As I take office as Student Ombudsman of the University of Madeira, following the approval by the General Council, on June 24th 2022, of deliberation 276/2022, I would like to greet all the students of our University as well as the heads of the organic units, the Pedagogical Councils and the Students' Union. I would also like to greet the entire academic community, bodies and services of the University, with which it is essential to articulate our action to ensure the defence and promotion of students' rights and interests.
The quality of teaching at the University of Madeira also depends on the Student Ombudsman and his communication and collaboration with the bodies, units, services and different agents of the University.
We live in a complex society that is constantly amid uncertainty and change. Thus, the mediator role of the Student Ombudsman will be an important contribution to ensuring the provisions of the Legal Regime of Higher Education Institutions (RJIES) and the Statutes of the University of Madeira.
1 - The Student Ombudsman is responsible for defending and promoting the legitimate rights and interests of students within the University, assessing the complaints and making the recommendations deemed appropriate to the competent bodies;
2 - The Student Ombudsman's activity is developed in articulation with the Students' Union, with the organic units and with the University bodies and services, namely with the Pedagogical Councils.
The Student Ombudsman is an independent body, without decision-making power, but based on his/her experience and knowledge, contributes to the defence of the students' rights and interests, helping to develop and improve the organisation and functioning of our University. In collaboration with the entire academic community, he/she looks for solutions to the problems presented, monitors the processes and issues recommendations as and when necessary.
João Filipe Pereira Nunes Prudente