Resumen

FUENMAYOR TORO, Luis. Democratic university, inclusion and academic excellence. Educere [online]. 2008, vol.12, n.42, pp.629-634. ISSN 1316-4910.

A difference between the substantial characteristics of the university and its autonomous and democratic attributes is established, understanding that the institution is first of all a “university” and just then, autonomous and democratic. The qualities of autonomy and democracy cannot distort the essential properties of the university on pain of blur it and transform it into something different. Additionally, the meaning of university autonomy is discussed as especial functioning condition in its contradictory relation with the State and other social powers, and that allows institutions to perform their academic activities in complete freedom, focusing on the interest of acquiring and spreading knowledge, which increases the cultural bearing of humanity and improve the living condition of nations. It is emphasized that Latin American universities have been more interested in becoming autonomous than in being real universities. Something similar happens with democracy in universities, which for some ignorants regarding this matter, is the mechanical application of political democracy into the university, as if this were a small republic and leaving aside, on top of it, the importance of knowledge and the experience when establishing university hierarchies, which in reality must not mean government but academic authority, which is not elected or represents command of any kind. Last, it is expressed that student inclusion is a condition to speak about university quality, which is not deteriorated if the fees’ increases are followed by all the necessary measures for the proper performance of teaching.

Palabras clave : university; autonomy; university democracy; student inclusion; academic quality.

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