The renewal of the three central councils of the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis (UNS) took place at the polls on April 3rd. Teachers, staff, and students elected their respective representatives. The students made their choice, and FACE 06 is overwhelmingly in the majority.
The first observation is a low turnout (around 13%, similar to 2010), despite efforts by the electoral committee to encourage participation (broad communication with students, mobilization of the UNS communication unit, etc.), and the determination of associations to motivate and raise awareness among students.
Firstly, the polling stations are sometimes too far away for students to vote. Another explanation offered: the schedule. On April 3rd, most students are already in internships, classes are finished for some, and others are in the middle of exam revisions.
The second observation is a wide victory for FACE 06, with 3 out of 5 seats on the CA, 10 out of 16 on the CEVU, and new, 2 out of 4 on the CS.
Regarding the modest victory, Pierre Barone, president of FACE06, shares his thoughts: “Despite an often aggressive campaign, we remained true to our values and our functioning, which have been in place by our predecessors for 12 years now. We only speak about our program and results, never about our electoral opponents. This strategy pays off in the long term and sustainably. This victory is due to a constant presence on the ground with students. We managed to cover all student-related topics in a concrete and pragmatic way, without any political ideology.”
Nice-Premium: Did you change the focus of your activities during this mandate?
Pierre Barone: Since the last elections, students have been able to rely on FACE 06 as a vehicle for university integration (Student Welcome Day) but also to address their professional integration, incoming and outgoing mobility (ESN Nice), solidarity, and citizenship through regular prevention campaigns (fighting isolation, road safety, Téléthon, Sidaction, etc.). FACE 06 also offers students in social and financial difficulty a scheme called Agora-E: the student solidarity grocery store.
Nice Premium: You have the heavy responsibility of interpreting the expectations of students within the official bodies…
PB: “Our elected representatives have regularly and seriously attended council meetings for two years. We have been innovative, and students expressed their satisfaction on April 3rd. Our associations are very dynamic, and the City of Nice is continuing to rise in the student city rankings. We moved from 21st to 8th place in four years.”
Nice Premium: Now you must carry out the commitments made during the election campaign…
PB: The future will involve implementing our program within the various central councils in a concerted and responsible manner. For this, we rely on a solid team of trained and competent student representatives, whose determination will convince the UNS council members.
Nice Premium: A task that will not be easy given the program differences with other components…
PB: We will also need to know how to work with the opposition to advance both UNS and student life.
