The event, presided over by the Rector of the University of Almería, José J. Céspedes, alongside the Vice-Rector for Students, Encarna Carmona, was attended by the outgoing president and a broad representation of the university's governing team and deans.
Ikram El Yandouzi Jazali, a representative from the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences, assumes the representation of the student body at a key moment for institutional participation. The work of Francisco Javier Estrella during his tenure was expressly highlighted and thanked.
Rector José J. Céspedes emphasized the strategic value of students, stating, “You students are the true reason for being, the heart of the public university.” He also highlighted the importance of student commitment in the institution's governance, noting that “without a doubt, your voice, proposals, energy, and, of course, your critical spirit, help us to be better every day in our work.”
Addressing the new president, the rector mentioned immediate regulatory challenges, such as the reform of statutes where student voice will have specific weight, the incorporation of new degrees, the improvement of academic quality, adaptation to changes like AI, and the enhancement of campus life and infrastructure for a satisfactory university experience.
Ikram El Yandouzi Jazali expressed her enthusiasm and responsibility, aiming to meet the expectations set by her predecessor. Among her priorities, she highlighted public transport to the campus as a daily challenge, alongside teaching quality, student health and well-being, balancing studies and work, economic difficulties, housing, internships, and employment opportunities.
Vice-Rector Encarna Carmona congratulated the new president, elected on June 5th, and defended student representation as a fundamental pillar of UAL's governance, assuring that student needs are channeled for their academic and personal growth.
Javier Estrella, the former president, described his term as “turbulent and difficult” due to the reform of regulations and statutes, but thanked the collaborative work with the vice-rector and wished the new president success, expressing his pride in having represented the institution.
With this change in presidency, the Student Council embarks on a new phase focused on dialogue, collaboration with governing bodies, and the active defense of the student community's interests.
