The rector criticises that Valencian University fees are still among the highest in the State

The rector has mentioned the fellowships policy in his speech. He has also remembered that the University has demanded repeatedly a revision of the award criteria and an increase in the quantities. In this academic year, 23,915 UV students have applied for the scholarship of the Ministry of Education and it is reckoned that about 65% will receive it. The call of the Valencian Department of Education is still open, and the University will also award scholarships subsidised by this institution, as in the previous years.

Esteban Morcillo has also offered data about research, and emphasised the increase in the number of resources for research obtained: around 60 million euros this academic year, facing the 45 million in the previous years.

Finally, regarding the enrolment data, the rector has insisted that this academic year has covered the 99, 75% of the first-year places on offer, and that 26,000 people were on the waiting list. 61% of the students found place in the degree they wanted as the first option. It has also covered the 75% of the places available for Master’s Studies.

Report Ombuds Office

The UV Ombuds Officer, Elena Grau, has informed the Senate about the activity carried out during the 2015/2016 academic year. In this period, there was a reduction of complaints, claims and queries. María Consuelo María López and Óscar Moreno Delgado are also members of this organization.

During the 2015/2016 academic year, 109 records were managed. Among which 40 were queries and 69 were claims or complaints. It can be seen a reduction in cases related to the previous academic years (145, 165, 136, 131).

Sorted by collectives, 68% corresponds to the student body, 17% to PDI, 2% to PIF and 13% to PAS. The resolution of the cases processed has been positive in 54 records (50%) and negative in 43 (39%), whereas 6% of the records is in suspended state, and 5% of the complaints has been rejected.

Of the 109 records processed this 2015/2016 academic year, the most numerous (85) belong to the student body, that highlight issues related to the schedule and group changes (10,59 % of the total). Enrollment problems (9,41%), conflicts with teachers and tutors (9,41%) or marks contestation (7,06%) follow the previous.

Regarding the PAS collective, the Ombuds Office has filed 7 records related to professional career issues. These records represent 6,42% of the total.

The complete document can be read on: http://links.uv.es/G7WDpgD

Speak in turns

In the general question and answer period, Miquel Melis from BEA (student political party), has criticised the linguistic policy of the University. From his point of view, it is insufficient for the increase of Valencian teaching and, especially, for postgraduate studies. Klaus Ulrich, from Valencian Student Union, has criticised the construction works in the Library of Tarongers during the exam period. He has also requested a disciplinary proceeding for an employee who didn’t take care of a student in a proper way. Professor Joan Carles Bernad, from CGT, has demanded an effort to reduce the PDI teaching load, from 29 credits to 24. Jordi Juanes, from BEA of the ETSE, has demanded improvements in the public transport that connects to the Campus Burjassot/Paterna. Nèstor Beltran, from BEA, has expressed his disappointment in the organization and curriculum of the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teaching. And, Giorgia Pia, from FEU of Physics, has demanded to support the strike planned for the 9 March. This strike is called to protest, among other things, against LOMQE.