Top achievements of UzhNU in 2015 according to its Rector
The Rector of UzhNU, Professor Volodymyr Smolanka gave a press conference on January 12, 2016 after the meeting of UzhNU Labour Staff Conference. He answered journalists' questions and analyzed last year’s major achievements of the University. Vice-Rectors also participated in the press conference.
The most important event of 2015 for the community of Uzhhorod National University was the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the university. The solemnities alternated with a large number of conferences and other events. The creation of UzhNU Science Park was an important step for the university as well as the signing of the Memorandum on the Establishment of the International Consortium of Universities in April 2015, Uzhhorod National University became a co-founder of, along with 14 other higher educational institutions of Ukraine, European Union and Kazakhstan. Another important result of UzhNU work over the last year was the implementation of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine on Higher Education, particularly those concerning educational process and university management.
"We started rewarding the colleagues who performed better that others according to the rating of the teaching staff of UzhNU - said the Rector. - 100 top specialists will be paid additional bonuses to their salaries this year. We have also begun to encourage the researchers whose articles are included in the scientometric databases. They are paid for such publications since they are important for the image and achievements of the university".
According to the Rector, the improving positions of UzhNU in various university rankings are also the proof of our university’s achievements and high standards of work. "Position in the ranking is the mechanism attracting more potential applicants", - said Volodymyr Smolanka.
Another advantage of UzhNU is English as the language of teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and partly the Faculties of Dentistry, Engineering and International Relations. English language courses for the teachers of other departments start in a week. The goal is to prepare training programmes or individual courses in other specialties in English. "There is interest displayed by the entrants from Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and other European countries. We must be ready, - said the rector. - The need for the knowledge of English was a challenge for the professional development of our teachers. "In addition, the programmes in English will also be popular among Ukrainian students who will contribute to their professional growth and increase their competitiveness in the world.
Extensive repairs of several faculties and dormitories were conducted in UzhNU last year. One of such projects is being implemented together with Hungarians: one wing of hostel #4 will be completed by the beginning of next semester. One of our objectives is to significantly improve students’ living conditions next year.
Journalists were also interested in the prospects of opening of the Faculty of Journalism and reforming the departments of the Russian language and literature. According to Volodymyr Smolanka, the working group for analyzing the situation with the units of the Faculy of Philology has been created. However, the final decision will be taken by the Academic Council of UzhNU and based on the working group conclusions. Vice-rector for Academic Policy and Research Myroslava Lendel said that teachers understood the need for rearrangement of activity of the departments of the Russian language and literature, but the changes had to be done carefully and after thorough preparation. The decision of the Academic Council of UzhNU can be implemented from the beginning of the new academic year. The possibility of opening the Faculty of Journalism can be considered if the number of full-time students seeking for their degrees in this and related professions will be at least 200. It is a tough regulatory requirement that cannot be omitted.
