"We now believe that a review and update of the 2014 reform law is imperative." The Rector of the University of the Republic of San Marino, Corrado Petrocelli, emphasized one of the University's priorities during his speech yesterday on stage at the Kursaal Congress Center during the inauguration ceremony for the 2021–22 academic year: "The consolidation of what has been achieved and the foundations for solid future development," he explained, recalling the University's progressive progress in Europe and beyond, "also depend on the ability to meet the demands of full membership in the international university network according to universally recognized standards and principles." Hence the need for action: "We are working with the Secretariat of State to formulate a proposal that can make the University's autonomy effective in the future and finally guarantee the creation of a stable teaching staff."
In his speech before the Captains Regent, Rectors of Italian and foreign universities, and institutional and other representatives, Petrocelli summarized the University's distinctive activities, primarily its training and research programs with positive impacts on the local area and the San Marino community. He also cited the conclusion of "the long process of joining the 'Bologna Process' and signing the Magna Carta," with its entry into the European Higher Education Area.
This achievement was also highlighted by the Secretary of State for Education and Culture, Andrea Belluzzi, who highlighted the fundamental importance of joining the "great community of European and global universities. I would like to emphasize," he recalled, "the exceptional result achieved when, following a process begun in 2008, last November we joined the European Higher Education Area, the so-called 'Bologna Process.'" According to the government official, this marks "San Marino's first real step into the European Union. It is the space where all European universities meet and engage in dialogue. To join, one must undergo rigorous assessments regarding quality, transparency, efficiency, equal opportunities, and the founding values of academic institutions."
The presentations by Petrocelli and Belluzzi were followed by the awarding of an honorary doctorate in Historical Sciences to Andrea Riccardi, president of the Dante Alighieri Society and founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio, as well as former Italian Minister for International Cooperation and Integration. The historian delivered a keynote address, "Is There a 'World' in Italian?"
