THE FIGURE OF THE

OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH

UNIVERSITIES.

“Challenges in times of crisis”

11th – 14th April 2013

María Enriqueta Arias

Carmen Jiménez

Ana Hernanz

Elia Cambón

Isabel Hernández

Mª Carmen González

TEAM

Summary

1. THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM. 1.1.- Regulated access routes to the Spanish university system.

2. TUITION FEES AT SPANISH UNIVERSITIES.

3. THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN IN SPANISH LAW.

3.1.- Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit.3.2.- Strategies for disseminating the figure of the University Ombudsman.3.3.- The University Ombudsman in times of crisis.

Public Universities 50Private Universities 27

THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

THIRD CYCLE

FIRST CYCLE

Years

Before Bolonia ProcessBefore Bolonia Process

BEFORE UNIVERSITY (Bachillerato, 17-18 years old)

THIRD CYCLE

SECOND CYCLE

3

5

8-9

60 ECTS

120 ECTS

90 ECTS

PhD

MASTER

Professional MASTER

60–

120

ECTS

240

ECTS

300

ECT

S

ECTS

Bolonia ProcessBolonia Process

THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Evolution of number of university students between 2007-2008 and 2012-2013 academic courses

Regulated access routes and percentage of students incorporated through each one

1. University Entrance Examination (PAU)2. Students EU member states or other states through international agreements3. Foreign students after homologation of the high school title (Bachillerato)4. Students holding qualifications from technical colleges, or advanced artistic or higher phyisical education training (a, b and c)5. Examination for persons over 25 years old6. Accreditation of working or professional experience (over 40 years old)7. Examination for persons over 45 years old

1 a b c

5 2+3 6+7Others

4

THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

TUITION FEES AT SPANISH

UNIVERSITIES

Why this matter is now under discussion in Spain?

Students must directly contribute to finance the academic and administrative services

TUITION FEES AT SPANISH

UNIVERSITIES

Rates of students contributions to the financial cost of the university services. Grade and Professional Master.

15 – 25 % First enrolment30 – 40 % Second enrolment60 – 75 % Third enrolment90 – 100 % Subsequent enrolments

Rates of students contributions to the financial cost of the university services. Master Degree.

40 – 50 % First enrolment65 – 75 % Second enrolment75 % Subsequent enrolments

Foreign no-EU students could contribute until 100 %

Madrid

Public Universities:

Costs: 1000 – 1400 €

Private Universities:

Costs: 7000 – 10000 €

Note: fees increase with the experimental level of the course of study.

“The role of the Ombudsman is to ensure that the rights and freedoms of university community members are respected by the actions of university organs and services in the interest of quality and proper operation”

THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN

IN SPANISH LAW

not subject to any imperative mandatewithout executive power

THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN

IN SPANISH LAW

Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit

ConsultationsClaims or complaintsMediation and conciliation

Ombudsman duties

PERFORMANCE

Nature of the Ombudsman`s remit

To pursue these aims Ombudsman makes use of:Its autoritas

power of persuasion

Strategies for disseminating the figure of the University Ombudsman.

The University Ombudsman in times of crisis.

An increase in the activity An increase of students complaints mainly related

with the increase of university fees (14 – 25%)

1. An increase of demanding of the services for assessing and grading the skills and knowledge acquired in the subjects in their study plans. 2. More complaints regarding assessment systems and criteria, since failing a subject entails a significant increase in the corresponding academic fees.3. A downturn in the number of credits matriculated per academic year.4. Transfer to another university.5. At the extreme, the abandonment of university studies.

The Impact of the crisis in the university environment

Great dissatisfaction and concern. The need of the design of strategies to prevent the withdrawal of the students. Enhancement of the Ombudsman figure to support and counsel students.

Thank you very much for your attention!