Nearly 300 parents attend the meeting with families promoted by the University of La Laguna

As part of the University of La Laguna's Open Days, the meeting with families continues to be one of the most important events. Held yesterday, Wednesday, January 22nd, in the Aula Magna of the César Manrique General Lecture Hall on the Guajara Campus, it welcomed a total of 270 parents of prospective students of the academic institution.  

The event was presided over by Francisco García, Rector of the University of La Laguna, Rosario Hernández, Vice-Rector for Students, and Rocío Medina, Legal Advisor for the Information and Guidance Service. In his address, the Rector warmly welcomed the families and highlighted some of the benefits of university education, such as a higher employability rate and a versatile and comprehensive education.  

For her part, the Vice-Rector for Students encouraged the sons and daughters of those attending the talk to continue their studies, and the best place to do so, she said, would be the public university, where the faculty, in addition to teaching, also conduct research in multiple fields. 

The talk was divided into three parts. The first focused on the workings of the Spanish university education system, explaining to attendees the difference between a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a university-specific qualification. Furthermore, the importance of families supporting their children when choosing a university degree or the university where they will study was emphasized. “Families need to form an alliance with their children so that they feel supported during their first year. The dropout rate in the first year of university studies is very high, but in families that are actively involved with their children, this rate is reduced,” Medina commented. 

The second part of the meeting explained the administrative procedures for the University Entrance Exams (PAU), including pre-registration, enrollment, and the importance of adhering to the schedule to avoid missing any deadlines. The third part focused on the grants and scholarships available for families with limited resources to help pay tuition. Participants were encouraged to apply for both the grants from the Ministry of Education and those from the Government of the Canary Islands, although they will only be eligible for one. 

In addition, the accommodation options available at the University of La Laguna for students living far from La Laguna were presented, whether in the south of the island, in municipalities in the north, or on other islands. 

Finally, attendees had a question-and-answer session that lasted until 9:00 p.m., which was answered by the university's Information Service. Parents are primarily concerned about the change in the university entrance exam (PAU) this year, replacing the EBAU, as well as how to apply for scholarships and the possibility of changing their major if their child doesn't achieve the required grade for their preferred degree. 

The University of La Laguna sought to reassure the families in attendance, informing them that all the information their children need will be provided by the counselors at each center, although they emphasized that "if you, as a parent, are informed, you will be in a better position to understand the whole process and be able to support the future university student.".