University rectors to be elected rather than appointed starting September, minister says

A system whereby the rectors of higher education institutions will be elected rather than appointed is expected to be introduced in Belarus this September, Education Minister Mikhail Zhurawkow said in Minsk on Monday, speaking during a training seminar for the heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad.

To participate in the elections, potential candidates will have to submit their proposed action programs to the higher schools’ boards, which will select the best programs and send them to the education ministry, reported the ministry’s press office. The proposals should be aimed at developing a given institution in all respects, including its training system, facilities and equipment, and research programs.

Two months ago, Belarus was formally admitted to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and joined the Bologna Process.

Belarus is now required to implement the roadmap for accession to the EHEA. One of the requirements is that the rectors of institutions of higher learning should be elected.

According to the press office, Belarus also plans to improve its national qualifications framework to bring it into conformity with the overarching framework of the EHEA. Structural reform is also expected to be carried out to increase student mobility and achieve other goals.