Sorrounded by canepes, empanadas and fruit juice, I got to interview Mr. José María Sanz Martinez, Rector from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid yesterday. I want to thank him for his time, warmth and frankness.
When I first asked him to discribe himself in one word, his answer was a three-word frase: “Igualdad de oportunidades” (equal opportunities). This represents a value for him and is something he works for.
Then we talked about the most significant or important things for him, as the Rector of an important and influent high education institution. He faces the responsability to lead an intense research focused university, that has great connection with, and seeks integration to the sorrounding community, in terms of culture, production of goods and knowledge, bussiness and social commitment.
He foresees the future of the global civic engagement movement as an important item in the process of internationalization of high education institutions. He mentioned that about a third part of the postgrade students in UAM come from outside Spain.
As for social projects and volunteering innitiatives, he explained to me the Spanish national authorities have selected a few universities around the country to plan, carry on and evaluate mid-term projects. The ones that will be able to fullfil a list of settled requirements by 2015 will receive extra founds for continuing such innitiatives and others that might emerge.
I asked him if they were planning to set social commitment activities as compulsory for students, and he dismissed this idea, as he understands you don´t have to push students to get involved, but encourage them to do so, by proposing interesting projects and by supporting the ones students suggest.
And finally, as a sample of coherent and consistent thought, he considered JUSTICE, as the one thing he would change today in the world if he could – Understanding justice in a wide sense, and very close to the IGUALDAD DE OPORTUNIDADES chosen to describe himself.
Thank you again José María, and thanks UAM for hosting us in your beautifull campus.