ABG criticizes sponsorship agreement between university and UBS
In its interim report, the Education and Health Oversight Commission (ABG) of the Zurich Cantonal Council criticizes the sponsorship agreement between the UBS Foundation and the University of Zurich.
There is a need for a uniform regulation for the university-related institutes as well as a regular review of such contracts by the government and the cantonal council, the ABG now demands on Monday. The freedom of research and teaching is "not directly restricted" by the present contract. However, the contract has shortcomings, said commission president Hans-Peter Portmann to the news agency SDA. It is not comparable with other sponsorship contracts.
Uni must answer questions and create guidelines
The newly established university-affiliated institute of the UBS Foundation would be granted considerable rights and opportunities that raise questions regarding content and personnel law. These questions would now have to be clarified on the basis of clear regulations that apply to all university-related institutes in the individual faculties, according to the statement.
The comprehensive guidelines promised by the university management and the university council would have to be put into effect quickly. Subsequently, it must be examined whether the UBS sponsorship agreement contradicts these guidelines in individual points, for example with regard to advertising, writes the ABG.
As soon as the university has answered the ABG's questions, the subcommittee will resume its work and prepare the final report. It is not yet clear when this will be available. The university must revise its rules and regulations, and the ABG cannot set a time limit for it to do so, Portmann said. However, he expects the process to be completed this year.
The University of Zurich did not yet want to comment on the interim report. They want to do their homework first and wait for the final report, said media spokesman Beat Müller when asked by the news agency SDA. (SDA)
