• 10.07.2017

University Firmly Defends Its Autonomy



University Firmly Defends Its Autonomy

Concerning the public interest in the issue of supervision of the University in terms of implementation of the Higher Education Law in the current enrolment into study program of Higher Medical School of the Faculty of Medicine,  Rector Professor Radmila Vojvodic in interview for web portal announced that the University, protecting lawfulness in the higher education area, is firmly consistent in freedom and autonomy of the institution in the area of teaching and research, as prescribed by the Article 17 of the Law and defined by the Constitution of Montenegro.

The University presents improved study program accredited based on European directives of this regulated profession as obligatory in the Article 79 and we consistently follow norm of Article 86 stating that our institution is obliged to organize teaching in the way foreseen by the accredited education program, in order to gain knowledge, practical skills and competences, or acquired credibility diploma as responsibility of our institution.  

Rector emphasizes that the number of financed students proposed by the Government is not disputable but the problem is in imposing positions and ways of conducting teaching, for which we are not able to guarantee quality of diploma and its competitiveness in European higher education.

If this practice is applicable, a complete reform loses sense since it would mean that entities out of the University may revitalize this and other study programs, in this or other elements. These are tightly academic issues, in exclusive competence of the University and they are responsibility of the highest academic body Senate and Rector.

Next to all of this, the Board of Directors, the only body competent to call the competition, gave a full support to these principles. I shall remind you that the Board of Directors, which is not coincidental and which is also trend of modern universities, has a complex structure composed of different representatives of society – academic community, non-academic staff, students and the Government as the founder.

We cannot declaratively advocate modern standards and in practice implement old habits and global perspectives. It is worrying that reforms are advocated and national legislative is changed and in the same time basic quality standards are violated and decisions are made based on local-patriotic and short term social and political motives.

I personally find, to say correctly, confusing the easiness of imposing decisions which define that 70 young people gets disputable education and diploma. Unlike others, we at the University did not forget that there are young people who want quality diploma and the best knowledge as future professionals in health who are currently distracted by unprofessional and politicalized public. By making our decisions we stand by them. 

Managing team sees the University of Montenegro as a modern European educational institution which follows highest standards of European Association of Universities as its member. We are certain in support of all signing parties of charter Magna Charta Universitatum, which affirms and defends freedoms and autonomies of the universities as a civilization heritage.  

The University determines development of society and should not allow ourselves to be intimidated by restrictions of any kind. In that spirit, we are obliged as a unique academic community to present publicly these principles, in all legal and constitutional instances.

 


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