New statute for university students: all subjects will have a retake and it will not be possible to take more than one exam per day

BarcelonaThis Thursday, the new university student statute came into force, which had not been updated since 2010. Among the novelties of this state document are that all subjects must have a recovery option, that there must be a 24-hour break between exams, and that students will have the right to receive free psychological care at the university. Although the text was approved this week by the Council of Ministers, many of the guidelines were already included in the Losu, the Organic Law of the University System that was approved in 2023.

Evaluation

The new statute establishes that universities must "facilitate" students balancing their academic life with work. It also indicates that, when the university schedules assessment tests, it "will be avoided" that a student has two global exams in less than 24 hours. That is to say, the student will not be able to have two important exams on the same day. Furthermore, it is specified that "all students" will have the right to retake all subjects. Specifically, it is established that all subjects must have "at least" two exam sessions—ordinary and extraordinary—and that, in the case of the second, "it will be ensured" that the entire grade of the subject can be recovered. Therefore, this retake should allow for the possibility of obtaining all the points for the subject regardless of whether, during the assessment, this score was distributed among practicals, activities, theoretical exams, etc.

Regarding failed subjects, the rule also comes into force stating that, if they wish, universities may establish "compensation mechanisms" and tribunals to evaluate if a student can obtain the degree even if they have a pending subject.

On the other hand, the new text opens the door to the possibility for universities to create the mechanisms they deem appropriate to be able to offer a single assessment to students who cannot follow continuous assessment. Finally, the statute insists that assessment tests must be adapted for students with disabilities, but also for those with specific educational support needs and learning difficulties.

Mental health

Another of the major innovations of the university student statute is related to mental health. In the section on "student support services" it is stipulated that universities must have support units that, among other things, offer psychological and mental health counseling, and, when necessary, will refer the student to the autonomous community's health services. In addition, the university must have a protocol for action and prevention regarding suicidal behavior, against sexual harassment and cyberbullying, and against bullying.

The duty to have "an active presence"

The new statute also imposes duties on students. The first is that students must "assume the commitment" not only to attend class, but to have "an active and co-responsible presence" there. Included within this commitment are study and participation in academic activities, but also the act of refraining from using fraudulent procedures in exams and assignments. On this second point, the statute places special emphasis on the fact that this fraud should not be carried out with "inappropriate use of artificial intelligence".

Finally, the text also establishes that students have the right to strike—academic stoppage—and that universities "will develop the conditions" so that the right to strike can be exercised by their students.