University of The Azores - History

History

The establishment of the University of the Azores developed from a period of autonomous politics related to separatist movements that developed in the second-half of 1975. Although not completely responsible, the events following the Carnation Revolution prepared the conditions for the creation of the university. Due to academic disorder on the continent, which forced the closing of the many of the universities, several of the wealthier families sent their children to the United States or Canada in order for them to complete their studies. It was during this post-revolutionary period that the idea of creating a local institution of higher education was debated. A small group of academics and elites explored alternatives in order to lower costs, distances and reduce the centralization of the national government. It was at this time that the central government suggested the creation of a Centro Universitário (English: University Centre), one that the President of the Regional Junta, General Altino de Magalhães, refused to consider since he felt that the community would only accept the establishment of a formal University.

By Ministry Order (No.414/75), on 14 October 1976, the formation of a working group was established. By January 9, 1976, the Instituto Universitário dos Açores (English: University Institution of the Azores) Decree (No.5/76) was promulgated in an atmosphere of regionalization of higher education, which allowed for the establishment of units responsible for teaching, investigation, cultural development and community services. The intent of the Act was to respond to the democratization process developing in the country, and develop a regional equilibrium, after the 1974 revolution. On July 25, 1980, the with the promulgation of the Decree-Law No.252/80 the community began to refer to the new institution as the University of the Azores.