University of Montenegro academics seek direct rector elections

A group of 70 professors and academic staff members from the University of Montenegro (UCG) has submitted an initiative to the Parliament of Montenegro requesting a change in how the university rector is elected.

The proposal seeks to amend the Law on Higher Education to allow the academic community to elect the rector directly. Under the current model, the rector is chosen by the Senate and the Governing Board. The signatories argue that a direct election would ensure greater democracy, transparency, accountability, and institutional legitimacy.

The initiative, which was delivered to Parliament President Andrija Mandić and the relevant parliamentary committee, emphasizes that the rector represents the entire university community. The group asserts that direct elections align with the values of the European Higher Education Area, including university autonomy and participatory governance as highlighted by the Bologna Process and the European University Association.