Unicamp, USP and Unesp began, last Wednesday (15), a movement that could result in an unprecedented integration in the history of the institutions. Working groups formed by deans, professors, researchers and employees from the three universities began to study the unification of processes and the sharing of data, programs and content.
One of the proposals concerns the indigenous entrance exam. Currently, Unicamp and Ufscar carry out a unified exam. In 2022, there were 2.805 enrolled, in different courses at the two universities. The idea is to expand the selection to the other two states, according to the dean of Undergraduate Studies at Unicamp, Ivan Toro.
At the undergraduate level, the reduction of bureaucracy in validating credits in subjects was discussed to facilitate exchanges between universities. Another proposal is the adoption of joint measures to combat the pandemic, such as prevention and safety protocols. A working group will be created to evaluate the impacts of remote teaching on learning.
New postgraduate model
A new postgraduate model, with a shorter duration, was also discussed. Currently, it takes nine years to complete a master's and doctorate degree. For the dean of Postgraduate Studies at USP, Márcio de Castro Filho, this is a long time.
The average age for entry into postgraduate studies is 33 years old, with students starting the course at 37 years old. For the dean, this group arrives very late to the job market. The proposal is to reduce training time, with a focus on the doctorate. The expectation is to complete the project this year. It was also proposed that Postgraduate Studies also adopt inclusion rules, and that an integration platform for the three universities be implemented.
The Dean of Research announced the creation of the Unified Congress of Scientific Initiation, to be held from 2023. According to the Dean of Research at Unicamp, João Romano, the objective is to encourage students to present research work as a way reception for freshmen. Another proposal is joint participation in notices and the implementation of rules that facilitate the import of research equipment.
The Culture and Extension Group has scheduled a series of cultural activities for this year and next, with performances by symphony orchestras from the three universities in São Paulo and a traveling exhibition on the campuses of the three universities.
There were also proposals for integration in the areas of Communication, International Relations, Innovation and the new areas of Human Rights, Inclusion and Belonging. "What we had here could generate an explosion of knowledge. The variety of topics discussed shows the reach that we can achieve”, said the dean of Unicamp, Antonio Meirelles. “We have the capacity to resist and also to build a better future,” he added.
“Universities have grown in size throughout their history, but, together, they can do more,” said the rector of Unesp, Pasqual Barretti. “We can be a light for society.”
“We are stronger together. We have common problems, but we know that we will not be alone”, said the dean of USP, Carlos Carlotti. “Now it’s time to work, as we have a lot to implement”, he concluded.
“We are in a moment of construction. What we do now could be a milestone for the future of universities”, said the general coordinator of Unicamp, Maria Luiza Moretti. For her, São Paulo’s public universities “are the greatest asset of the State of São Paulo”.
The vice-rector of USP, Maria Arminda Arruda, and Unesp, Maysa Furlan, also participated in the meeting.
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Cruesp initiative aims to strengthen joint actions by USP, Unesp and Unicamp