The New Statute of the University of Bologna: a more Inclusive, Efficient, and Social University

The governing bodies of the University of Bologna are becoming increasingly democratic and inclusive. The University commits to providing its students with even more efficient and quality teaching, while also growing more mindful of the public and social impact of its activities. These principles are present in the new University Statute, which was approved today by the University Senate, following the favourable endorsement of the Board of Governors.

The text that defines and regulates the organisation of the University of Bologna underwent a thorough revision, led by a specifically appointed working group: a months-long effort that involved the entire academic community through online discussion spaces and public moments of confrontation.

Rector Giovanni Molari states: "This reform establishes needs, ideas and proposals that have undergone at least two election campaigns and were previously absent from our University Statute. I am convinced that this revision gives us not only a more efficient, but also a more democratic and participatory University. Certainly, a stronger one. The discussion has been intense, opinions have been diverse – as is natural and right in the face of such a complex matter – and I am particularly satisfied that a path of change has been undertaken, a path in which, personally, I have always believed. I thank the Working Group that conducted a long and difficult technical investigation and everyone who has contributed to these months' debate with their ideas and constructive criticism. Finally, I thank the members of the University Governing Bodies who helped elaborate mediation proposals enabling us to make a significant change."

INCREASE OF DEMOCRACY AND REPRESENTATIVENESS
This extensive and collaborative work results in a more democratic university, characterised by increased representativeness of the various academic components in its governing bodies. Starting with the Board of Governors: its five internal members will no longer be appointed by the University Senate, instead they will be directly elected by the entire staff.

Of these, four will be professors or researchers, elected by the professors and researchers’ community of the University. Additionally, one of them will be a member of the technical and administrative staff, elected by the entire staff. The role of the professional staff is also further enhanced during the election of the Rector: the influence of their vote increases from 18% to 22% in the ratio between the active electorate of professors and researchers and the active electorate of the technical and administrative staff.

The changes for the University Senate include an increase in the presence of Department Directors from ten to a minimum of fifteen (at least three for each scientific-disciplinary area) and the addition of a President of the Campus, elected by professors and researchers from all Campuses. The remaining Department Directors and Campus Presidents who are not part of the Senate will still attend the meetings, without the right to vote.

Another change: among the six student representatives, at least one must belong to the third cycle, primarily the PhD programme. Mixed review committees are also established, composed of members of the Board of Governors and Senate, with the purpose of reducing and simplifying the work of the University’s governing bodies.

SUSTAINABLE AND QUALITY TEACHING
The new Statute strongly focuses on teaching, aiming for increased efficiency and quality. The Departments will play a crucial role, with enhanced responsibilities in managing learning activities and greater involvement of Department Directors in decision-making processes.

Inter-departmental committees will be created, while schools will permanently disappear in order to improve the organisation of teaching services: a way of ensuring the sustainability of study programmes and simplifying processes for students. Departments will also realise specific Departmental Strategic Plans strictly referring to the University Strategic Plan.

Furthermore, the fundamental role of the University Quality Committee is acknowledged. It promotes culture and constant improvement of quality in all processes of the University of Bologna. Moreover, the role of the Confidential Counsellor, to whom all members of the academic community can turn to prevent, manage, and help resolve cases of discrimination and harassment, is enshrined in the Statute, alongside the Student Ombudsman.

PUBLIC EFFORT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Other two focal points are the public effort and the social role of the University, which are repeatedly emphasised and for which specific third mission initiatives are envisaged.

The new Statute acknowledges the fundamental role of the vast cultural heritage of the University of Bologna. Alongside the University Library Service and the University Museum Network, the Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna [Bologna University Library] is introduced, with its precious ancient bibliographic heritage and the Archivio Storico [Historical Archive], which safeguards the historical documentation of the university.

Finally, the principle of open access is introduced in the Statute for the first time to promote unrestricted online dissemination of the University’s research.