Paris 1 University: why students have been blocking Tolbiac for a week

Tolbiac la rouge does not escape its reputation. For a week, this site of the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University has been blocked by students. On Wednesday April 24, 2024, the blockade was voted on again at the general assembly. They protest against the reform of the methods of knowledge control committed by management.

Tightening the steering screw

Revised every five years, the project must be applied for the years 2025-2030 and provides for new evaluation methods with the accent on continuous monitoringa revision of AJAC statuswhich allows failing students to pass the following year by catching up on non-validated subjects and the removal of the compensation system.

So much change, experienced as a loss of rights for students. According to a survey conducted by Le Poing leva among 1,350 students, 68% of them validate either thanks to catch-ups Or compensation. “This reform would have a huge impact,” comments Adrien, elected to the Raised Fist within the Commission on Training and University Life (CFVU).

Management also wants to change the attendance regime, which until now authorized three absences. “The new regime would be very restricted, with authorizations only in the event of death or hospitalization of a loved one or the passing of a competitive exam. This obscures all the other reasons which would justify a student being absent, such as illness, painful periods, or even undeclared work,” denounces the elected student.

“Social selection”

During general meetings bringing together more than 450 studentsthe blocking of the university was voted on several times between April 18 and 24. “It’s more of a means of action to organize yourself. And it also allows you to put pressure on management,” explains Adrien. “The courses which were to be held in person could not take place normally and were subject to adjustments accordingly by the teachers,” explains the University of Paris 1.

Beyond the four points drawn up in the red line, they fear a reform which will ultimately have the consequence of “imposing a social selection at the university which would make Paris 1 an elite university”. “Ultimately, this is not just an isolated battle. This reform is anchored in a much broader policy. What is at stake here is the university model that we want to defend,” argues Adrien.

Removal of disputed points

Tuesday, April 23, a committee brought together elected students and management around the table. On this occasion, the latter agreed to remove the four disputed points of the project. “It’s a first victory, but now we want to go further. With a suppression of attendance and the extension of special regimes to students who work undeclared,” professes Adrien. So many requests previously refused by management.

“The dialogue is still ongoing, particularly with students and their representatives, and the work of collective design of these methods of knowledge control continues,” specifies the university. The final text should be voted on in May, “outside the midterm period so that the student representatives can be present,” she promises. In the meantime, student organizations remain determined to keep up the pressure.

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