The UM renews its contracts of objectives and means (COM) with its departments, schools, and institutes.
In 2025, the University of Montpellier decided to roll out its target and resource contracts with each of its 16 departments, schools, and institutes (UEI). Already tested in the past, this ambitious approach has now been confirmed and is part of a clear desire to strengthen the cohesion of the institution while respecting the autonomy and specific characteristics of its various components.
As part of the 2021-2026 multi-year contract signed with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the University of Montpellier has made the development of COMs a driving force behind its modernization and consolidation of its management systems. Through these COMs, the institution has sought to develop an effective management system aimed at aligning the strategy of its components with that of the University, while also promoting their specific characteristics in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. As a vehicle for dialogue between the management team and the UEIs, the COMs also enable the dissemination of data and information characterizing each component.
These contracts are structured around four components. The first, dedicated to characterization, provides a detailed portrait of each component in terms of activity (student enrollment, educational offerings, success rates, professional integration, etc.) and resources (human, budgetary, assets, etc.).
The second section addresses the strategy of each UEI, highlighting the contribution of the structure to the institution's policy, as well as the specific characteristics and strengths of each structure.
By monitoring key indicators from the institution's framework documents, the performance component allows for an evaluation of the strategy.
Designed in coordination with central services, these three components converge towards a fourth component relating to financial support for the institution to carry out specific projects. With a budget of €1.8 million over three years, financed from the institution's budget, these COMs will enable concrete actions to be carried out in the coming years. As of 2025, some 30 projects have received dedicated funding in the areas of training and student life, as well as in the areas of ecological transition, social responsibility, and internationalization.
For Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, this internal contractualization reflects a clear ambition: to consolidate a modern and concerted mode of governance: "These contracts are a valuable tool for dialogue and steering. They enable us to combine autonomy and cohesion, to support our components in their projects, and to work together to enhance the attractiveness and performance of the University of Montpellier."