On January 24, Anatolii Tsos officially became the rector of Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University. His candidacy, as well as the program for the development of Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University, was supported by the majority of those who took part in the elections. The start of the newly elected rector's work coincided with a very difficult period in the life of the country in general and the university in particular. However, the head of the university together with his team has been confidently implementing qualitative changes in the life of the Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University.
The interview with Anatolii Tsos begins a series of journalistic articles in the rubric "Lesya's People". The public relations department will tell about the staff, teachers, students and graduates of our university.
The conversation with the rector takes place in his office. Anatolii Vasylovych listens carefully to the questions and tries to give a comprehensive answer to each one. He often smiles during conversation, especially when he mentions his family and students, speaks openly about problems, and immediately suggests ways of solving them.
- Anatolii Vasylovych, four months have already passed since you officially became the rector of Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University. What does this period mean for you?
- Briefly speaking, it is very intensive and effective. These are the words that best describe the four months we have been working. In my opinion, we have done a lot of fundamental things during this period. First of all, the Strategy and Program of the University Development were published. These are the two documents that determine where we are moving. According to the University Development Program, each faculty today elaborates a faculty development program for one academic year. In addition, we started discussing the Statute of our university. Teachers and heads of departments come up with their ideas. I hope we will have a good statute.
We have also managed to complete all the preparatory work for the renaming of the University. Firstly, the round table was held. In accordance with its resolution, a meeting of the Academic Council was held at each faculty and the expediency of changing the name of our institution was discussed. What I am very pleased about is that the faculties unanimously supported the position on renaming our university toLesyaUkrainkaVolynNationalUniversity.
At the Academic Council, we decided to hold a staff meeting, which will discuss two main issues: support for the renaming of EENU to Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University and approval of the new statute of the university.
"We managed to perform many tactically important tasks"
- What other tasks have been solved during this time? There seem to be more than you listed.
- Indeed, we have managed to perform many tactically important tasks. First of all, we have developed a completely different rating of teachers. It is very simple: there are certain activities and results. A certain amount of points will be given for the result. Accordingly, at the end of the calendar year, each teacher will receive a material reward - a bonus with the appropriate quotient. For example, you scored two thousand points – you get two thousand bonuses, ten thousand points - the corresponding reward.
In addition, at the Academic Council, we approved standard contracts to fill vacant positions of assistant, senior lecturer, associate professor, professor, and head of the department. They set specific requirements for scientific, educational activities of the teacher. It clearly states what needs to be done in the context of educational activities, promotion, publication of scientific papers, implementation of certain state contract topics, etc. I think it is a good step forward so that the candidate for the position of the head of the department already knows what they need to do in five years. Otherwise, they will not be able to hold this or that position.
- It is worth mentioning the reconstruction in the buildings of our university. Information about this often appears on the official resources of the University, on your Facebook page. How are the things in this direction?
- Indeed, I am pleased to note that the reconstruction of some classrooms have already begun. Tenders were held for the reconstruction of some rooms of the Faculty of Culture and Arts. At the Faculties of Economics and Management, International Relations, History, Political Science and National Security, we have already started reconstruction.
Currently, a tender has been prepared for reconstruction in the main building. We really want to renovate at least part of the rooms, because the whole building is impossible. The same applies to the laboratory building. These are very important courses of our work. Therefore, the University, despite the quarantine, is actively developing.
«Ми вважали, що карантин незабаром завершиться»
– Карантин у нашому Університеті розпочався за чітким планом. Зокрема, Ви наголошували на тому, що декани та викладачі мають налагодити комунікацію зі студентами, проводити роз’яснювальну роботу. Вдалося втілити задумане?
– Ніхто не припускав, що карантин триватиме так довго. Коли запроваджували обмеження, ми провели досить результативне засідання. Розмовляли зі студентським активом і викладачами про те, як поводитися під час карантину, яких санітарно-гігієнічних норм потрібно дотримуватися. Тоді ми вважали, що карантин незабаром завершиться, проте він триває досі.
Насамперед хочу подякувати професорсько-викладацькому складу за те, що вони досить швидко визначилися з тими освітніми платформами, на основі яких було організовано дистанційне навчання. Найголовніше те, що навчальний процес не зупинився. Він продовжується. Дуже приємно, що серйозних нарікань немає. Тому мені хочеться звернутися до викладачів і подякувати за хорошу організацію навчальної діяльності, забезпечення належної якості освіти.
Також дякую тим відділам, які, незважаючи на карантин, майже щодня були на роботі. Зарплату ми всі отримували вчасно – бухгалтерія працювала якісно, системно. Планово-фінансовий відділ теж добре спрацював. Акредитації також відбувалися. Тому я щиро дякую і Наталії Вікторівні Балабусі, й усім групам забезпечення, і відділу аспірантури, докторантури та наукового стажування, і відділу кадрів, словом, усім тим працівникам, які попри обставини чітко виконували свою роботу.
– Анатолію Васильовичу, як оцінюєте організацію навчального процесу під час карантину?
– Вважаю, що система комунікації була налагоджена досить добре. Я мав повну інформацію щодо стану здоров’я студентів і викладацького складу. Якісно була організована робота в гуртожитках. Це дуже важливо, адже понад 100 осіб проживали і проживають там під час карантину. Був дотриманий належний санітарний режим.
Звісно, виникали певні технічні негаразди, адже чимало наших студентів проживають у віддалених районах, де якість інтернету досить невисока, і на це треба зважати. Саме це причина того, що в Університеті не запроваджена єдина платформа для дистанційного навчання. Кожна платформа вимагає різної якості зв’язку, інтернету. Це ставить студентів у різні умови. Саме тому ми дозволяємо використовувати будь-яку доступну платформу.
"We thought that the quarantine would end soon"
- Quarantine at our University began according to a well-defined plan. In particular, you emphasized that deans and teachers should establish communication with students, carry out explanatory work. Have you managed to put your plans into practice?
- Nobody expected that the quarantine would last so long. When the restrictions were introduced, we held a very effective meeting. We talked to students and teachers about how to behave during quarantine, what sanitary and hygienic norms must be followed. At the time, we thought that the quarantine would end soon, but it still continues.
First of all, I would like to thank the faculty members for their quick decision on the educational platforms on the basis of which distance learning was organized. The most important thing is that the learning process has not stopped. It continues. I am pleased that there are no serious complaints. Therefore, I would like to address teachers and thank them for the good organization of educational activities, ensuring the proper quality of education.
I also thank those department’s members who, despite the quarantine, were at work almost every day. We all received our salaries on time - the accounting department works efficiently and systematically. The planning and finance department also works well. Accreditations are also carried out. Therefore, I sincerely thank Natalia Viktorivna Balabukha, all support groups, the Department of Postgraduate Studies, Doctoral Studies and Research Internships, and the Human Resources Department, in one word, all those employees who, despite the circumstances, do their work properly.
- Anatolii Vasylovych, how do you evaluate the organization of the educational process during quarantine?
- I think that the communication system has been well established. I receive complete information about the health of the students and the teaching staff. The work in the dormitories has been well organized. It is important, because more than 100 people lived and live there during quarantine. Proper sanitation regime has been kept.
Of course, there were some technical problems, because many of our students live in remote areas, where the quality of the Internet is quite low, and it must be taken into account. This is the reason why the University does not have a united platform for distance learning. Each platform requires a different quality of Internet connection. This puts students in different conditions. That is why we allow using any available platform.
"We must change and take into account all world trends"
- During the air on the Avers TV channel, you mentioned that the educational process will probably have to be adjusted in accordance with the quarantine restrictions in the autumn. Is it possible to claim that, given such forecasts, the development and improvement of the distance learning system will be among the fundamental directions of work at Lesya’s University?
- The world has changed. This is an objective reality. Accordingly, in terms of adaptation, we must change and take into account all world trends. As for distance learning, I am absolutely sure that it will develop. We must apply it in the learning process, not only, as it was originally intended, for small groups, but even vice versa - for large ones.
There has been no official explanation for the organization of the educational process from the beginning of the new academic year. There are only preliminary decisions. I think there will be some restrictions on the number of students in class and in groups and on their number in the hallways during the break. Here it is necessary to take into account the Polish experience and not to put three classes in a row, but to make gaps between them. This will help to avoid large crowds of students during breaks.
We are ready to organize observance of all sanitary norms. If there is a difficult situation - we will take the temperature at the entrance, we will monitor the presence of antiseptics and other necessary things. It is obvious that in September we will have a new rhythm of academic life.
"We did not have a system of promotion of the University"
- Today there are two strategically important moments for high school educators - the end of the current academic year and the university admissions process. What is the latest news about these elements of the educational process?
- Regarding the end of the academic year, there are no problems. By the way, we were one of the first in Ukraine to prepare a temporary procedure for state certification. The quality of this document is quite high. The Ministry of Education and Science has also published certain requirements for state certification. According to them, special commissions have been set up at the faculties, and now all semester and state certifications take place remotely. There are no changes yet.
From June 1, the Ministry allows carrying out classes for groups of up to 10 people. Theoretically, this could be used for state exams, where groups are small. At the same time, there are still territorial requirements and cancelling of quarantine (full or partial, is determined by our local authorities). That is why we adhere to the current norms: everything is done remotely.
As for the university admissions process, I would like to note that we are completely ready. We have approved a new staff of the admissions committee, executive secretaries have been appointed, and they are already working: registering entrants to the master's programs. There are no problems. We are working to show the benefits of the University in the best way possible.
Even before the election of the rector, I said that we did not have a system of promotion of the University and the formation of a positive image of the university. I am very pleased that we have solved this problem together within these four months. I am sincerely grateful to Natalia Bohdanivna Blahovirna. We have not just undergone changes, but have created a completely new system of promotional policy. Considering what I see in the media and the feedback of the people of Volyn, it is quite effective and powerful. I am sure that this will help enrollees to get more information about our university. I am convinced that the entrants will choose Lesya Ukrainka University.
"We will have to fight for entrants"
- We often talk about the admissions campaign in the context of a Bachelor's degree, but we should not forget about application for the Master's degree. How does the University work in this direction, given the difficult conditions?
- Undoubtedly, we will have to fight for master's degree entrants, because I would not say that we have the best policy in the country today for those who want to become Masters. That is why we work with bachelors as well as possible so they can continue their studies at our University. We will create the most favorable conditions for master's studies.
I understand that these are adults, many of them work. We will create and provide individual study schedules so that students can both study and work. In addition, we will implement a double degree program. If a master wants to have two diplomas, ours and Polish, there are no problems! We have all opportunities to do it. We will try to make students reach the most of their potential at the master's degree programs at our University.
I will note that we will not increase the cost of master's studies. Even despite the calculation of the inflation rate. Nevertheless, we had to do that. It is obvious that quarantine restrictions have affected the well-being of people, so we will take into account the real state of affairs.
- During the election campaign, you introduced your program, which clearly described specific steps. After becoming the rector, you immediately began to implement them. However, quarantine restrictions were introduced in Ukraine in March. How did it affect the implementation of the plan?
- It has partly complicated the process, but I follow a well-defined principle in life: if a person wants to do something – he/she will do it, and if not - will look for reasons why it cannot be done. It is great that almost 90% of my election program formed the foundation of the Development Program of our University. We have even partially fulfilled a few points from it.
The most important thing in our activity is to provide good conditions for qualitative education. For the leader, the most important thing is to create comfortable conditions both for students and teachers. They must be precise enough. Those who follow them will receive a proper education or salary, and those who do not want to follow them will not work at the University.
It should be clearly understood that today the funding of higher education institution depends on certain criteria of the Ministry of Education and Science. In particular, we talk a lot about the works of our teachers to be included in Scopus or Web of Science (ed. - international analytical database of scientific publications and citations). Why? This index is used to form a world rating. It allows you to integrate into the world scientific system. Thanks to these publications, the teacher will have a high h-index (ed. - citation index) and will be highly recognized in the world. It is necessary.
If teacher’s works are published in a journal that belongs to the first quartile (ed. - the category of scientific journals), then we take away 50 or even 100 hours of educational workload from them. Today, we prescribe in contracts that each teacher must properly maintain profiles: in Google, Scopus, because the quality of these profiles is taken into account in the rankings, which also shows the status of the University.
No decision is accidental. Each one is based either on the requirements for world rankings, in which we want to get, because our University wants to be a leading institution not only in Ukraine but also in the world, or on the requirements set by the Ministry for funding the university. The higher indicators of the quality of education are, the more funding we will receive.
- Anatolii Vasylovych, without a doubt, scholarships are among the issues of students’ interest. Are there options that presuppose cutting scholarships or their payment with a delay?
- There are no cuts and delays, there were not and will not be. All scholarships are paid on time, even with indexation. The same applies to teachers' salaries. I closely monitor and control all our financial capabilities. Today, we put part of the free funds on deposit to pay salaries and vacation payments to our employees without any problems and on time. This is an important task. All of us, including me, live on the salary we receive. We make repairs for the earned money or "free" material resources.
- Given the economic situation in the country, many entrants are undoubtedly worried about the possibility of increasing tuition fees for contract students?
- The general concept is that the average university price should not increase, and if it increases, it will only increase by the inflation rate. However, there will be a partial equalization of costs between specialties. After all, each specialty has a different payment, partly illogical.
Therefore, today there will be four options for the cost of educational programs. The price will depend on the number of entrants to the faculty, i.e. on its popularity. In some specialties the price will increase a little, and in others it will decrease. The university fee will be the same, but taking into account the inflation.
- Support and mutual understanding with the authorities are very important for the functioning of the University. In a short period of time as the rector, you have already managed to establish some contact with representatives of the authorities and bodies of local government. For example, it is worth mentioning the Day of the Lutsk City Council Deputy in Lesya’s University. What are the messages from the authorities concerning our University? Is there any hope for constructive and fruitful cooperation?
- Indeed, cooperation with the government and business is very important. I would add more media to this list. As you have already mentioned, the Day of the Lutsk City Council Deputy took place at the University. Draft decisions have been developed, but unfortunately their implementation has been delayed due to quarantine. We have prepared a Memorandum, and I think we will sign it soon.
In addition, there are agreements that Lesya Ukrainka University will participate in various city programs and cooperate with local authorities. I think that we will prepare such a memorandum with the regional council as well, so that we have effective cooperation and the university can participate in regional projects.
I emphasize once again that the University has an extremely large scientific potential. We are ready to participate in providing expert assessment of any decisions made by the city or regional council. The tendency of cooperation with the authorities is developing, and I am convinced that it will continue to develop after quarantine.
"You have to be a man of your words"
- Let's return to the introductory campaign, in particular to the new specialties that you announced during the communication with the media - medicine and the military department. Will there be an admission of students for them this year?
- As for medical specialties, you have to be a man of your words. Therefore, we will establish a medical faculty this year. We are preparing the corresponding order approximately in the middle - end of August. Admission for medicine will be announced. We will do everything, as we promised. The third floor of the laboratory building has now been completely vacated. Calculations for reconstruction conducted now. I hope that in the near future we will begin major repairs so that freshmen will have the right conditions to study in medical specialties. Besides, the University plans not only to recruit freshmen after school. We will also announce enrollment after medical colleges for the second year of study.
As for the military department, we are working intensively on this issue. All the necessary documents have already been prepared. Today the process of coordination and resolution is taking place. It is a difficult task. I hope we will complete it successfully.
"I strongly believe that the holiday will take place at the proper level"
- This year the University will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Will probable quarantine restrictions not spoil the holiday?
- It is difficult to say what will happen in early September and late October, but I strongly believe that the holiday will take place at the proper level. This is not just a general meeting of the team. The main thing is to thank all those employees who have made the greatest contribution to the development of the University.
Firstly, we need to produce printed materials about the university and its development. Secondly, we have to create appropriate conditions for the education of our students and the work of teachers, to encourage them with material honors dedicated to the 80th anniversary and much more. Another highlight of the holiday is a solemn event. However, all this depends on quarantine measures in Ukraine in general and particularly in Volyn. I hope that the celebration will still take place. We will do everything necessary for this.
- Will the university have time to officially return to the name of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University by this date?
- We will discuss this issue at the staff meeting. However, quarantine restrictions make certain correctives. Therefore, we consider the experience of the City Council on the possibility of holding a conference at the stadium in compliance with all sanitary and hygienic norms and social distance. If the quarantine restrictions are not cancelled by June 15, the conference will take place at the stadium. Afterwards, we will send the corresponding decision to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Office of the President. I hope that we will change the name of the University by the 80th anniversary of Lesya’s University.
"Lesya Ukrainka University is a message that unites us all"
- A series of illustrations with the hashtag #Lesya'speople has started. Anatolii Vasylovych, by a conversation with you, we begin a series of journalistic materials of this rubric. Let's think, maybe, and dream: what unites Lesya's people?
- There is nothing to dream about. Lesya's people are united by Lesya Ukrainka and our university. Having such a prominent poetess as Lesya Ukrainka, we do not use her name enough to unite the efforts and develop the University. Often foreign institutions are named after a certain person. Lesya Ukrainka University is a message that unites us all. By the way, we had University Day on May 19. Why? I don't know, and no one can explain it to me. In the near future, I will raise the issue of celebrating University Day on Lesya Ukrainka's birthday. I think that the team will support me in this intention.
- In the rubric "Lesya's people" we will publish journalistic materials about employees, teachers, students and graduates of the University. In addition to working at our university, you also studied here. Recall your student years. What is the brightest memory?
- When I think of my student years, unusual events, that took place outside the classrooms, come to my mind. By the way, we are still on friendly terms with our student group. Thus, when we get together, of course, we think of the teachers, classes. For example, the construction crew, when we went to Tyumen region or Novovolynsk, summer camp meetings at Svityaz, winter - in the Carpathians. I appeal to our students: be active, make the most of your potential, perseverance, development, and participate in various programs!
- No matter when the quarantine is over, it can already be stated that this period is very difficult for the state in general and the University in particular. Where do you draw your strength from?
- The question is both simple and complicated. First of all, I should thank my parents that I was born the way I am. My mother is alive, God bless her. These are probably genetic tendencies to endurance, purposefulness, to be responsible for one's words, and sometimes to the ability to make radical, strict decisions, regardless of certain opinions.
Another source of strength is my family. It is important when children and wife support you. If you are not even in the mood, then they carefully, tactfully change the topic of conversation to another, or give you a shovel and say that you need to dig part of the garden, plant tomatoes or cucumbers.
Besides, I love fishing. Unfortunately, there is very little time for that now. Definitely, I play sports all my life. This is not a sport of high achievements, but kind of a healthy physical culture. I really like Nordic walking, kayaking; I exercise with pleasure… It gives me strength.
We conducted an interesting research on the quality of life of students. According to the methodology, the quality of life is determined by two components - physical and mental health. Interestingly, there is no direct connection. However, in more physically active groups, the level of mental health is higher. As a rule, any active person who has a hobby and participates in the life of the team, the country, has a higher rate of both physical and mental health. So be active and healthy!
- The last question will be a bit provocative. During the quarantine period, the University was left without students. No usual noise, fuss. Is it easier to work in such conditions?
- Once upon a time there was a common joke among teachers: "It would be very good to work if there were no students." Unfortunately, we lived to see it. Now I can say with confidence: it is bad for me to work without students. In addition, all teachers want to go to work. Employees also often wonder: “When will we start going to work?” Students often ask me such questions through messengers, because they also want to study.
Of course, there should be distant form of education, but the main one is classroom learning. The University has to not only give knowledge, but also bring up a true patriot, a good specialist in their field. In addition, we must create conditions for good communication; give the opportunity to defend their own views, to give reasons for them. And this can be done only through face-to-face study. Therefore, we are waiting for our students and will do everything to take into account their capabilities and wishes. I am always open for communication!
Interviewed by Andrii MOSHKUN
Photo by Iryna ZAHORSKA
When using materials hyperlink to the resource is required