University of La Laguna’s ‘HolaULL’ Festival Marred by Student Protests Over Exam Changes
The University of La Laguna’s "HolaULL" welcome festival for 4,000 new students was marked by both celebratory activities and student protests against the administration's decision to eliminate the July exam session.
The University of La Laguna (ULL) kicked off the new academic year with its second annual "HolaULL" festival. Held at the Fine Arts campus, the welcome event drew over 4,000 new students, offering them a chance to learn about campus services, study abroad programs, and student government in a relaxed, social setting.
During the opening ceremony, Rector Francisco García noted that the university experience is about more than just academics; it is a vital time for personal growth. Many students appreciated the opportunity to meet peers from different fields, noting that the event helped ease the nerves that often come with starting higher education.
However, the festivities were overshadowed by a protest. Student delegations from the Medicine, Law, and Economics faculties boycotted the information stands to voice their frustration over the university’s decision to eliminate the July exam session. Sergio Cordobéz, president of the Humanities Student Delegation, stated that this move has severely strained the relationship between students and the administration.
This tension reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing modern, engaging welcome events with students' demands for academic flexibility. Despite the friction with leadership, new students remain eager to get involved in representative bodies, viewing them as an essential way to advocate for their rights.