Balancing studies, 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 specific statuses. After people with disabilities and high-level athletes, it is extending its support to artists, employees, and entrepreneurs. The goal? To better reflect their realities and aspirations, thereby enabling a better balance between studies and professional or artistic activities.
The various specific statuses of students fall within the framework of the special study regime (RSE), defined by Article 12 of the decree of January 22, 2014. The latter aims to establish essential accommodations to enable the students concerned to pursue and successfully complete their university studies, while taking into account their issues, constraints, and specificities. Until now, people with disabilities and high-level athletes were eligible for special status. It is now open to student artists, employees, and entrepreneurs.
Educational success agreement
Granted for a semester or a full academic year, the statutes require an annual renewal application for students wishing to benefit from them throughout their studies. After acceptance by a dedicated committee, an educational success contract formalizes the commitments and arrangements agreed upon by both parties. It is important that students respect their commitments, particularly those related to their status, such as participation in university competitions for high-level athletes, or they risk losing their status.
Finally, each department, school, and institute has the freedom to adapt this system, allowing for greater flexibility in its application. "The first step is to recognize the specific characteristics of student profiles and offer a more suitable and flexible framework for adapting courses without compromising academic standards," says Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Education and University Life.
Student artist
The student artist status is a specific program designed to enable students to combine their university studies with intensive artistic practice, while supporting them in the professionalization of their approach. To date, applications for this status have been submitted by students engaged in disciplines such as music, dance, and theater. However, this status remains open to other artistic disciplines.
Still relatively uncommon, this status is recognized in fewer than 100 institutions in France. "Although the University of Montpellier does not offer an arts program, it is nonetheless rich in talent, and we needed to help that talent emerge. " In addition to allowing for flexibility in the management of studies, this status offers personalized monitoring of the student's artistic development, with specific support aimed at professionalizing their approach and facilitating their integration into the art world.
Student entrepreneur
The status of innovative student entrepreneur is a specific study program aimed at students in their third year or above. To qualify, candidates must submit an application demonstrating their commitment to an innovative entrepreneurial project. This project must be related to the challenges set by the I-Site label of excellence, which focuses on three major areas: feeding, caring for, and protecting. The application must highlight the student's professional activity and their active involvement in initiatives that address these major societal issues. Support for the project will be provided, in particular, by the university innovation cluster (PUI).
Working student
Student employee status at the University of Montpellier is available to any student enrolled in an initial training program leading to a national diploma, with the exception of work-study programs. This status allows students to balance their studies and employment, provided they meet certain criteria related to the duration and number of hours of their employment contract. For an employment contract of less than 12 consecutive weeks, the student must provide proof of a minimum of 10 hours of work per week, or 40 hours per month. However, for a contract of more than 12 weeks, a minimum of 120 hours of work per semester or 240 hours per academic year is required. This system therefore offers flexibility to students combining studies and professional activity.