The University of Foggia still has some problems (why hide them?), above all with regard to its buildings, but we are constantly working to resolve these problems. It also has, however, extraordinary potential and many good points which I hope you will learn to appreciate.

Ours is a young, dynamic university. It is a free, pluralist and multidisciplinary university, in which we want to do research, teach, study, promote the accumulation and comparison of knowledge, critically reflect, produce innovation, and develop dynamic understanding of the problems of nature, science, society and man. We consider the free circulation of ideas, opinions and diverse values a priority. It is a university with a relatively young teaching body (6 years less than the national average), which is competent and qualified, and works hard, despite the financial and logistical difficulties, to assure maximum quality in teaching and research. Ours is a small university, able to promote a direct relationship between teachers and students.

Part of your future life will be formed in our lecture rooms, our libraries and laboratories, with teachers and friends who you will meet and associate with during your time at the university.

My hope is that the students in our university will be active, participate in activities, and work hard in their studies and university life. They should also know how to organise their time and commitments in order to proceed regularly with their studies. For this reason, we have also organised a significant form of fee exemption for our most worthy students.

I am convinced that there is nothing more democratic than meritocracy, the virtuous mechanism which manages to single out, reward and improve ability and hard work. Meritocracy is obviously only possible if the same opportunities are guaranteed for everyone, irrespective of gender, of political-cultural choices, and of family ties, and for which one needs to operate in the direction of fairer equality and in the elimination of disadvantageous situations, so guaranteeing students real educational rights and allowing even young people from less affluent families the opportunity of higher education.

Ours is a university that is implementing a real Copernican Revolution which puts students at the centre, guaranteeing them more adequate services, more qualified and absorbing learning experiences, able to promote continuous learning throughout their lives.

My wish is that you will be an active member of our community and develop the spirit of affiliation and pride in being part of the University of Foggia.

Above all, I hope you will start your university journey in a positive way.

Best wishes.

The Rector
Giuliano Volpe