Michoacán Congress reforms UMSNH law to restore Rector Commission

The Michoacán State Congress has approved a reform to the Organic Law of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) to reinstate a Rector Commission. This body will be responsible for selecting the university rector for the 2027–2031 term.

The legislative decision follows reported delays by the current university administration in establishing the necessary technical regulations for the election process. Supporters of the reform, including Deputy Baltazar Gaona García, stated the initiative was driven by the university community and backed by over six thousand signatures to ensure legal certainty and prevent irregularities.

The newly formed Rector Commission will consist of eight members: five former rectors residing in the state, the dean of directors, the dean of active professors, and the university council student with the highest grade point average from the previous academic cycle. The commission must be formally installed within ten days of the decree taking effect.

The reform passed with 32 votes in favor, three against, and one abstention. While proponents argue the measure provides institutional stability, some opposition legislators warned that the move could infringe upon university autonomy and constitutional provisions regarding democratic elections.