The rector of the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (UNIPS), Ângela Lemos, welcomed the new students today, marking the start of the institution's first academic year as a polytechnic university. With the conclusion of the 2nd phase of the National Access Competition and local competitions, UNIPS registered the intake of 2,619 new students.
During the traditional welcome session, Ângela Lemos thanked the new arrivals for choosing UNIPS for the start of their academic lives, noting that higher education is a privilege and a responsibility. "A university is not just what you receive from the past. It is also what each generation decides to do with it," she stated, encouraging students to embrace this new chapter with a critical spirit, questioning and challenging the institution with their own ideas.
The rector emphasized that the university exists to teach continuous learning in a rapidly changing world. "The world you will live and work in is changing very quickly. And the major problems of our time no longer respect the traditional boundaries of knowledge," she added.
At the official launch of the 2026/2027 welcome program, which includes various activities such as the praxe (initiation rites), Ângela Lemos reinforced the importance of academic freedom. "It is very important that everyone feels they can choose. Choose to participate and choose not to participate. The praxe can only have a positive role in welcoming when it is voluntary, inclusive, respectful, and experienced in freedom," she declared.
Also present at the session were the directors of UNIPS's six schools, the president of the Academic Association, Nelson Nunes, and the Student Ombudsman, Nuno Nunes, who offered their support to the students in their integration process.
“"Take advantage of all the academic and personal growth opportunities we have to offer you, from sports to culture, including volunteering opportunities, and count on the Academic Association to leave your mark and your project at UNIPS."
The Student Ombudsman, Nuno Nunes, reminded students that, at university, the figure of the guardian will no longer be present. "Many of you are already adults and you are responsible for yourselves. And that, in fact, is an achievement. Inform yourselves about your rights and duties. Those who know the rules are in a better position to comply with them and enforce them," he urged.
