THE FIGURE OF THE OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH UNIVERSITIES. “ Challenges in times of crisis” 11 th – 14 th April 2013

María Enriqueta Arias Carmen Jiménez Ana Hernanz Elia Cambón Isabel Hernández Mª Carmen González TEAM

Summary 1. THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM Regulated access routes to the Spanish university system. 2. TUITION FEES AT SPANISH UNIVERSITIES. 3. THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH LAW Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit Strategies for disseminating the figure of the University Ombudsman The University Ombudsman in times of crisis.

Public Universities 50 Private Universities 27 THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

THIRD CYCLE SECOND CYCLE FIRST CYCLE Years Before Bolonia Process BEFORE UNIVERSITY (Bachillerato, years old) THIRD CYCLE SECOND CYCLE GRADUATE 60 ECTS 120 ECTS 90 ECTS PhD MASTER Professional MASTER 60–120 ECTS 240 ECTS 300 ECTS ECTS Bolonia Process THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Evolution of number of university students between and academic courses

Regulated access routes and percentage of students incorporated through each one 1. University Entrance Examination (PAU) 2. Students EU member states or other states through international agreements 3. Foreign students after homologation of the high school title (Bachillerato) 4. Students holding qualifications from technical colleges, or advanced artistic or higher phyisical education training (a, b and c) 5. Examination for persons over 25 years old 6. Accreditation of working or professional experience (over 40 years old) 7. Examination for persons over 45 years old 1a b c Others 4 THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

TUITION FEES AT SPANISH UNIVERSITIES This contribution is legally established RD 14/2012 “Urgent measures for the rationalization of public spending”. The University must fix the percentage of the cost that has to be assumed by the student. The final cost depends on the public prices established by the Autonomous Community. Why this matter is now under discussion in Spain? Students must directly contribute to finance the academic and administrative services

TUITION FEES AT SPANISH UNIVERSITIES Rates of students contributions to the financial cost of the university services. Grade and Professional Master. 15 – 25 % First enrolment 30 – 40 % Second enrolment 60 – 75 % Third enrolment 90 – 100 % Subsequent enrolments Rates of students contributions to the financial cost of the university services. Master Degree. 40 – 50 % First enrolment 65 – 75 % Second enrolment 75 % Subsequent enrolments Foreign no-EU students could contribute until 100 % Madrid Public Universities: Costs: 1000 – 1400 € Private Universities: Costs: 7000 – € Note: fees increase with the experimental level of the course of study.

“The role of the Ombudsman is to ensure that the rights and freedoms of university community members are respected by the actions of university organs and services in the interest of quality and proper operation” THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH LAW Ombudsman Actions Autonomous Impartial Confidential Independent not subject to any imperative mandate without executive power

THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH LAW Orientate and provide possible lines of action to persons coming to seek consultation. Supervise claim procedures. Mediate in solving interpersonal conflicts. Propose and participate in managing changes. Ombudsman Functions

Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit Consultations Claims or complaints Mediation and conciliation To ensure the proper general functioning of the university community The implementation and consolidation of ethical and scientific values in university contexts Building consensus and agreement Fomenting and assuring “good practices” Ombudsman duties PERFORMANCE

Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit To pursue these aims Ombudsman makes use of:  Its autoritas  power of persuasion

A presentation of the institution to new students at the beginning of each academic year Regular meetings with student delegations and representatives of different collectives Guest attendance (with voice but no vote) at collegiate organs of the institution Publication of informative leaflets on the figure and functions of the University Ombudsman Presentation to the University of an Annual Report on their actions Strategies for disseminating the figure of the University Ombudsman.

The University Ombudsman in times of crisis.  An increase in the activity  An increase of students complaints mainly related with the increase of university fees (14 – 25%) 1. An increase of demanding of the services for assessing and grading the skills and knowledge acquired in the subjects in their study plans. 2. More complaints regarding assessment systems and criteria, since failing a subject entails a significant increase in the corresponding academic fees. 3. A downturn in the number of credits matriculated per academic year. 4. Transfer to another university. 5. At the extreme, the abandonment of university studies.

The Impact of the crisis in the university environment  Great dissatisfaction and concern.  The need of the design of strategies to prevent the withdrawal of the students.  Enhancement of the Ombudsman figure to support and counsel students.

Thank you very much for your attention!