The University of Málaga (UMA) is implementing a new teaching plan that increases professors' teaching hours from 180 to 240, due to budgetary constraints. This increase affects all faculty members, including professors, lecturers, and collaborators. The plan, approved despite faculty opposition, aims to optimize resources amid financial difficulties.
The UMA received a €48.5 million credit from the regional government (Junta de AndalucÃa) in December to address liquidity issues. However, additional budget cuts are still occurring, impacting professor hiring and replacements for retirees. Unions have not approved the new plan.
Professors are concerned about the impact of increased workloads and a lack of opportunities for career advancement. One group expressed concern about a 15-month delay in filling vacant positions, citing it as detrimental to the quality of education. They believe this impacts quality and morale.
The UMA also received an additional €2.7 million from the Junta de AndalucÃa as part of a larger €21 million allocation to Andalusian universities. This funding is intended for salary supplements.
The new teaching plan has a two-year validity, unlike previous plans which were approved annually. The plan incorporated roughly one-third of the suggestions submitted during the public consultation period.