Magna Charta Universitatum | |
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Ratified | 18 September 1988 |
Location | Engrossed copy: University of Bologna |
Signatories | 975 universities (as of 2024) |
Purpose | reference for fundamental values and principles of universities, in particular including institutional autonomy and academic freedom |
The Magna Charta Universitatum (Great Charter of Universities) is a two-page document produced by the University of Bologna and the European Rectors' Conference (now called the European University Association) in 1988 in Bologna, Italy. It identifies key principles that are asserted to be essential for the operation of universities, including academic freedom and institutional autonomy.[1] Initially signed by the rectors of 388 higher education institutions, the number of signatories has subsequently grown to about 1000, with the aim to recognize and celebrate university traditions and to encourage cooperation among European universities.[2] The document is intended to serve as a universal inspiration and is as such open to universities throughout the world and not only those located in Europe.[2]