UFPB faculty debate new direct election model for rector

Faculty members at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) are holding meetings across four campuses—Bananeiras, Areia, João Pessoa, and Mamanguape—to discuss changes to the rector election process.

The discussions follow the enactment of Law No. 15.367/2026, which marks a historical shift in how federal university leaders are chosen. The new legislation replaces the previous triple-list model with direct elections for rector and vice-rector. Under this system, the academic community votes via slates, and the selected names are forwarded to the President of the Republic for appointment.

The Association of Teachers of the UFPB (ADUFPB) is organizing these sessions to debate how to ensure the new process is democratic, transparent, and representative. Key issues for regulation include candidacy criteria, the voting weight of faculty, students, and administrative staff, and the participation of civil society.