Minute book of the sessions of the Senate of the University of Cervera from 1717 to 1726

Date: 1717 - 1726

Archive: Office of the Historical Archives and Documentary Heritage of the University of Barcelona

Document type: Textual

Reference code: ES CAT UB 294491

Link to the online document

Description: The cloister sessions of the University of Cervera between 1714 and 1727 cover the first period of operation of the new institution. The University of Cervera, founded in 1717 by Felipe V, was created as another of the centralizing reforms of the Bourbon regime after the War of Succession. Thus, in this period, the cloister sessions had to establish the guidelines of the new monarchy in aspects such as the preparation of study plans, selection of teaching staff and academic practices. All in all, also aligned with the needs of the Bourbon administration in terms of the needs of professionals in civil, canon law or medicine. The university had to face financial and logistical challenges, especially in the first years after its foundation.
The statutes of the University of Cervera, established between 1714 and 1750, clearly defined the function of the university faculty as the central body of academic governance and management. The faculty, made up of professors, professors and other academic members, played a leading role in the direction and development of the institution. The faculty was responsible for making decisions relating to the governance of the university: selection and appointment of professors, the definition of study plans, the organization of the academic calendar and the supervision of teaching activities. The cloister sessions were the occasion when these issues were discussed and resolved. One of the most important aspects of the function of the cloister was the definition and updating of the study plans. The statutes specified that the cloister had to periodically review the curricula to ensure that they were aligned with the needs of the time and with the educational guidelines emanating from the Bourbon monarchy.
The faculty also had the responsibility of maintaining discipline and order within the university community. This includes the resolution of conflicts between students and teachers, the imposition of sanctions for violations of the university regime and the promotion of an academic environment conducive to learning.
Finally, the cloister acts as a representative of the university vis-à-vis the ecclesiastical and civil authorities. Its members were the main interlocutors in relations with central power and local institutions, defending the interests of the university and negotiating resources and support.

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