THE AIM: MORE FLEXIBILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

István Stumpf, the government commissioner for higher education reform, visited Miskolc this week to meet with the Board of Trustees and hold discussions with university leaders.

Prof. Stumpf spoke about the need to raise the level of education and research and make higher education institutions more competitive in order to produce the people and research that can contribute to society. He confirmed support for the role of the University of Miskolc as an intellectual base of the region.

Dr. Judit Varga (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) remarked on the need to strengthen a unique profile in Hungarian higher education and expand international recognition. She stressed that the Board respects the autonomy of the university and will support UM’s efforts to make its courses even more attractive to students across the country.

Rector Zita Horváth outlined the developments intended to reach UM’s objectives, including construction of the Science Park and renovation and expansion of the university library. While there is reason to be optimistic, she said the university cannot afford to rest on its past achievements; long-term and systematic effort is needed to continue to transform the university.  Prof. Horváth also announced that UM will collaborate with the region’s new institution, the University of Tokaj-Hegyalja, in ways such as hosting a summer school together.