Council of Rectors receives CONFECH board

With the aim of maintaining dialogue between the two groups, the Executive Committee of the Council of Rectors met with leaders of the Confederation of Students of Chile. During the meeting, rectors and students discussed issues such as concerns for students at the University of the Sea and their families.

The Executive Committee of the Council of Rectors, headed by its vice president, Rector Juan Manuel Zolezzi, received the student leaders of the Confederation of Students of Chile (CONFECH), Diego Vela, president of the Federation of the Catholic University, Andrés Fielbaum from the University of Chile and Mario Domínguez from the University of Valparaíso.

Also present on behalf of the university rectors were Ignacio Sánchez, from the Catholic University, Aldo Valle from the University of Valparaíso, Héctor Gaete, from the University of Bío-Bío and Emilio Rodríguez from the University of Tarapacá.

During the meeting, both parties discussed the issues that will shape the higher education agenda this year, with particular emphasis on concerns for the future of Universidad del Mar students and their families. The dialogue took place as the courts declared the university bankrupt and appointed a trustee to seize its assets.

“This meeting has been enriching in terms of listening to the students” concerns on fundamental issues in higher education,“ Rector Zolezzi noted, recalling that a document outlining points of agreement between students and university presidents has existed since mid-2011. ”We want to hold a ceremony to sign it, as it embodies the essence of what we aspire to in public education.”.

Regarding the conflict at Universidad del Mar, he stated that “it is a constant concern. We see that each day, instead of being resolved and easing the burden on families, it becomes more complex, especially now with the issue of the trustee.” The rector also noted that there is concern within the Council of Rectors because “the solutions proposed so far for relocating the students have failed.”.

The students also gave the meeting a positive assessment. “It was a good meeting, in which we expressed our willingness to reach an understanding and find common ground, as well as seek concrete reforms in higher education,” said Diego Vela, president of the Catholic University Student Federation.