Dean Lewis, president of the University of Bordeaux and vice-president of France Universités, denounces “the new arbitrations” of the government.
Published on 03/12/2024 11:37
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“Some universities have made the decision to reduce their undergraduate capacity” in 2025, is alarmed, Tuesday December 3, on franceinfo Dean Lewis, president of the University of Bordeaux and vice-president of France Universités during a day of mobilization “universities in danger” is organized on Tuesday to alert on the budgetary situation of higher education.
University presidents denounce “the new arbitrations” of the government. The latter provides for an increase in salary expenditure by increasing the contribution of universities. “On each civil servant pay slip, there will be an additional deduction that will be made” pour “contribute to the pension allocation fund for civil service retirees”explains Dean Lewis. But this year, this additional expense “is not financed by the State, is not compensated”he regrets.
Several universities have declared themselves “dead university” Tuesday, notably in Nice or Lille. General assemblies are organized with staff and students to raise awareness “the seriousness of the budgetary situation of our universities”, explique Dean Lewis.
The University of Western Brittany will reduce by 30% the number of places offered in the Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities (STAPS) and psychology degrees. In addition, Sorbonne University announces the closure of its psychomotor school. “It is a paramedical school that is important for the graduates we train and the service they will provide to the nation”précise Dean Lewis.
Universities welcomed 33,000 additional students this year. But “the constrained expenditure budgets of universities continue to increase”, he laments. “Which accentuates the seriousness of the budgetary situation of universities”he explains.
