EHU crisis affects students

The conflict between the Senate of European Humanities University and the administration has been in full swing for over six months, affecting students who are unable to pass their exams according to the schedule.

“Pavel Tserashkovich used to be our History professor. When he was fired, there were students who had not received their marks for exams. It took them a good period of time to get their marks eventually,” journalism student Maksim tells Euroradio.

The Italian strike by professors almost disrupted the end-of-year exams at the Department of International Law, says student Maryia:

“There was danger that we would not be able to pass our exams. The professors were set to carry out an Italian strike during the end-of-year exams and not to put marks to students. But things worked out somehow after the administration and the professors managed to reach some deal."

However, it is not clear yet who will run classes next year. Maryia expects at least one third of professors to be replaced.

“As far as I know, the call for professors was made. Candidates are being interviewed. There will be up to 30 percent of new professors," says Maryia.

The EHU administration has recently hired 17 professors, including 15 who previously worked at the university. 40 vacancies are yet to be filled in by new contenders. History professor Pavel Tserashkovich and journalism professor Taccian Melnichuk were fired.

“Nobody warmed me I was going to be replaced. I only learned about this after my students and their parents approched me. When I asked the chief of Media Department, the written reply was that EHU was udnergoing reforms and that my course "Basic radio journalism" would now be called "Practical radio journalism", says Tacciana Melnichuk.

Currently, Jillian Hocking is in charge of media and communications education curriculum at EHU. She is assisted by Hanna Shchadryna, former deputy editor-in-chief of Sovietskaya Belorussia newspaper and an alumnus of EHU post-graduate school.

The Senate of the university does not have a clear picture as to what professors will work next year, explains professor Kanstantsin Tkachou:

“It is yet to be known who will teach next year. The plan has not been apprised to the Senate yet. Our department of social and political sciences had a competition for three positions. In fact, everyone at the university knew who would win the competition."

The competition for EHU professors was not recognized by Lithuanian officials. Now the EHU administration has to offer explanations to a Lithuanian supervisor by the beginning of June.

Photo: ehu.lt