Last week, a letter from the dean of the Faculty of Political and Administrative Sciences at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) to his first and second-year students was made public, in which he expressed his concern about their lack of interest in classes.
Read more Sánchez asks Brussels to protect members of the International Criminal Court sanctioned by Trump
In his letter, the dean lamented the “low levels of class attendance, poor involvement in following subjects, tasks done with little rigor, a lack of commitment to the learning process, doing the minimum and demanding a lot, unsubmitted assignments, lack of individual responsibility…”.
Well, the first and second-year delegates of Political and Administrative Sciences at UPF have responded today through a statement. To begin with, they understand the concern expressed by the dean about attendance and student involvement, as well as the importance these elements have in the university learning process. Absenteeism, lack of commitment and rigor when completing tasks – they reason – “is a disrespect towards teaching that should not be tolerated even by the students themselves.”
However, they believe that his point of view “simplifies a reality that is more complex.” They argue that attendance and degree of involvement do not always respond to a lack of responsibility or interest, but are often “conditioned by diverse situations that affect each student differently.” In this sense, they consider it appropriate to open a debate on whether “this situation is exclusively attributable to the students.”
We consider it appropriate to open a debate on whether this situation is attributable only to the students”
They defend that the university, as a public institution, “must adapt to changes that may occur over time” and in how the people who are part of the institution “act and relate to it.” And all this “without neglecting the primary objective of training responsible and prepared people.”
Read more Trump keeps his vengeful fist in the party and his candidates win in Indiana
Therefore, they consider it important to recognize that different factors can coexist. On one hand, they admit that “there may be irresponsible attitudes from a section of the students.” But, on the other hand, they point out that “there may be structural elements that contribute to this situation.” Hence, they conclude that “reducing the debate to a single cause hinders a more accurate understanding of the problem, and therefore, the search for effective solutions.”
Finally, they propose conducting a study on the causes of absenteeism and lack of student involvement at the university in order to take the fairest and most appropriate measures to improve this situation, both for the students and the administration.
The dean’s letter
Going to university is not just about passing
“University is a voluntary stage. Precisely for that reason, what is expected from you is a real commitment to your education. University learning is not just ‘passing’. It largely happens in the classroom: with discussion, confrontation of ideas, interaction with professors and classmates. Not attending class is to give up this essential part of the process and miss real opportunities to better understand, connect, or develop analytical and critical skills.”
“Also, you must never forget that you are in a public university. That implies a collective effort (from society as a whole and from families) so that you can be here. This opportunity also entails a responsibility.”
“In too many cases what we are observing is: absenteeism and lack of continuity in attendance; leaving classes during breaks, not returning or leaving before time; little involvement in academic activities and tasks done without minimum rigor or simply not submitted; inappropriate or disrespectful treatment of professors.”
“These behaviors denote a lack of respect and consideration for academic work, for all those involved and also for the rest of the students.”
Coming to class infrequently, doing the minimum and demanding – often without respect – a lot is not an acceptable combination. This way of acting also reflects an immaturity that is not compatible with what is expected of university students.”
“Therefore, I ask you for serious reflection and an immediate change of attitude in the way some of you are approaching your studies.”
Read more The Spanish-Palestinian activist Abukeshek begins a dry strike and stops drinking water
