Welcome to CollECTeR Iberoamérica 2007.

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Introduction
The university of Córdoba is the oldest university in Argentina, and the second biggest University in Argentina (the first being UBA, located in the city of Buenos Aires). Due to is strategic location: right in the middle of the province of Cordoba, which is right in the middle of Argentina; its cultural and political trajectory, the achievements reached by their in foreign countries and for being a state university, it has attracted the youths from other cities, provinces and countries since its foundation.
For this tradition, the city of Cordoba is known as "la docta"(the wise).

History
The story of the university begins in 1610, when the Jesuits create the Collegiums Maximum; where theology and philosophy are taught to the members of the religious order.
In 1613, due to the influence of Obispo Juan Fernando e Trejo y Sanabria, the high studies were started.
It is officially authorized in 1621, by the Pope Gregorio XV, and confirmed by Felipe IV, king of Spain. The official document arrived in 1622,and the Provincial of the Company, Pedro de Oñate ; official inaugurates the University (called the House of Trejo).
In 1687 the Colegio Mayor “Nuestra Señora del Monserrat” is founded, where preparatory studies are taught.
In 1767, after a resolution of King Carlos III, the Jesuits are expelled from the Virreinato lands, and the university continues its work under the hands of the Franciscans.
1791 is a key year for teaching at the UNC: at the request of Virrey Nicolás A. Arredondo, laws studies are incorporated ; for the first time, non theological studies are taught.
In the 1800’s, Franciscans y secular clergy argue over the administration of the university. The quarrel ends with the Real Cédula; the institution is renamed as Real Universidad de San Carlos y de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, which gives the administration to the Franciscans. Put into practice in 1808, with Dr. Gregorio Deán Funes as Rector.
The new Rector, who had a liberal and opened mind to new science and makes deep changes in the studies plans, introducing new subjects such as arithmetic, algebra and geometry
The twenty-fifth of May 1810, the famous Revolution of May takes place, the argentine people revolt against Spanish authorities, and the first patriotic government is chosen.
New authorities arrive at the University, but Deán Funes keeps the rector position.
In 1820, due to the national disintegration, the university keeps its work under provincial management.
In 1853 the Constitution of the Argentine Republic is signed and in 1856 the university is nationalized. In 1881 the university of Buenos Aires (UBA), which was created in 1821, is also nationalized.
In 1918 the cordoban universitary youth start a movement asking for the democratization of the education; quickly, students all around the continent follow the example set in Cordoba. This movement, known as University Reform, influenced Latin America social and politically, and gave the university great prestige.
After the reform and under the new law about universities (called law Avellaneda) the National Universities acquires political and economic autonomy.

The autonomy of the university is tested and canceled several times: interventions are made by the government of the country; these interventions become darker during military dictatorship, which include kidnapping, torture, murder, and disappearance of students and professors considered rebels.

During the presidency of Dr. Carlos Menem (1989-1999), public universities suffer numerous backsets. A great number of private universities, subsidized by the state, are created. Great numbers of public universities are created with no clear criteria. And choking politics towards reformist universities are followed by the national state. A limit to the universities autonomy is set by the High Studies Law, approved by the Congress, intents to restrict the entrance to public university are realized, and the free education is menaced. This law is highly rejected by the university community via many protests.

Today, the fight for a proper salary for the teachers continues, with the support of the body of the students. Despite the disadvantages, the students continue studying and the professors continue teaching and researching.

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© Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina