The Academic Senate met for the first time in its new composition
At the constituent session, the Chairmanship was elected and the Senate committees were appointed. The reform of doctoral studies was also discussed.
The Academic Senate discussed changes in doctoral studies
The recent reduction in OneDrive capacity was also a topic of discussion.
At its meeting on 15 April 2024, the Academic Senate of the MU Faculty of Arts first heard the final report of the Electoral Committee on the Senate elections and had no comments.
Subsequently, the recent hasty cancellation of specialisations in doctoral degree programmes was discussed. Vice-Dean Burešová explained that this move was based on an earlier decision of the National Accreditation Office and also in view of the fact that the specializations' accreditation expires in 2026 and will not be renewed, so students who would have entered them this year would certainly not be able to finish their studies. Concerns that some specialisations would not have adequate replacements in their parent programmes resonated in the discussion. There was also discussion of more general questions about the diversity of our faculty and whether this is more reflected in the wide range of programs or, conversely, in the smaller number of programs, but in which each student is in close relationship with his or her supervisor and their studies are guided by an individual curriculum. In conclusion, the Senate urged the faculty leadership to better communicate the recent changes to potential applicants.
The next point of discussion was the recent reduction in OneDrive capacity, which Dr. Mysliveček, head of the Institute of Computer Science, came to explain to the senators. The reduction is due to a change in conditions by Microsoft, which has abused its monopoly position and acted in this way towards many European institutions. A complaint to the relevant European authorities is being prepared, but the situation cannot be expected to improve in the near future. User guides on data reduction have been prepared and CIT is ready to provide consultations. The ICS will give more consideration in the future to some kind of "exit plan" for each external service.
The detailed course of the Senate meeting is recorded in the minutes.
The next regular meeting of the Senate will be held on 20 May 2024.
