University of French Polynesia


The University of French Polynesia is a French university located in Puna'auia, French Polynesia.

History

Created by a decree of May 29, 1987, the university was originally called French Pacific University and was split between two sites, one located in New Caledonia and the other in Tahiti. The administrative headquarters of the university was in Papeete. Both centers have become autonomous with the Decree No. 99-445 of 31 May 1999.
The University of French Polynesia is based in Outumaoro, Punaauia, Tahiti. The number of students is growing steadily, with a significant increase of over 60% since 1999, and so has the range of course offerings.
The University of French Polynesia is often the talk of local newspapers, especially because of its proactive policy for the employability of its graduates. One can mention, among others, the Employers' Forum, the sponsorship of class valedictorians by private companies, the Public Employment Fair, the innovative teaching methods developed by the academic community.

Presidents

The university is headed by the President, who has authority over all the staff. He determines the policy of the institution with the assistance of the Board. As the executive authority, he prepares and implements the multi-year contract with the French Ministry of Higher Education and concludes agreements and conventions on behalf of the university. He is the chief officer of revenue and expenditure for the university budget and responsible for maintaining order. He is elected for a four-year term by a majority of elected Board members.
Professor Eric Conte was elected President of the University of French Polynesia on June 23, 2011.
He is assisted by four vice-presidents :
  1. Board of Trustees: Patrick Capolsini, associate professor in computer science;
  2. Scientific Council: Alban Gabillon, full professor in computer science;
  3. Student Life: Vincent Dropsy, associate professor in economics
  4. Student Vice President: Andrew John; he is the spokesman of student representatives in various committees.
The Board determines the policy of the institution. As such, it adopts the budget after a fiscal policy debate. It approves agreements and conventions signed by the President. In addition, upon the proposal of the President, it fills positions allocated to the university. It reviews and adopts rules and approves the annual report of the president.

The campus

Covering an area of over 12 hectares, including facilities in excess of 15,000 m2, the campus of Outumaoro includes:

Teaching

The University of French Polynesia has a diversified and wide course offering, adapted to the local labor market of French Polynesia. As of 2012, it numbers 3051 students plus 40 PhD candidates.
Education in Law, Economics, Management
Courses in Arts, Languages and Social Sciences
Multidisciplinary training
Science courses
The International Relations office implements the university's policy of international cooperation. It handles internal information, organization and management as well as welcoming. It also deals with external relations with foreign universities and organizations. Under the responsibility of the President of the university, an international officer, Dr. Leopold Mu Si Yan, coordinates international relations actions.
The office's activities
Every university is a place of learning where students are preparing their future careers. As well, every university is a place for research. So it must ensure proper training. Teachers are also researchers. Faculty members are associate professors and full professors who have each a specialty area. Depending on their specialty, they are part of research teams. The University of French Polynesia has five laboratories:
The university employs 95 teachers including: