Brazilian Association of Rectors of State and Municipal Universities

Overview

The Associação Brasileira dos Reitores das Universidades Estaduais e Municipais (ABRUEM), known in English as the Brazilian Association of Rectors of State and Municipal Universities, is a prominent organization that represents the leadership of state and municipal public universities across Brazil. ABRUEM serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue and advocacy among rectors of these universities, promoting the development and strengthening of higher education institutions managed at the state and municipal levels.

History and Legal Framework

Founded to unify the voices of state and municipal university leaders, ABRUEM emerged as a response to the growing complexity and autonomy of Brazil’s public higher education sector. It operates within the Brazilian legal framework governing education and public administration, adhering to national educational policies and regulations set by the Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação - MEC).

The association's establishment aligns with Brazil’s constitutional principles that support decentralized governance and regional diversity in higher education, allowing state and municipal universities to address local and regional development needs. Over time, ABRUEM has evolved to reflect the increasing importance of state and municipal universities in Brazil’s educational landscape.

Mission, Vision and Objectives role in higher education

• Mission: To represent and defend the interests of state and municipal universities, fostering cooperation and excellence in public higher education in Brazil.
• Vision: To be a leading institution in shaping policies and practices that enhance the quality, autonomy and social relevance of state and municipal universities.
• Objectives:
  • Promote collaboration and exchange of experiences among member universities.
  • Advocate for policies that strengthen the autonomy and funding of state and municipal universities.
  • Support academic, scientific and cultural development aligned with regional and national priorities.
  • Encourage innovation and the improvement of educational quality and management.
  • Enhance the visibility and influence of state and municipal universities in Brazil’s higher education system.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ABRUEM is governed by a council composed of rectors from member universities, who are elected by their peers to serve defined terms. The association’s leadership typically includes a President, Vice-President and other officers responsible for strategic decisions and representing the association in national and international forums.

Its governance structure is designed to ensure democratic participation and transparency, with decisions made collectively to reflect the diversity of member institutions. ABRUEM operates as an independent entity, although it collaborates closely with government bodies, educational agencies and other higher education associations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation role in higher education

While ABRUEM itself is not a regulatory body for accreditation, it plays an important advocacy and support role in the accreditation and quality evaluation processes within the Brazilian higher education system. The association works to promote high standards of academic excellence and institutional quality among its member universities.

ABRUEM encourages its members to comply with the guidelines and standards set forth by national agencies such as the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP) and the Ministry of Education, which oversee institutional evaluation and program accreditation in Brazil. By fostering dialogue and sharing best practices, ABRUEM helps its members improve their institutional performance and reputation.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ABRUEM actively seeks partnerships and cooperation with international organizations and networks dedicated to higher education. Through these connections, the association facilitates academic exchanges, joint research initiatives and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the global presence of Brazilian state and municipal universities.

Participation in international forums enhances ABRUEM's capacity to influence educational trends and to adopt innovative practices. This engagement also opens avenues for capacity-building and resource sharing among its members.

Current or Future Impact on higher education

ABRUEM plays a critical role in shaping the future of public higher education in Brazil by:

• Strengthening the autonomy and sustainability of state and municipal universities.
• Influencing educational policies that promote regional development and social inclusion.
• Enhancing the quality and relevance of academic programs to meet the demands of Brazil’s diverse population.
• Promoting innovation in teaching, research and community engagement.
• Contributing to the internationalization of Brazilian public universities through partnerships and collaborative projects.

Based on uniRank research, ABRUEM’s coordinated efforts help position its member institutions as vital contributors to Brazil’s higher education system and national development.

Summary

The Associação Brasileira dos Reitores das Universidades Estaduais e Municipais (ABRUEM) is a fundamental organization representing state and municipal university leaders in Brazil. Founded to promote collaboration, advocacy and quality in public higher education, ABRUEM operates with a clear governance structure ensuring member participation and independence. While not an accrediting agency, it supports its members in meeting national quality standards and engages actively in international cooperation. Through its initiatives and influence, ABRUEM significantly impacts Brazil’s higher education landscape, driving innovation, regional development and international engagement.

FAQs

• What is ABRUEM?
  ABRUEM is the Brazilian Association of Rectors of State and Municipal Universities, representing the leadership of public universities governed at the state and municipal levels.
• What role does ABRUEM play in Brazilian higher education?
  ABRUEM facilitates collaboration, advocates for public university interests and promotes academic quality and institutional autonomy among its member universities.
• Is ABRUEM responsible for university accreditation?
  No, accreditation is managed by national agencies like INEP and the Ministry of Education, but ABRUEM supports its members in meeting these standards.
• How is ABRUEM governed?
  It is governed by a council of rectors elected from member universities, ensuring democratic leadership and decision-making.
• Does ABRUEM collaborate internationally?
  Yes, ABRUEM engages with international networks and organizations to promote academic exchange and policy development.
• What is the impact of ABRUEM on Brazil’s education system?
  ABRUEM influences policy, enhances educational quality, supports regional development and helps internationalize Brazilian public universities.

Organization Name

Brazilian Association of Rectors of State and Municipal Universities
Associação Brasileira dos Reitores das Universidades Estaduais e Municipais

Acronym

ABRUEM

Year of Establishment

1991

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

SCES, Trecho 03, Conjunto 06, 3º andar
Brasília
70.200-003 Distrito Federal Brazil

Phone

+55 (61) 3447 8663

Fax

+55 (61) 3447 8663

Alagoas

• State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas (UNCISAL)
• State University of Alagoas (UNEAL)

Amazonas

• State University of Amazonas (UEA)

Bahia

• State University of Bahia (UNEB)
• State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS)
• State University of Santa Cruz (UESC)
• Southwest Bahia State University (UESB)

Ceará

• State University of Ceará (UECE)
• Vale do Acaraú State University (UVA)
• Regional University of Cariri (URCA)

Federal District

• University of the Federal District Prof. Jorge Amaury Maia Nunes (UnDF)

Goiás

• Miners University Center (UNIFIMES)
• University of Rio Verde (UniRV)
• State University of Goiás (UEG)
• University Center of Goiatuba (UniCERRADO)

Maranhão

• State University of Maranhão (UEMA)
• State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhão (UEMASUL)

Mato Grosso

• State University of Mato Grosso "Carlos Alberto Reys Maldonado" (UNEMAT)

Mato Grosso do Sul

• State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS)

Minas Gerais

• State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG)
• State University of Montes Claros (UNIMONTES)

Pará

• State University of Pará (UEPA)

Paraíba

• State University of Paraíba (UEPB)

Paraná

• State University of Londrina (UEL)
• State University of Maringá (UEM)
• State University of Northern Paraná (UENP)
• State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG)
• State University of Paraná (UNESPAR)
• Central-West State University (UNICENTRO)
• State University of Western Paraná (UNIOESTE)

Pernambuco

• University of Pernambuco (UPE)

Piauí

• State University of Piauí (UESPI)

Rio de Janeiro

• State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)
• Darcy Ribeiro State University of Northern Fluminense (UENF)

Rio Grande do Norte

• State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN)

Rio Grande do Sul

• State University of Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS)

Santa Catarina

• State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC)

São Paulo

• Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS)
• University Center of Associated Teaching Colleges (UNIFAE)
• University Center of Franca (UniFACEF)
• Adamantina University Center (UNIFAI)
• University of Taubaté (UNITAU)
• State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
• São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP)
• University of São Paulo (USP)

Tocantins

• State University of Tocantins (UNITINS)

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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