Unicamp adopted a series of measures relating to resource contingencies with the aim of providing conditions for a detailed analysis of the University's financial situation, aiming to balance its revenues and expenses and preserve its core activities. A resolution to this effect was signed by rector Marcelo Knobel on April 27th and published the following day in the Official Gazette of the State of São Paulo. “These are tough measures, but necessary to face this moment of serious budget crisis, influenced by the drop in the country's economic activity”, explains the head of the Dean of University Development (PRDU), professor Marisa Masumi Beppu.
According to the dean, the measures were defined in a very responsible manner, with the main commitment being the maintenance of Unicamp's activities and the payment of the salary bill. “An important aspect to be clarified is that the Resolution is temporary in nature. It will be reevaluated until the second budget review of 2017. During this period, we will be able to carry out a detailed analysis of the University's financial situation and, if necessary, review the measures that prove necessary”, explains Marisa Beppu.
The director informs that, as determined by the Resolution, the hiring of employees in the PAEPE career, the Higher Education Career, the Special Teaching Careers and the Research Career are temporarily suspended. “The contracts approved until the Resolution comes into force will continue their normal course. Notices already published and registrations completed will also continue. In this case, however, approvals will depend on the assessment of priorities. New notices will depend on opinions from the CVND [Commission for Non-Teaching Vacancies] and the CVD [Commission for Teaching Vacancies], which will establish homogeneous criteria for what will be considered exceptional. The main principle of these criteria will be the absolute need to preserve core activities”, details the dean of University Development.
In the same vein, continues Marisa Beppu, promotions and progressions for all previously mentioned careers are temporarily suspended, due to the Resolution. “There is also an exception here. The progressions by competition that were approved will continue. Those that were not approved will wait a second time. Furthermore, the quotas distributed in 2016 will be honored”, reassures the PRDU leader.
Investment resources linked to the Strategic Reserve will also be supported by preservation efforts at this time. Added to these measures, according to Marisa Beppu, are cost cuts, which began within the scope of the Central Administration. These did not, therefore, affect teaching and research units, centers and nuclei, technical colleges and the health sector. “The measures affected two items, which are air and daily tickets and also the Central Warehouse”, says the teacher. Marisa Beppu also explains that “this is a financial reality that affects Unicamp, but also USP and Unesp”. “Obviously, universities would like to propose a different scenario, but the budgetary reality of institutions does not allow this to be done at the moment”, she comments.
The Vice-Rector of University Development adds, finally, that the Central Administration in general and she, in particular, have been committed to clarifying the university community about the importance and scope of all these measures. It also reinforces the confidence that the University will be able to dialogue and agree on such measures and prioritizations, “so that we emerge from this phase stronger and better structured, in order to continue the growth of this University, which plays an important role within the society in which it operates. insert”.
