The University of Minho’s Academic Association (AAUM) is run by and for students only. Representing the university’s students, this association was created in 1977 with the aim of responding to the students’ needs within a growing University. The AAUM was the second Portuguese association to be recognised as an “institution of public utility”.

Due to its well-structured development, this 25 year-old association is, today, one of the largest of its kind in Portugal. There is a branch in Braga and another in Guimarães. The AAUM is composed of many different departments: culture, administration, informatics, recreation, sports and professional career advice, among others. These departments aim to help students according to their specific needs.

The AAUM is constantly creating and promoting new activities. “UMplugged – The University of Minho Garage Bands Festival” is just one of those activities, now heading for its 2nd staging and in search of new Portuguese bands.

The Students’ Association organises many events throughout the academic year, such as concerts, exhibitions, theatre, and weekly cinema sessions. Furthermore, there are various University groups performing music, dance, and theatre all year round.

The Students’ Association is also responsible for the organisation of the 1st of December festivities. This date marks the Portuguese Day of Independence and the University’s groups gather together to perform for one night. The AAUM also organises the famous Enterro da Gata celebrations (“burial of the cat”) in May. For several days during this week, students are granted leave from classes so that the Academy can unite to rejoice the students’ “probable” passing through to the following academic year. This is one last week of fun before the exams begin and the allegoric parade, the University’s tunas (choral groups), the graduation ceremony, the open-air festivities, and the finalists’ ball are just some of the highlights.

The AAUM has a Bar and a games room available to the University’s students. It also has a shop, the “Loja Tricórnio”, where the students’ academic gowns, and other related souvenirs and products are sold.

The University of Minho’s 24 hour radio broadcasting station, RUM, is an autonomous organism of the AAUM. Those students intending to follow a career in radio can programme their own shows in this “experimental school”.

Contacts

Rua D. Pedro V, no. 88
4710 – 374 Braga
Telephone numbers: 253 273 359 / 253 514 679
Fax number: 253 273 396
E-mails: jorgecristino@aaum.pt, aaum@aaum.pt
URL: http://www.aaum.pt/
Person responsible: Jorge Cristino