Nice-Premium: David André Darmon, you are part of the student federation “FAC+”. What exactly is a student federation?
David André Darmon: I’m a member of the association Fac+, which stands for “Fédération Associative et Culturelle Plus”. A student federation is a structure that brings together various student associations active on the campuses of the University of Nice. These associations work either locally or more broadly in the interest of students. It’s a non-profit association under the French law of 1901, and it supports students not only in their studies but also in their campus life — through events, debates, and various actions such as prevention campaigns or charity initiatives.
NP: What makes “FAC+” unique, and how influential is it in the region and in student life?
DAD: Fac+ has several unique features. It’s first and foremost a young and dynamic student federation. It’s also a local federation. We’re not affiliated with any national movement. All of us come from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, and we’re a 100% “06” association (referring to the Alpes-Maritimes department number).
In the region, Fac+ is known for bringing innovative and constructive ideas. We don’t claim to be the best, but we try to contribute our own originality with humility, always in defense of student interests. Our influence in student life has been steadily growing.
In practical terms, we have one elected representative (plus a substitute) on the university’s Board of Directors, and another elected member (with a substitute) on the Council for Studies and Campus Life (CEVU). We also have a space in the Law Faculty — office 305. Since the April 2008 elections, we’ve held a majority in the Law Faculty with 4 elected members and 4 substitutes. We are very present in the IUTs and are working on expanding into the Faculty of Letters.
NP: There are rumors that you might become the president of the federation soon… Is that true?
DAD: (Laughs) You’re well-informed. It’s somewhat of a natural continuation of my student involvement. But for now, I’m staying active on campus, listening to students’ concerns.
NP: You also hold other responsibilities in student life, particularly within the CEVU, right?
DAD: Yes, I wear several hats in the student world.
Initially, I had no intention of getting involved. I started university at 17 and passed my first year with honors. In my second year, I was elected as a student representative, and then became Vice President of the Law Faculty student organization.
CEVU has been a foundational experience for me. I wasn’t just representing a federation — I was working on concrete issues. In 2008, I joined the Board of Directors of the Law Faculty.
From 2007 to 2008, I was a member of two CEVU commissions. The first focused on tuition fee exemptions — where we reviewed certain student cases with compassion. The second was for the SCUIO (University Information and Orientation Service), which allowed me to reflect on career guidance and the disconnect between academics and the job market. I commend the SCUIO staff, who, despite being understaffed and under-visited, remain incredibly committed and helpful.
I also fought to preserve exam revision weeks and participated in central council meetings, especially during debates on the so-called LRU law.
I was the only candidate re-elected in the 2008 elections, and now sit on the finance commission, tuition exemption commission, and serve as a board member of the Language Institute.
NP: So, who exactly is David André Darmon? A passionate student advocate? A political activist?
DAD: Maybe both — but above all, I’m a 20-year-old dedicated law student pursuing a Master’s degree.
NP: The University of Nice is ranked relatively low among French universities. In your opinion, what areas need improvement?
DAD: I’d say the University of Nice is dual in nature. On one hand, we have thriving departments, and on the other, some are falling behind — and the gap is widening.
The University of Nice isn’t bad at all. For example, in medicine, under the leadership of the Dean, we compete with top European and American universities. In that field, we’re the second-ranked university in France.
Other programs are improving too, such as those in IUTs or the IAE. We have no reason to be ashamed.
However, some faculties — especially major ones — are severely under-supported. The Faculties of Law and Letters account for 50% of the university’s students. Yet they suffer from infrastructure issues, parking problems, lack of heating, or even power cuts due to too many computers. Tutorials (TDs) sometimes begin two weeks late…
Based on that, we need to better support underfunded faculties, improve connections between campuses like Carlone and Trotabas, reassess foreign language programs, and enhance professional integration. These are long-term projects, but we need to keep bringing them to the forefront so they aren’t forgotten.
NP: And for students themselves — what do you see as priorities? Renovating the Faculty of Letters? Parking issues?
DAD: The Faculty of Letters is gradually being renovated — the cafeteria, more activity on the plaza… But its biggest issue is a poor public image, and that’s nothing new. We need better communication to highlight its strengths.
It’s a real pleasure at CEVU to vote on funding for things like a theatre department and then talk to students about the importance of having elected representatives.
During the 2008 student campaign, we managed to resolve a key issue — parking security. But the parking shortage itself still needs to be addressed, with more spaces being essential.
We also need to rebuild social connections between students, who are increasingly isolated in their own faculties. And we need to make how we work more democratic. There are still too many acronyms and technical terms that most students don’t understand.
NP: Any final message for the readers of Nice Premium?
DAD: Thank you for dedicating space to the interests of students on the Côte d’Azur. If anyone has further questions, feel free to contact me at david_darmon@hotmail.fr.
Source: L’Université de Nice « souffre d’un déficit d’image »
