University of Urbino to hold rector election via electronic voting

The University of Urbino is preparing to elect a new rector to succeed Giorgio Calcagnini. For the first time, the election will be conducted via electronic voting using the Eligo platform rather than paper ballots. Voting is scheduled for October 1 and 2 at Palazzo Bonaventura, with a potential runoff on October 5 and 6 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the valid votes and the required quorum.

Three candidates are competing for the position: professors Giovanni Boccia Artieri, Berta Martini, and Marco Rocchi. To be eligible, candidates must be full-time professors at an Italian university with a tenure duration equal to or greater than the six-year term.

Local business owners and real estate agents in Urbino have issued an appeal to the incoming leadership. They are calling for a rector who will protect the university brand and prioritize the physical presence of students in the city. The group expressed concerns regarding the decentralization of academic programs and the use of online learning, advocating for more in-person postgraduate courses and master's programs held within Urbino to support the local economy.