Programs in English and dual degrees

The lack of programs that are implemented in English is the main reason for the very small number of foreign students, which is also the main brake on the internationalization of the University of Montenegro, said the candidate for rector. Vladimir Bozovic.

This is one of the goals from his work program for the mandate period 2021-2024. year, which received the unanimous support of the UCG Senate at yesterday's session.

The Electoral Commission further submits the opinion of the Senate to the Management Board of UCG, which elects the rector.

"Since the conditions for the accreditation of such study programs were met during the past year, UCG must create prerequisites for the organization of classes in English. When choosing programs, we must take care that they are sustainable, that there is enough interest, that they are attractive in wider international frameworks, and that we have adequate coverage of the disciplines with teaching staff", it is stated in the work program, which "Vijesti" had access to.

Both foreign and Montenegrin students will be able to attend study programs in English, creating an international environment "that we lacked until now" on the UCG campus.

UCG can boast of a large number of signed agreements with universities from the region and beyond, but the acting rector is of the opinion that a small number of them are actually realized through concrete cooperation.

He also noted that dual/joint degrees are recognized as one of the basic tools for improving the quality of teaching and strengthening international standards in education.

"The creation of joint programs with renowned European universities is an exceptional opportunity for our students who would spend part of their time at the partner faculty, which would significantly contribute to the greater value of the (dual/joint) degree," his work program states.

In the part that concerns the study model, Božović wants to make an analysis of the necessary changes to move from the current programs based on the 3+2 model (basic and master's studies) to a more flexible model, taking into account the needs of students.

One of the proposals of the Rector's College was to divide master's studies into master's 1 and master's 2. After the first year of master's studies, a student could take the master's 1 degree and with 240 ECTS points apply for many professions that are not available with 180 ECTS . For those who want to go a step further, the option of a Master 2 diploma remains open, which would entail more demanding work.

"In this way, we avoid a tectonic disruption of the existing system and enable a practical and sustainable solution to be reached with a mild, albeit formal correction of the current model," the work program states.

Among Božović's proposals is to make an analysis of the effectiveness of studying at all study levels and all programs, identify key problems and develop a systemic approach to solving them. In addition, he wants to revise the enrollment policy in accordance with the needs of the labor market and the strategic priorities of social development.

It is planned to introduce a student service, which, as planned, will be a link between employers and students so that they get the possibility of part-time engagement and volunteer work, without disturbing their obligations at the university.

According to Božović, it is important to incorporate the principles of social responsibility into all segments of the functioning of UCG in order to make a full contribution to more efficient use of natural resources, reducing pollution, maintaining biodiversity and addressing climate change. Therefore, as actions in that part, he proposed to define guidelines for a "greener" UCG.

Apartments for use by young scientists

Solving the housing needs of teaching and non-teaching staff is a very important task of the UCG management, according to Božović.

"The spatial capacities within the campus in Podgorica are almost exhausted... it is necessary to establish a different model from the existing one. In this sense, one of the good, encouraging solutions, especially for young scientists, artists, teaching assistants and researchers, is the concept of apartments for use", he suggested.

He added that past experience has shown that non-teaching staff, due to their non-competitive position in relation to teaching associates, find it difficult to find a solution to the housing issue and announced that he will advocate for the separation of non-teaching staff from associates in the UCG Rulebook.

Božović wants them to fight for state aid in terms of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of the main building of the Faculty of Engineering in Podgorica, the building of the Faculty of Philosophy and Philology in Nikšić, the complex of academies in Cetinje...