Dialogue on equal terms: the Rector of the State University of Management Ivan Lobanov answered questions from students
The State University of Management has held a free-form Q&A session between the rector and students called ‘Dialogue on Equal Terms’. For two hours Ivan Lobanov answered more than 20 questions. Students asked about the introduction of innovations in the educational process, the digital development of the university, the introduction of project activities and expansion of international cooperation as well as the prospects for improvement of the university’s campus and dormitories.
In his speech to students, Ivan Lobanov emphasised that for a university that prepares managers and organisers of production it is essential to stay on the cutting edge of changes and introduce innovations that are available in higher educational institutions in Russia and around the world,
We need to remain in the mainstream of what is going on. Since our university prepares managers, we expect to train you and all those students coming to our university as professionals who will manage innovations. Irrespective of the programme and orientation of your training, you should be as immersed as possible in the innovative processes that are currently taking place.
SUM’s Rector paid special attention to training through direct interaction with industrial partners,
Cooperation with industrial partners helps create an internship base both for students and teachers and update the topics of final examination papers. We gain access to relevant scientific research that is of interest to the partner, proceed to research and record the results of research activities carried out jointly with the business.
The implementation of pilot projects was also discussed. Ivan Lobanov explained how this works using the example of cooperation with GeekBrains. The division of Mail.ru provides students with the opportunity to learn how to develop IOS apps, master coding languages and acquire other skills.
Ideally, the final work will be based on a specific project to be implemented. Our university creates a platform to present all our capabilities through projects. We welcome your creative ideas,
declared SUM’s Rector.
In his answers to students’ questions, Mr Lobanov emphasised the importance of the broad involvement of students in all intra-university projects, the development of personal initiative and the rectorate’s support of interesting ideas.
Young people also asked about establishing a military chair at the university. The rector noted that starting from 30 January 2019 a law was enforced on the replacement of military chairs with military training centres.
Students were eager to know about the technical equipment in classrooms, the renovation of educational equipment and asked the rector to consider further modernisation of lecture rooms. The rector presented the modernisation plans to the students and instructed the heads of institutes and departments to draw up a list of additional equipment needed to increase the efficiency of educational activity.
We are currently drawing up a budget for next year, and this item should definitely be added to the budget… In a year’s time, we will make sure that each teacher has their own lecture component in digital format. Coordinated work needs to be carried out systematically in all areas,
said Lobanov.
The rector also noted that the main challenge facing the rectorate is the improvement of the quality of education and the prestige of SUM,
We need to ensure the highest quality of education at the State University of Management. I want to congratulate you on the 33rd place that SUM has taken according to monitoring conducted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. The average score per budget was 83.6. We outperform many federal universities in this respect.
The topics of expanding the study of foreign languages and international student exchange were actively discussed. When answering these questions, it was noted that knowledge of a foreign language is mandatory for enrolling in the University’s programmes. Both the University and the students themselves should work in this direction demonstrating interest and setting goals.
Another important topic was the improvement of the university campus. The meeting’s participants presented a design of a new dormitory building and the university territory, including recreation areas. This project provoked some genuine interest.
In addition, the issues of accommodation in the dormitory and the expansion of sports infrastructure were discussed.
In closing the discussion, the rector encouraged students to be active and propose new ideas and projects.
Next time we meet, I expect to hear some specific proposals from you. We are always happy to support your ideas and projects,
declared SUM rector Ivan Lobanov closing the dialogue.
Publication date: 6 November 2019
Дата публикации: 6.11.2019