The University of Cádiz holds the 17th Awareness Day for PTGAS Quality Improvement 14 November 2025
The University of Cádiz held the 17th Conference on the Dissemination of Service Quality Improvement by Technical, Management, Administrative, and Services Staff (PTGAS) this Friday in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. The event, which attracted a large audience and was also streamed online, has become a space for reflection, learning, and recognition of the work carried out by members of this body.
The institutional opening was chaired by the rector, Casimiro Mantell, accompanied by UCA’s general manager, Mariví Martínez, and the general director of Degree Planning, José María Biedma Ferrer. In their speeches, the university representatives unanimously emphasized the value of PTGAS’s work and the need to continue promoting innovation and technological adaptation in university management.
Mariví Martínez highlighted the essential role of PTGAS in the daily functioning of the University of Cádiz and the challenge posed by the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence in administrative processes. In her words, “PTGAS is the silent engine that drives the University forward,” adding that AI should be used to make tasks easier, more efficient, and less burdensome. She also presented a video showcasing some of the most significant milestones achieved by the administration and services staff in recent years, in recognition of their effort and commitment to continuous improvement.
Rector Casimiro Mantell also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in academic and work environments, stating that its advancement should not discourage or alarm the university community: “We need to adapt the tools it offers to each worker’s profile, because not everyone progresses at the same pace or has the same needs.” He also stressed that data protection is not an obstacle but rather a safeguard that ensures secure and responsible work within the institution.
José María Biedma, general director of Degree Planning, underscored PTGAS’s ability to adapt and commit to lifelong learning, expressing his confidence that AI-based tools will help optimize management, improve efficiency, and contribute to a more dynamic and sustainable work environment.
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Artificial Intelligence and University Management
The first presentation of the day was delivered by Manuel Abellán, Director of Universities at Microsoft Spain, who gave the talk AI in University Management, introduced by Abelardo Belaustegui, Deputy Manager for Digital Transformation at UCA. Abellán outlined the main features of the Copilot tool and its applications in university work environments, highlighting the opportunities it offers to enhance productivity, automate processes, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
Next, José Paz Blanco, Director of Data Protection, Archives, Records, and Procedure Review at UCA, delivered the lecture Personal Data Protection in a Changing Environment: Challenges, Threats, and Opportunities, in which he analyzed the challenges posed by digitalization for university management and the need to ensure the security and confidentiality of information when using new technologies.
Recognition of PTGAS Excellence
The day concluded with the presentation of the 15th UCA PTGAS Excellence in Management Awards. This year, the Excellence Awards were presented to:
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University Residence Hall, for its work in supporting and assisting students in the university residential setting.
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Audiovisual and Communications Service, for its contribution to technological development and the institutional dissemination of university activities.
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Miguel Ángel Rivas Valdés, as the individual award winner, in recognition of his commitment and exemplary performance in service.
Additionally, Career Achievement Awards were presented to recognize the dedication and long-standing service of PTGAS professionals across the University of Cádiz’s campuses:
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Algeciras Campus: Ana García Almenta
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Jerez Campus: Juan Pedro García Navarro
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Puerto Real Campus: Silvia Machado Furco, Domingo del Valle Jiménez, and Josefa Soto Ortiz
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Cádiz Campus: Juan Carlos Marchante Astorga, Adelaida Gallardo Plata, Javier Izquierdo Antón, Dolores Bellido Merino, and Juan Marrero Torre
