The evaluation itself is a very complex process with summative and formative elements. Before the meeting, the university and faculty administration exchange a number of materials. This year, we informed the university administration of the thirty-one major program priorities accomplished last year and our plans for this year. In turn, we received a series of data on our performance in the academic and research areas, which mostly showed that the faculty is in good shape. This was confirmed by the meeting at the Rector's Office itself, which, after the initial short presentations by Martin Vaculik on doctoral studies and Adela Souralová on the level of interest in our study programs and the success or lack of success in those studying with us, was mainly devoted to considering what the future of our faculty and university should be and how we can support each other’s efforts.
The FSS mentioned two of its fundamental priorities, going beyond 2023, which are, firstly, the clear ambition to be the coordinator of a large multidisciplinary, faculty-connecting research project in one of the upcoming national calls, and secondly the "generational" improvement of the condition of the building at Joštová through major renovations. In regard to the second priority, the faculty had the opportunity to thank the university administration for its unequivocal declared support for this idea prior to this meeting, accompanied by a pledge of financial support.
Conversely, the university, in its evaluation of the last year, highlighted the advanced academic culture of the faculty, demonstrated, for example, in its attitude and daily activities towards the war in Ukraine or sustainability. One curious aspect, which was joked about tastefully several times during the two-hour meeting, was the discovery that both Rector Bareš and Dean Balik are facing an election on the same day. They will both try to defend their mandate, which ends this year. The evaluations thus concluded four years of deliberations by the current rector and dean, and next year will see a new or renewed team of rector and dean.
Roman Chytilek
