Зустріч колективу ННІМВ з кандидатом на посаду ректора КНУ імені Тараса Шевченка Валерієм Копійкою
On October 15, the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations hosted a meeting between the staff and Valerii Kopiika, a candidate for the position of Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Over 200 people attended the meeting, with more than 30 joining online.
Valerii Kopiika presented the first results of his team's work during several months of serving as acting rector and outlined further priorities for the University's development.
"A university without people is just walls," Valerii Kopiika emphasized.
Human resources policy became one of the central topics of the meeting. Priorities include long-term contracts, restoring full-time positions for teaching staff, and increasing salaries. The need to jointly lobby alongside other universities for higher wages for support staff was also specifically discussed.
Social guarantees were addressed as well. The team has already prepared proposals regarding health insurance for employees. With the involvement of legal experts, decisions are also being drafted regarding the transparent allocation of housing and the regulation of its privatization.
The University has reinstated the practice of awarding the title of Honorary Professor and honoring the best teachers in the "Assistant Professor," "Associate Professor," and "Professor" categories.
Valerii Kopiika paid special attention to the financial motivation of university initiatives. Attracting grants and contracts, creating programs, and implementing projects should be additionally compensated. The Academic Council of the University has already approved a new regulation on certificate programs, under which 80% of the earned funds remain with the respective departments. The candidate proposes extending this approach to scientific projects as well.
Tasks ahead include reducing bureaucratic burden and digitalizing internal processes. During Valerii Kopiika's tenure as acting rector, a digital reception office was launched, providing a direct connection with the leadership. Work has also begun on creating an electronic supplier portal for submitting documents and tracking their processing.
Changes will also affect the work of educational program guarantors. Special software is planned for them to simplify accreditation preparation. Since part of the required data will already be in the system, it will not need to be entered again.
Another priority is the international accreditation of the first twenty educational programs. This aims to strengthen the international recognition and competitiveness of the educational offerings of KNU.
During the meeting, Institute representatives raised the issue of students' practical training. The discussion covered combining theoretical preparation with hands-on practice, involving practitioners in teaching, and preparing students to work in a digital economy. Valerii Kopiika supported this approach, highlighting IIR's experience in involving representatives of state institutions and practitioners in the educational process.
A separate section of the discussion focused on science and research. Valerii Kopiika stressed the necessity of preserving fundamental research while simultaneously developing applied fields. KNU must strengthen its role as an expert analytical center, conducting research and providing expertise requested by the state and business.
The meeting concluded with a discussion and questions from IIR representatives regarding the future development of both the Institute and the University.
The election of the Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv will take place on October 27, 2026.