoint departmental committees that are deemed necessary to help carry out the competencies.
The department council shall meet at least twice during the academic year.