In 1972 a decree gave life to the Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia the UNED. Balearic students initially traveled to Barcelona for exams. Around 90 students from the 1974-75 course took the initiative. They began their own efforts to request the creation of a center in Palma. In May 1975 the first examination board arrived. They examined students in the Estudio General Luliano. This building became the UNED’s temporary home.
The UNED Palma de Mallorca center officially opened in 1977. The Estudio General Luliano and the Patronato Economico de Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Baleares reached an agreement. They would jointly promote and sponsor an autonomous center of the UNED. Francesc de Borja Moll a renowned linguist professor historian and philologist played a key role. He actively collaborated as a member of the Patronato.
On January 12 1977 an agreement was signed in Madrid. Manuel Marin Arias the Civil Governor of the Balearics and President of the promoting Patronato signed. The UNED Rector also signed. The agreement requested the creation of a UNED associated center in Palma de Mallorca. The agreement stated the center would be housed in the Estudio General Luliano.
The center was officially created by ministerial order published in the BOE on January 31 1978. The Estudio General Luliano served as the UNED’s Balearic headquarters from 1975 to 1982. Due to the islands’ nature the UNED quickly expanded. In 1978 an extension opened in Menorca. Another opened in Ibiza in 1982.
In 1983 the Patronato’s presidency transferred from the Provincial Council to the pre-autonomous institution’s president. The Balearic Islands Statute of Autonomy established the Balearic Islands autonomous community. The Insular Councils then became responsible for the center’s patronage and presidency. The Consell de Mallorca Consell de Menorca and Consell d’Eivissa i Formentera joined the UNED-Illes Balears patronage. They provided financial support.
Today the UNED Balearic Islands center boasts 193 professors and tutors. They have five administrative staff a director an academic secretary and two coordinators in the extension centers. Annually approximately 10000 students enroll in the center. They study regulated programs own degrees and continuing education.
The UNED in the Balearic Islands offers 30 degrees. Access courses for those over 25 and 45 years of age are available. There are 76 official master’s degrees 17 micro-degrees and doctoral programs. The center’s commitment to equality of opportunity and democratizing education is evident. Its significant summer course program is a testament to its dedication. The UNED’s dedication to its community is clear. The UNED works to give back to society by integrating itself into the community and supporting local initiatives. They are committed to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.