On January 1, 2012, all French universities will officially become "autonomous", which in theory means greater control over their destiny, in particular concerning budget and staffing.
Based on the 2007 law known as LRU, autonomy was introduced in 2009 for 18 universities, followed by another 33 in 2010 and 22 in 2011,
The LRU allowed universities to manage their payroll for the first time. By removing administrative barriers and freeing positive creative energies, it aimed to change a rigid, conservative mindset and encourage innovation and excellence. As such was arguably one of the most interesting and daring education reforms under the Pécresse Darcos duo.
Since the reform, some French universities have recruited leading researchers and promising students abroad: Paris-VII hired an American Nobel Prize winner in Physics; the University of Aix-Marseille II-established Chairs of Excellence; and Paris-XII tried to made itself more attractive by opening daycare for children of staff.
(Unfortunately the same government that introduced these positive innovations moronically then sabotaged them by preventing brilliant students from working.)
The push towards autonomy gives dynamic, well-run universities an opening to excel. This will benefit students, teachers and ultimately France. Poorly managed, strike-ridden universities with archaic installations risk being left in the dust--as, perhaps, they should...
Now attention turns towards funding.
(for more info in French see Le Figaro)
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