On Wednesday, the Slovak Parliament approved an amendment to the University Act that, among other measures, adjusts the election of a rector and shortens the length of external studies to five years. The aim of the amendment is a systemic change in the management of public universities with the intention of modernising them in order to make decision-making processes at the level of universities and faculties more flexible.
A university rector will be elected by an electoral assembly made up of members of the academic senate and the administration board of the given university. In order to be elected, a candidate must obtain a majority of votes.
Meanwhile, deans of faculties will be allowed to stay in the post for only two consecutive terms. Universities will be able to specify in their statutes that the post of dean is filled by a candidate chosen in an election. If a university does not do this, the post will be filled by a candidate chosen by a selection procedure.
The amendment also modifies the way in which university lecturers, professors and associate lecturers are appointed.
The legislation is due to enter into force on April 25, if signed by the president.
“Representatives of universities repeatedly disagreed with the draft amendment. On November 16, the so called Responsible Protest for Free Universities was held to show their disagreement. There was also a petition for the preservation of academic self-government in universities, which was signed by more than 20,000 people,” wrote the Denník N daily.
"I believe that it will be an amendment that will be in favour of young people, so that they do not go abroad to study and so that we can ensure a quality university environment through individual measures," said the Education Minister in regard to the amendment.
