San Marcos University Extends Rector's Mandate Until New Authorities Elected

The National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) university assembly has approved an extension for Rector Jerí Ramón Ruffner, allowing her to continue leading the institution in an interim capacity until new authorities are elected and officially declared. The decision, made during an extraordinary session on Monday, July 20, garnered 59 votes in favor, with eight abstentions and no votes against.

This move comes just days before the current mandate of the rector and vice-rectors was set to expire on July 25. The situation has been marked by a lack of a clear electoral schedule and a consensus on how the transition of university leadership should occur. A faction of faculty members and assembly representatives did not participate in the session, citing concerns about the legality of the proceedings due to the involvement of student representatives whose mandates they claim have already expired.

During the debate, a majority of assembly members supported the continuation of the current leadership while a new electoral process is organized. However, a dissenting group argued that the University Law's succession mechanism should be applied. This mechanism stipulates that the deanship with the longest tenure as a principal professor should assume the rectorship on an interim basis, primarily to call for elections and renew university authorities.

The agreement ensures that the current administration, led by Jerí Ramón, will remain at the helm of the "Dean of America" until the election of new authorities. This decision fuels anticipation among faculty, students, and alumni for a prompt call to the electoral process, seen as crucial for guaranteeing the democratic renewal of the university's governance.