The funding capability of the University of La Laguna (ULL) has been drastically reduced over the last decade, compounded by the inability to utilise the remaining treasury, as acknowledged by the rector of the institution, Francisco Garcia, on Thursday.
In a statement, the rector expressed that the recent allocation of one million euros through amendments to the budget of the Autonomous Community is a positive development, along with the expressed intention from the Department of Universities to provide an additional contribution of two million euros.
Furthermore, the rector emphasised that there will be an increased focus on enhancing efficiency in expenditure and internal administration, which will be a principal objective for the upcoming year. The Social Council will now endorse the budget document.
Additionally, it was noted that the governing council of the University of La Laguna approved the overall budget for 2025, amounting to 174 million euros, which marks an increase of 600,000 euros from this year, reflecting a rise of 0.39%. This increase has been met with criticism from all groups within the collegiate body due to the limited funding received from the regional administration.
The backdrop for the 2025 budget is one of containing expenditures and applying fiscal regulations that limit the utilisation of treasury reserves.
The governing council also sanctioned the establishment of a Diploma of Specialization in Operating Room Nursing on Thursday, with 20 places available, presented by the vice-rector for Teaching, who additionally mentioned the discontinuation of the University Master’s Degree in Specific Educational Support Needs.
The institutional chair of Communication between the University of La Laguna and Radio Televisión Canaria was likewise authorised, aimed at the continuous training of staff while ensuring the quality of public service and its audiovisual outputs.
This initiative will also focus on studies and research related to the audiovisual sector, underpinned by advancements in new technologies and transmedia narratives.
This initiative will span four years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional four years, and will be overseen by lecturer José Luis Zurita.
In a similar vein, an institutional chair dedicated to Research and Innovation in Hearing Disability and Accessibility has been established, supported by the Department of Social Action of the Cabildo of Tenerife.
This chair will focus on the development of projects centred on youth entrepreneurship, promoting the full participation of all individuals, while also conducting training and research activities on disability. lecturer María del Carmen Jiménez will serve as its director.
The collegiate body granted approval for the establishment of the cultural classroom Centre for Research and Artistic Practices, which is aimed at exploring contemporary art as a medium for creative expression, fostering innovation in this area, and promoting the formation of networks in cultural management.
This proposal has the endorsement of the dean of Fine Arts and will be led by Professor Javier Sicilia. In the realm of culture, regulations governing the cultural groups within the academic institution were also approved.
