The Founding Board of Trustees, presided by Dr. Alfonso Caso (who was elected in compliance with the rules established by the University Committee of Ex- Rectors), discussed and approved the current Organic Law.

University Rector Caso presented the 33-member Board the draft project for the Law on November 22, 1944, which after revision by the Statute Commission was debated and approved on December 18 of that year. It was subsequently remitted to the President and to Congress for approval.

In the exposition of rationale, Dr. Caso stated that the previous Organic Act was an impediment to carrying out the deep reforms needed to reorganize the University along technical lines. Thus, the new ordinance is based upon the principle of reorganization of the institution on technical rather than political lines. This thrust is expressed in three fundamental tenets:

1. That relating to the original public nature of the University. The Organic Law recognizes this vital value of the institution;



2. That relating to the technical nature of the University, whose purpose is to provide higher education, organize scientific research and disseminate the benefits of culture and;



3. That defining the University as a cultural community, that is, a community of teachers and students who are not antagonists, but rather complements in the shared goals of teaching and learning.

Under these principles, Caso posits the separation of the political and technical spheres, whose conflation Caso believes is the main cause of the UNAM’s disorganization. As such, this draft project of the Organic Law creates two types of authority, the technical-legislative body and the executive administration. The former admits participation of students and professors, while the latter is staffed by persons of high scientific and moral authority, who are completely disinterested in the immediate interests of professors and students. Thus, the authorities included in this draft project are as follows:

a) A Board of Governors to appoint persons to positions and resolve controversies.

b) A University Board of Regents, the supreme technical and legislative body.

c) A Rector, the highest executive authority.

d) The Directors of the faculties, schools and institutes, as well executive authorities subordinate to the Rector, and

e) The Mixed Academies, serving as consulting bodies.

In other words, the University Board of Regents lost the power to appoint the Rector and the directors of faculties, schools and institutes. This power is turned over to the Board of Governors. The University Board of Regents is limited to technical functions regarding discussion and approval of budget reports, organizational matters and appointments to the Board of Governors. Finally, the University Patronage Trust is charged with administering the university’s assets and properties.

This Act was published in the Official Federal Gazette on January 6, 1945 and took effect on January 9, 1945.