Balancing school, career, and passion
The University of Montpellier is taking a new step forward in its commitment to inclusion and support for its students with the introduction of three new categories of student status. Following initiatives for students with disabilities and elite athletes, the university is expanding its support to include artists, employees, and entrepreneurs. The goal? To better align with their realities and aspirations, thereby facilitating a better balance between their studies and their professional or artistic pursuits.
The various specific statuses for students fall under the Special Study Regime (RSE), as defined by Article 12 of the decree of January 22, 2014. This decree aims to establish essential accommodations to enable the students concerned to pursue and successfully complete their university studies, while taking into account their challenges, constraints, and specific circumstances. Until now, individuals with disabilities and elite athletes were eligible for a specific status. It is now open to student artists, employees, and entrepreneurs.
Educational Success Agreement
Granted for a semester or a full academic year, the terms and conditions require an annual renewal application for students who wish to benefit from them throughout their entire academic career. After approval by a dedicated committee, an academic success contract formalizes the commitments and accommodations agreed upon by both parties. It is important that the student fulfill their commitments, particularly regarding the obligations associated with their status—such as participating in intercollegiate competitions for elite athletes—or risk losing that status.
Finally, each academic unit, school, and institute has the freedom to adapt this system, thereby allowing for greater flexibility in its implementation. “The primary goal is to recognize the specific characteristics of student profiles and to offer a more suitable and flexible framework for tailoring academic paths without compromising on academic standards,” says Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Life.
Art student
The student-artist status is a specific program designed to allow students to balance their university studies with intensive artistic practice, while supporting them in professionalizing their artistic endeavors. To date, applications for this status have been submitted by students in disciplines such as music, dance, and theater. However, this status remains open to other artistic disciplines.
Still relatively uncommon, this program is offered at fewer than 100 institutions in France. “Although the University of Montpellier does not have an arts program, it is nonetheless rich in talent, and we needed to help these students emerge. ” Thus , in addition to allowing for flexibility in academic management, this status offers personalized monitoring of the student’s artistic development, with specific support aimed at professionalizing their approach and facilitating their entry into the art world.
Student entrepreneurs
The Innovative Student Entrepreneur status is a specialized academic program designed for students in their third year or higher. To qualify, applicants must submit an application demonstrating their commitment to an innovative entrepreneurial project. This project must, in particular, address the challenges outlined by the I-Site label of excellence, which focuses on three key areas: feeding, caring for, and protecting. The application must highlight the student’s creation of a professional venture as well as their active involvement in initiatives addressing these major societal challenges. Project support will be provided, notably through the University Innovation Hub (PUI).
Working students
Student-employee status at the University of Montpellier is available to any student enrolled in a full-time program leading to a national degree, with the exception of work-study programs. This status allows students to balance their studies with employment, provided they meet certain criteria regarding the duration and number of hours in their employment contract. For an employment contract of less than 12 consecutive weeks, the student must demonstrate a minimum of 10 hours of work per week, or 40 hours per month. However, for a contract lasting more than 12 weeks, a minimum of 120 hours of work per semester or 240 hours over the academic year is required. This system thus offers flexibility to students combining studies with professional activity.