Pompeu Fabra students on absenteeism in class: "We understand the concern"

BarcelonaThe dean of one of the faculties at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) lashed out a month ago at the absenteeism, lack of involvement, and disrespect of some first-year students. He expressed this in an email he sent to 1st and 2nd-year students, in which he explained that they have observed low levels of class attendance and "deficient involvement in following the subjects".

University students share the concern, but emphasize that the institution also has the responsibility to adapt to the needs of new generations. "We understand the concern expressed about student attendance and involvement, as well as the importance these elements have in the university learning process," the students state in an email first reported by La Vanguardia, which ARA has accessed.

For the students, absenteeism and the lack of commitment and rigor when doing assignments are "a lack of respect for teaching that should not be tolerated by the students themselves". They also regret that the dean's statement "simplifies a reality that is more complex" and wonder if the current situation is exclusively attributable to the students.

University students argue that, in the situation, several factors come into play, from irresponsible student attitudes to structural elements of the university itself that encourage absenteeism and lack of involvement. "Reducing the debate to a single cause hinders a more accurate understanding of the problem and, therefore, the search for effective solutions," they argue.

Diagnosis of the problem

For the students, the issue raised by the dean's office is "a valid and real problem" that, in their opinion, must be addressed taking into account a diversity of factors. They consider that the university, as a public institution, "must adapt to the changes that may occur over time and in how the people who are part of it act and relate to it".

Therefore, they propose to conduct a study on the causes of absenteeism and lack of involvement of students at the university. They consider that, once they have the conclusions of the work, "the fairest and most appropriate measures can be taken to improve this situation, both for the students and for the management".

In the email, the dean directly addressed the students: "I will say it clearly: this situation is disappointing and worrying. And it is, mainly, because it reflects a lack of individual responsibility on the part of a significant number of you," he lamented. And he warned: "University is a voluntary stage. Precisely for this reason, what is expected of you is a real commitment to your education".