Institutional language uses

The UPC Statutes establish that Catalan is the University’s main language and its normal means of expression in all activities. Catalan, Spanish and English are working and communication languages at the University and the languages of instruction on its degrees.

The main criteria for institutional language uses presented below have been drawn up in line with the UPC Language Plan Framework to guarantee the use of Catalan and manage multilingualism.

Language on UPC websites

The 2022-2025 UPC Language Plan Framework (Decision CG/2022/02/33) establishes that all UPC websites must have a version in Catalan. If machine translation is used for multilingual versions, the Spanish and English versions must be generated from the Catalan version, which must meet language quality standards and follow the criteria of the institutional style guide.

The UPC’s institutional website, especially the information about bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, is published in Catalan, Spanish, and English. All UPC websites must have a version in Catalan.

Language use protocol for software

In May 2024, the Governing Council approved a protocol (Decision CG/2024/03/21) that establishes the criteria and commitments regarding the availability of software in Catalan on all UPC computers.

Software on UPC computers must be installed in Catalan by default whenever a version is available in this language.

Language clauses in service contracts

In 2024, a Catalan language clause was incorporated as a special performance condition in the UPC’s special conditions of contracts. This criterion affects catering services, which must provide menus in Catalan, as well as those related to occupational health, such as medical check-ups, among others.

The contracted company must use Catalan in its relations with the UPC (...), on signs, publications, notices and in all other oral and written communications.

Criteria for language use at institutional events

In 2024, a document was drawn up that includes guidelines on the use of languages (Catalan, Spanish and English) in speeches and presentations at institutional events, subtitling of audiovisual resources and the use of Catalan sign language.

Communications at institutional events must be in Catalan by default. In events aimed at an international audience, Catalan must be guaranteed at least in the welcome and close.

Language in staff training plans

Courses in training plans for teaching and research staff and technical, management, administrative and service staff must be taught in Catalan, both orally and in writing, except language courses or for exceptional reasons that justify otherwise. This condition is included in the tenders and contracts of the companies supplying the training courses.