Beyond the Anniversary: Rectorial Election and Plans

How would you evaluate the year of the anniversary? 

One thing is for sure: even those who did not believe in it or did not regard the celebrations as a good idea, must acknowledge the success of the anniversary year. We managed to celebrate it with remarkably diverse and worthwhile programmes. I also think that the events surrounding the 1 September were a real salute to the founders. On 8 December a leader of Europe was inaugurated an honorary doctor, and this event, together with the concert of that night, was a worthy closure of the year of 2017. The news of Mr. Tusk's inauguration were not confined within the country; it was live broadcast to Brussels, which is quite a rare occasion for the university and the town as well. I hope we were able to widen the renown of the University of Pécs. I am glad that we could close such a successful year.

Since the academic year started on 1 September, the anniversary is extended well into 2018. The Jubilee Chronicle will be published soon; an illustrated summary of the main events of the anniversary year. I think this publication will be a nice present to those who we must specifically thank for their support. 

What is your opinion about the rectorial election and its results? 

I was utterly happy about the fact that there were as many candidates as four, since it means that the rectorial position of the University of Pécs is an attractive position. I think the campaign was moderate, which was good for the university. During the elections everything went down in accordance with the regulations. Even the Electorial Senate Meeting was very moderate and temperate. The fact that only the second round brought about a final result also showed that senators were considering the case very seriously, and I hope their decision was as wise as possible. I would be glad if the decision of the Senate was confirmed by the sustainer (Ministry of Education) as soon as possible. 

And until then?

As I said earlier, I would like to work as a managing rector after the official announcement of the results of the rectorial election; I will do every task I need but I wouldn't like to start anything that may hamper the work of the future rector. I wish the confirmation arrived as soon as possible so that I could carry on by synchronising our tasks with the new rector.

A higher education institution always faces a lot of work to do, thus I suggested a program at the Rectorial Board meeting and at the Deans' Meeting that is not bound to the person of the rector but would improve the life of a university a lot. It consists of several factors – among other things, issues of deregulation and the administration of doctoral students; organisational matters. The circumstances of the Szentágothai Research Centre are also important: if we aim to establish an internationally renowned research centre, it must be made autonomous. We have already taken a step toward that aim when we decided that the centres of excellence may belong to SzRC, which could provide the Centre with resources. The organisational and operational rules of SzRC should be modified in this view. 

What do you mean by deregulation?

We need to follow legislative and regulative changes, and they are so fast that sometimes we feel we get lost among the host of legal regulations. The Chancellor and I have asked one of the former dean József Ulbert to screen the administration making our daily life difficult and point out those rules that are not bound to any rules now so that we can get rid of them. I think this measure is not bound to the person of the current rector but contributes to a more efficient operation. 

You have also mentioned the possibility of a change in the organisational framework.

Universities in Hungary operate within the framework of rigidly defined faculties, albeit there are several positive international examples for institutes and schools instead of faculties. Maintaining the faculty structure, it would be worth to give smaller departments a chance to become more independent and autonomous as 'schools'. The intent is given in several cases, for instance the strong and progressive Institute of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities may receive a chance. I would prefer a similar solution for dentistry as well. These matters do not depend on the person of the rector, either. 

How is the Modern Cities Programme going along?

I think a new chapter has opened. A number of developments have been included in this programme, but it is without doubt that one of the chief elements is the renewal of the medical campus, and the groundworks already have begun. I am glad that we have been able to move forward and we may make up for the delays. I am convinced that the success of the Modern Cities Programme is of everyone's interest.

Éva HARKA,
editor-in-chief, UnivPécs