The State University Student Council (CEUNE) has celebrated the recent approval of the new University Student Statute, which, as highlighted in a statement, "represents a significant advance in issues such as mental health and university well-being, academic, work and family reconciliation, equal opportunities, inclusion and student participation."
The student representation body recalled that the norm replaces the statute approved by Royal Decree 1791/2010, of December 30, and updates the framework of rights and duties of university students "after more than fifteen years."
A process of dialogue and negotiation with students
From the perspective of CEUNE, the approval of the new text "culminates a process of dialogue and negotiation" in which the council has been "a central part of the elaboration of the new text, defending the demands of students and contributing to achieving a broad consensus on their rights."
In the same vein, it has especially valued that the new regulatory framework is the result of joint work and the recognition of student representation as an "essential interlocutor in decisions affecting the university community," and has stressed that its approval demonstrates "the importance of placing the voice of students at the center of university policies."
Strengthened rights in mental health, evaluation and reconciliation
The new University Student Statute, which comes into force this Friday, October 23, after its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE), expressly recognizes the right to academic strike, total or partial, and provides that universities regulate its exercise with the participation of student representation, also respecting the right to education.
Among the novelties included in the text are, in addition, the right to receive free and accessible psychological and mental health guidance and care, the creation of support units and prevention and action protocols for suicidal behaviors, and the reinforcement of guarantees in evaluation matters, with the provision that the review of an exam cannot, in general, imply a reduction of the provisional grade.
More academic, digital and organizational guarantees
The document also reinforces the right to know the teaching plans before enrollment, with information on content, faculty, language, practices and evaluation, and establishes guarantees against unjustified changes in evaluation criteria, while improving the supervision of academic practices.
Likewise, it incorporates provisions on data protection, digital security, digital disconnection and intellectual property of academic works, and extends its scope of application to issues related to scholarships, mobility, socio-professional guidance, permanent training, micro-credentials and doctorates.
The text also contemplates that students must comply with certain duties, including not making inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence, while universities must develop reconciliation plans and have services and units for disability care, mental health, equality and socio-labor guidance.
CEUNE has reiterated its commitment to "continue working so that the advances included in the Statute have an effective application in all universities, ensuring that the recognized rights translate into real improvements for all students."