University of Los Andes reinstates faculty representation after 18 years

The University of Los Andes (ULA) in Venezuela has sworn in 17 new faculty representatives for the 2026–2029 period. This marks the first renewal of faculty representation in the university’s governing bodies since 2008, following a long period of electoral blocks by the Constitutional Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice.

The new representatives include five members for the University Council, seven for the Faculty Councils, and five for the School Councils. The election saw a 52% participation rate from a voter registry of over 4,500 active and retired professors.

University Education Minister Ana María Sanjuán attended the ceremony to provide institutional support. In addition to the swearing-in, the Ministry announced plans to strengthen research programs, increase university dining services, and bolster scholarship programs for vulnerable students. Discussions are also ongoing regarding salary improvements for teaching staff to address the impact of inflation.