Representatives of university deans will be heard on 3 July by deputies from the parliamentary committee on Education, Science, Youth and Sports.

The president of the Council of Deans of Portuguese Universities (CRUP), Fontainha Fernandes, will warn government that more money is needed to guarantee the return of all students safely.

In a statement sent to Lusa, CRUP again warns that it will be necessary to reinforce the funds for social action, since there was an increase in families that lost income during the pandemic, among which are many higher education students.

In addition, schools need to improve spaces, which will have to be "free from covid-19", as well as the need to acquire more computer and digital media, adds CRUP.

For this reason, the “Legislature Contract”, which was signed between the institutions and the Government in November last year, will have to be revised to be able to respond to the demands raised by the pandemic.

According to Fontainhas Fernandes, who is also dean of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - UTAD, the universities “are intensely preparing for the return to face-to-face classes in September”.

However, this effort could "be called into question" if those "three fundamental elements" are missing, added the president of CRUP.

Fontainha Fernandes recalled that the Legislature Contract signed at the end of last year was designed at a time when there was no pandemic.

“The country and the world have changed - right now, without a major reinforcement of social support and university residences, there are students who may not be able to return to school. The Legislature Contract must therefore be revisited and adapted to the new circumstances! ”, Says Fontainhas Fernandes.

In addition to the revision of the Legislature Contract, the deans warn of the Economic and Social Stabilization Program - PEES presented by the Government.