The Aula Magna lecture theatre at UIC Barcelona played host yesterday to the University’s closing ceremony for the academic year. Although the location hadn’t changed, the event was held in a blended format, with only 50% of the physical space occupied by members of the institution, in compliance with the anti-COVID health and safety measures. The remaining guests were able to stream the ceremony live.

The closing ceremony was led by rector Xavier Gil, who took stock of what has been another academic year affected by the pandemic. Speaking about the pandemic, the rector thanked everyone for their efforts to adapt to the changing circumstances throughout the academic year and announced how classes will start in September, subject to the evolution of the epidemiological situation.

Regarding his overview of the year, Xavier Gil gave an account of the 2015-2022 Strategic Plan, provided data on the development of the enrolment forecast, highlighted the figures for research and transfer impact and spoke, on behalf of the vice-rectors, of all the projects and initiatives that have been launched over the course of this academic year. He also spoke about some projects that are already under way, which are due to gain momentum in the coming academic year. The rector also mentioned the implementation of the academic management application, which has been named Naos by popular vote.

Changes and appointments to various positions were also announced during the ceremony, among them the handover of the Vice-rectorate of the Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer. The current Vice-rector, Dr Jordi Villà, hands over to Dr Cristina Monforte, the current director of the Department of Nursing. In addition, the current director of the Department of Communication, Dr Rebeca Pardo has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, replacing the current dean, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, who will become the new rector of UIC Barcelona from September.

After giving his overview, and as is tradition in all University closing ceremonies, the general secretary, Belén Castro, read out the names of all those who have been working for the institution for ten years, thus recognising their involvement in and commitment to UIC Barcelona.

After awarding the medals, Dr Xavier Gil gave a brief summary of his two mandates as rector of UIC Barcelona, since on 1 September 2021, Dr Alfonso Méndiz will assume the role, and to whom Gil wished the greatest of success.

The current rector dedicated a word of thanks to all the teaching, administration and service staff for all their work over the course of the past academic year: “Despite being a year still heavily affected by the pandemic, great milestones have been reached in the field of teaching and research, and we have improved numerous positions in both national and international rankings. The University has, once again, refused to stand on the side lines and has demonstrated its spirit of excellence".

With regard to his role as rector of UIC Barcelona, Gil stated that “it has made me so proud to represent this institution over the past few years. I have been able to see the impetus and growth of a university that does not stop pushing forward, even when faced with change or adversity". Xavier Gil finished his closing speech by thanking everyone who works at the University and highlighting the exemplary effort and dedication of the entire UIC Barcelona community.

The University’s closing ceremony ended with a few words from the president of the Board of Trustees, Miguel Ángel Cazcarra, who thanked Xavier Gil for his work at the helm of the institution over the past six years. He also welcomed the future rector, Alfonso Méndiz, who will be taking over from September.

The event culminated with a video that reflected, for the second consecutive year, on the atypical academic year we have experienced at the University.