The rector of the URL takes part in the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA)

This year the EUA focuses the debate on "Autonomy and freedom: The future sustainability of universities"

Wednesday, 5 April 2017. The rector of the URL, Josep Maria Garrell, has been invited to take part in the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA), to be held on 6 and 7 April in Bergen (Norway) and hosted by the University of Bergen.

The EUA, which currently represents 850 universities and 33 university associations in Europe, holds a debate each year to bring together managers of the European university system. This year it focuses on '"Independence and freedom: the future sustainability of universities".

Given the URL's federal structure and organisation, which is virtually unique in the world, and indeed one of the virtues of its individuality, the rector of the URL has been asked to participate in the session on "Organisational Autonomy in practice", to be held on 7 April from 9 to 10.30 a.m. Specifically the discussion panel on "Presentation of case studies" in which he will take part aims to present institutional practices and activities to address the four aspects of university autonomy. In these sessions, each university leader shares the strategies applied by their institution to optimise the opportunities created by favourable legislative frameworks and also shares the challenges related to restrictive environments in each dimension of autonomy.

According to the EUA, university autonomy and academic freedom are crucial for the proper functioning of universities and higher education systems. The political, economic and social challenges currently facing Europe have a significant impact on universities and their role, as well as their organisation and strategy. That is why this 2017 conference aims to debate how university independence and freedom can help to address these challenges.
 

The URL was the first private Spanish university to receive recognition from the EUA

In September 2007, the Ramon Llull University received a favourable report from the European University Association (EUA) under the Institutional Assessment Programme based on an overall assessment of the University and led by renowned international university experts. The URL also took part with the EUA in the entitled Survey of Master Degrees in Europe (EUA Publications 2009) on the processes of implementation and development of the new second-cycle official qualifications. Further information: URL accreditations and rankings.
 

About the EUA Annual Conferences

The EUA annual conferences are a platform for discussion and an opportunity for university leaders to network. Through these events, managers of the European university system can contribute to forming university policy at a European level and gain valuable insight into the latest trends and developments. The EUA annual conferences bring together institutional representatives from universities worldwide along with researchers, students, politicians and associated stakeholders. This year's conference is expected to be attended by 300 people from Europe and around the world.

For further information:
Anna Tosca
Head of Press and Social Networks Office
Ramon Llull University
Tel. 936 022 228 | atosca@rectorat.url.edu