Final preparations are underway before the vote, scheduled for September 21st, to elect the new rector of the University of Sassari . Tonight, in the University's Aula Magna, the four candidates outlined their proposals at a meeting organized by the University Students' Union of Sassari. The main topics on the agenda were discussed, from the relationship with the city to the budget of the University of Sassari in Olbia. Differences are emerging precisely over the enrollment figures and funding.
"We've lost 1,670 students in the last six years," says Uzzau, a full professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. This has had an impact on the Ordinary Fund, which, however, two competitors deny. " We've held our own on both fronts ," says Giorgio Pintore, full professor of Pharmaceutical Biology. "We're financially sound," says Francesco Morandi, full professor of Tourism Law. The reasoning of Omar Chessa, full professor of Constitutional Law, points to a different interpretation of the situation.
"The truth is that we can't compete on equal terms with other universities. The national model isn't tailored for us," he argues. For this reason, he announces a proposal to revise some regulations, as well as the need for a multi-year financial framework. Speaking of funding, the €45 million allocated to Olbia by the Region over 15 years for the Department of Innovation has received mixed reviews. Morandi defends the decision and assures that the degree programs will not overlap with those in Sassari .
" The Olbia area is very attractive from an international perspective ," adds Pintore. Uzzau and Chessa also agree about the potential for overseas study, but they see the situation as less rosy. "There's talk of four programs, but I think only two are sustainable. There's a huge risk of making an investment that will yield nothing," says the former. "These are blind investments," complains the latter. "I'm seeing deep discontent within the university on this issue. Those resources should be redistributed."
