Rector meets with members of the Student Council of the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty

Also in attendance were Vladimir Savinov, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity at St Petersburg University, and Elena Kustova, Dean of the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty at St Petersburg University.

During the meeting, Rector Nikolay Kropachev inquired about how students stay informed about the University life. He specifically asked if they review the Minutes of the Rector’s meetings, which are published weekly on the University website, and if they read the University: A Fresh Start section. Professor Kropachev emphasised the importance of studying primary sources.

The meeting addressed the issue of capital repairs and the organisation of maintenance works for the University’s buildings. Rector Nikolay Kropachev instructed Daniil Engelke, Vice-Rector for Capital Construction, to investigate the matter and submit a draft response.

Additionally, the students raised the following questions:

• about establishing a career guidance centre at St Petersburg University for school students. This centre would provide opportunities to study school subjects at an advanced level and topics in mathematics and mechanics closely aligned with modern science, and to familiarise themselves with the University
• about the procedures for collaborating with Russian and international universities, particularly regarding academic mobility programmes and agreements for implementing joint academic programmes

Professor Kropachev noted that such academic issues should be discussed and resolved not at a meeting with the Rector, but at meetings of teaching methodology committees and academic councils, where students themselves are members. The Rector suggested that the Dean and students of the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty should develop mathematics programmes that include intensive study of the Chinese language, with the future goal of using Chinese as the language of instruction.

In conclusion, Rector Nikolay Kropachev invited the Student Council representatives to discuss any academic concerns they have with the Dean of the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty and members of the Faculty’s Teaching Methodology Committee. If necessary, they could then initiate a follow-up meeting with the Rector.