UM its Objectives and Resources Agreements (COM) with its academic departments, schools, and institutes
In 2025, the University of Montpellier decided to implement its performance and resource agreements with each of its 16 academic units, schools, and institutes (UEI). Already tested in the past, this ambitious initiative has now been confirmed and is part of a clear commitment to strengthening the university’s cohesion while respecting the autonomy and unique 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 identified the development of the COM as a key driver of its modernization and the consolidation of its management systems. Through these COM, the university has sought to develop an effective governance framework designed not only to align the strategies of its constituent units with that of the university but also to highlight their unique characteristics in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. Serving as a vehicle for dialogue between the administration and the UEIs, the COM also facilitate the dissemination of data and information specific to each unit.
These contracts are structured around four components. The first, focused on characterization, provides a detailed overview of each component in terms of its activities (student enrollment, academic programs, graduation rates, career placement, etc.) and resources (human, budgetary, and physical resources, etc.).
The second section addresses the strategy of each UEI, highlighting not only the unit’s contribution to the institution’s policy but also the unique characteristics and strengths of each unit.
By tracking key indicators derived from the institution’s policy documents, the performance component enables an assessment of the strategy.
Designed in coordination with central administrative services, these three components converge on a fourth component related to financial support for the institution to carry out specific projects. With a budget of 1.8 M€ over three years, funded from the institution’s budget, these COM initiatives will enable concrete actions to be carried out in the coming years. As of 2025, some 30 projects have secured dedicated funding in the areas of education, student life, as well as ecological transition, social responsibility, and internationalization.
For Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, this internal contracting reflects a clear ambition: to consolidate a modern and collaborative governance model: “These contracts are a valuable tool for dialogue and management. They allow us to combine autonomy and cohesion, to support our constituent units in their projects, and to work together to enhance the University of Montpellier’s appeal and performance.”