Interview with the Chairman of the Supervisory Council

15.9.2017

The Chairman of the Supervisory Council of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University Vitalii Kurylo spoke about the problems and prospects for the development of the University.

In early autumn, universities traditionally sum up the results of the admission campaign and determine the plans for the future. Luhansk National University was visited by the Chairman of the Supervisory Council, People’s Deputy of Ukraine Vitalii Kurylo, who during the interview gave an answer to the most pressing questions that are of interest to teachers and students.

Vitalii Semenovych, you regularly visit our educational institution and in general Luhansk region, and always support the public and the University. What is the purpose of your visit?

As chairman of the Supervisory and Academic Councils of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, I regularly visit the educational institution, and today I met with students and teachers. I also have been heading the Department of Tourism, Hotel, and Restaurant Business for many years. And as the People’s Deputy of Ukraine, I often visit my district and resolve pressing issues.

We know that you pay great attention to the legislative regulation of the educational process in Ukraine. Recently, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law “On Education”. What are the main changes in education provided by law?

In this convocation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, I work in the committee for local government and state construction and am more engaged in reforming and uniting territorial communities. But I pay great attention to many educational issues. Last week, the law “On Education” was adopted, which introduces many changes in the organization of the education system. In particular, the introduction of a 12-year school is envisaged. This is the European practice and in the leading countries of the world, children study for 12-13 years. The enacted law provides more rights for educational institutions, introduces elements of school self-government and increases the salaries of teachers.

How quickly can we see the first results of educational reform, especially in provincial towns such as Starobilsk?

The Law of Ukraine “On Education” is a long-term one. The effect of introducing a 12-year school will be visible in 2030, when children who enter in 2018 will be released. In the law, there are norms of direct action that will come into effect immediately, and some will be introduced in a few years.

Today problems exist not only in schools, but also in higher education institutions, and especially in the displaced ones. What are the most pressing issues facing all displaced universities?

In 2014, large educational institutions, in particular our University, moved to new places where there were no conditions and there was not enough equipment. But we have retained our human potential. And this is the most important, because if there is a highly qualified teacher in the University, there is also the quality of education. The main problem is the logistic support. But we have been working hard for 3 years and have done a lot for the development of the University. We solve the housing problems of teachers, repair hostels and auditoriums. This year about 50 million UAH will be spent on equipping our educational establishment. This will create more comfortable conditions for learning.

Today, universities are already summarizing the results of the admission campaign. Is it possible to consider it successful for Luhansk National University?

Today, the University has a contingent of about 7 thousand students. This, of course, is less than before. But we began to develop, and this year the number of entrants increased. Thus, among the displaced educational institutions, the highest number of applicants entered LTSNU.

This year, 246 servicemen became students of our University. And this trend continues to grow. Is it expedient now, in the conditions of aggression, to continue to provide educational services to the military?

The enrollment for military personnel is currently ongoing. And this means that the military trusts our institution and think about their future. Also, the combination of the university with the army is very useful for patriotic education of students.

What are the prospects for the development of our University in the near future?

The University is developing and the material and technical base is creating. But I am sure that in the near future we will return to Luhansk. This is the third evacuation for the history of our University, and we will overcome all difficulties. I think that a number of universities will merge, and maybe a number of other educational institutions will join us. We will return and will work in our buildings!

Summing up the story of the Chairman of the Supervisory Council, we can confidently state that our University continues to develop. Teachers and students are making efforts to strengthen the authority of the University in the All-Ukrainian and international scientific community. A more detailed interview with Vitalii Semenovych can be heard on the page of the online radio “University Wave”.

Oleg Chernysh, press center of LTSNU