UzhNU deans discussed the problem of university work optimization in a new academic year
On May 25, a meeting of deans took place in UzhNU. They discussed the completion of the academic year 2014-2015, prospects of the university in the coming academic year as well as the features of admission campaign, which is to begin in the near future.
Pavlo Bilak, the Head of the Teaching Department of UzhNU has reminded that from the next academic year, university teacher’s work load decreases from 900 to 600 hours a year. Primarily, such a reduction is due to partial reduction of the curriculum. Therefore, according to Pavlo Bilak, it is necessary to draw attention to the training process optimization.
As it has been noted by Volodymyr Smolanka, the Rector of Uzhhorod National University, this year according to the Law of Ukraine "On higher education", the change of the work load is mandatory for the instructors who teach only to the first-year students, "Specialists" and "Masters". But UzhNU decided to apply this rule of law for all teachers to start the new academic year without unnecessary organizational hassle and not to deal with the issue later. "We decreased the work load for all teachers, and thus can begin the academic year 2015-2016 in a coordinated and organized way," – added the Rector.
They have also dwelt on the requirements students have to meet to be able to resit examinations. "Resitting is allowed in three disciplines, - said Pavlo Bilak. – We also express the following proposal: if a student does not pass one discipline he or she has the right to retake the course the following year. Every year about 10 students are dismissed from university because of only one discipline they fail in. But if they fail in more subjects, they will have to repeat the year”.
From September students will have to choose 25% of subjects themselves. There will be a graph in curricula to be filled depending on student’s free choice. In order to optimize this process, special recommendations will be developed for UzhNU departments. A special diagram document has already been prepared for each semester, which should facilitate teachers’ work. The development has been presented by Volodymyr Feketa, acting Vice Rector for Academic Policy and Research.
Petro Horvat, executive secretary of the admission committee of UzhNU informed of some changes in the work of admission committees under the new requirements. These are additional tests for bachelors, including interviews. Provisions on appellate commissions have also been updated: it won’t be allowed to appeal against the results of the interview any more. "An active phase of the admission campaign is approaching, - said Petro Horvat. – We have prepared most bases of entrance tests for admission to the level of "Specialist" and "Master". On July 17-20, an additional entrance examination will be held, on July 21 - August 1, tests in professional subjects and foreign languages will be written, from August 21 - other exams".
The council of deans has also discussed the national universities transparency ranking which was recently published by the analytical center CEDOS. UzhNU ranks 18th among 96 universities.
Another relevant students’ concern is how UzhNU graduates’ diplomas will look like. As it is known, the Ministry of Education and Science objected to printing plastic documents and recommended universities to determine the design of these documents independently. UzhNU experts have already developed a draft version of diploma design and presented its sample to the council of deans. The cost of this diploma is 24, 60 UAH. It is planned to print the text in English on the reverse side, and the diploma, if desired, can be fitted into a wooden frame with glass. Currently, samples are discussed.
