Faculty of Law and Political Science welcomes new students

The Faculty of Law and Political Science at Lusófona University – Porto University Centre held a welcome session for new students. The event featured lecturers, academic leaders, and the guest of honour, the President of the Porto Court of Appeal, Appellate Judge José Igreja Matos.

The Director of the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FDCP), Professor José Francisco de Faria Costa, addressed the audience virtually, stressing that legal education must be “clear, critical, and transparent”, and highlighting the teaching staff’s duty of service to students: “To serve is perhaps one of the noblest things each of us can do. Empathy is the basis of the academic relationship and there can be no slips in assessment, plagiarism, or fraud.”

The Deputy Director of the FDCP, Professor Rui de Albuquerque, recalled the importance of making the most of time, which he described as “truly sacred, a good that cannot be recovered. Invest it in your future, but also enjoy academic life,” the Professor further advised.

The Director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Law (1st cycle), Professor Inês Godinho, invoked Martin Luther King to reinforce a vision of closeness in teaching: “We want them to leave here as fully fledged jurists, with a solid and passionate education.”

In his inaugural address, the President of the Porto Court of Appeal, José Igreja Matos, quoted several emblematic figures such as Socrates, Eça de Queirós, and Miguel Torga to inspire the students: “Everything is possible; one must will it.” He also reinforced the role of Law in defending citizenship and fundamental rights in a context of a crisis of the rule of law.

The session also included remarks by the President of the Students’ Union, Rita Tomás, who highlighted the Union’s role in defending students’ interests and reinforced the sense of pride in the institution: “Feel the same gratitude and pride that I feel, not only as an institution but as part of your identity and your life.”

The President of the Law Students’ Association, Carolina Moniz, likewise underlined the importance of unity and a spirit of mutual support among colleagues, encouraging new students to take an active part in academic life and make the most of all the opportunities the institution offers. The President stated: “You are not alone; the Association is here to accompany you along the way.”

The welcome included performances by the Male and Female Academic Tunas of Lusófona University – Porto University Centre, as well as the distribution of welcome kits to students. For Professor Rui de Albuquerque, the aim of the event was clear: “To welcome new students, integrate them into the academic spirit, and show them that the coming years will be decisive for their futures.”

Text
Bruna Pereira

Video (Coverage)
Gabriel Motta, Bruna Pereira

Video (Editing)
Gabriel Motta