Ministry of Education, Daniel David, announced the launch of a new order aimed at implementing a series of measures aimed, to a large extent, at the modernization and permanent adaptation of higher education to the current demands of the labor market. In the context of a dynamic and constantly changing economy, this approach aims to strengthen the role of universities, ensuring their integration at local, regional, national and international levels.
Ministry of Education established, according to the provisions of the order, that each higher education institution will establish its own mission, based on the principle of university autonomy, and this decision will be made within the university community. In essence, the mission can be oriented exclusively towards education, can include both education and research, or can combine education with advanced research
.For institutions with an artistic profile, it is notable that the definition of “research” is extended to include artistic creative activities. The process of establishing the mission begins with the proposal of the rector, and this will be subsequently approved by the decision of the university senate. Once the mission is established, the institution will be obliged to include it in the University Charter, an essential document that reflects the strategic direction of the institution.
The Ministry of Education also explains that the amendments to the University Charter, approved by the Senate, must be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Research in order to benefit from the legality opinion. The Ministry undertakes to issue this opinion within a maximum of 30 days from receiving the request, thus guaranteeing an efficient administrative process.
Another important aspect of the order is the recommendation that the mission adopted by the institution remain unchanged throughout the entire term of the rector. This measure is intended to ensure continuity and strategic stability within the institution. In addition, to ensure transparency, each institution is required to publish the mission assumed on its own website in a way accessible to all users.
The Ministry of Education says that, regarding the evaluation of the quality of education, the order provides for the use of specific criteria, indicators and weights adapted according to the mission adopted by each institution. This approach allows for a relevant evaluation of academic performance, closely linked to institutional objectives.
For universities that, upon the entry into force of the order, already had a mission provided for in the University Charter, they are offered the opportunity to modify its type until June 1, 2025. This transition period is intended to ensure a smooth alignment with the new legal requirements.
The Ministry of Education also emphasizes that the organization and functioning of university study cycles will be carried out in accordance with the legislation in force, without being influenced by the type of mission assumed by the institution. This separation is essential to maintain clarity between the structural organization of studies and the educational strategy adopted.
The General Directorate of University Education, together with each higher education institution, will be responsible for fulfilling the provisions of the new order. This collaboration is essential for the effective implementation of measures that will contribute to adapting the educational system to the needs of the labor market, thus facilitating a better integration of universities into the socio-economic framework of the country.
Through these measures, the Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to the modernization of higher education, contributing to the training of professionals capable of responding to the challenges of a modern and competitive economy.
