The email from a dean at Pompeu Fabra to students not attending class: "It is worrying and disappointing"

Barcelona"I am writing to you as the Dean of the Faculty regarding a situation that I consider serious and that we cannot normalize." This is how the email begins that this Tuesday the dean of one of the faculties of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) has sent to the 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students. The professor, consulted by ARA, explains that he decided to send this message after receiving different inputs from university professors explaining situations of absenteeism, lack of involvement, and little respect from some—though not all—of the first-year undergraduate students. "I have done it with the intention of trying to stir their conscience," explains the dean.

In this way, in the email, which this newspaper has accessed, the professor explains that they have observed low levels of class attendance—a phenomenon that was also detected by the UAB, with 40% of students skipping some classes—and also "a deficient involvement in following the subjects." In fact, the professor warns that they have found "tasks often done with little rigor and an uncommitted attitude to the learning process." And he concludes: "In especially valuable activities [...] this dynamic becomes even more (shamefully) evident." Furthermore, they also warn that they have encountered situations where classes are abandoned during breaks and students do not return; assignments done "without the minimum rigor" and, even, "inadequate or disrespectful treatment of the teaching staff."

After explaining the reasons that led to writing the email, the dean directly addresses 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 from a significant number of you," he laments in the email. And he warns: "University is a voluntary stage. Precisely because of this, what is expected of you is a real commitment to your education."

It's not just about passing

Beyond absences or poorly done assignments, the professor also addresses a part that is more difficult to quantify: student attitude. "University learning is not just about passing," he warns, emphasizing the need for active attendance in classrooms. "It happens, to a great extent, in the classroom: in discussion, in the contrast of ideas, in interaction with faculty and with peers. Not attending class means renouncing this essential part of the process and losing real opportunities to understand better, make connections, and develop analytical and critical skills," describes the dean.

And, once again, the professor tries to make students aware by insisting: "You must not forget that you are at a public university." In this regard, he reminds them: "This implies that there is a collective effort (from society as a whole and from families) for you to be here," and warns them: "This opportunity also entails a responsibility."

Faced with this scenario, the dean warns that "these behaviors denote a lack of respect and consideration for academic work, for the people involved, and for the rest of the students. Coming little, getting involved little, and demanding (often with little respect) a lot is not an acceptable combination." He adds that all of this "reflects an immaturity that is not compatible with what is expected of university students."

Finally, the dean concludes the email addressed to 1st and 2nd year students with a plea: "I therefore ask you for serious reflection and an immediate change of attitude in the way some of you are approaching your studies."