Representation in the University's Governance Bodies

VU Council

Students' representatives - Klėja Merčaitytė, Justinas Kondratas.

The VU council is the governing body of the University, which oversees whether the activities and management of the University are in accordance with the University's mission, goals, objectives and principles, general academic interests, and the requirements of publicity and accountability to the public set out in the Statutes.

During the reporting period, the newly elected council of Vilnius University was formed, which this year had the important task of electing the new Rector of Vilnius University. In parallel, during the reporting period, the external representative of the students, Justinas Kondratas, was re-elected by a decision of the VU SR Parliament.

In the previous composition of the council, the council had to approve the description of the procedure for the election of the rector of VU, approved for the candidate to present the approve the schedule of meetings for the presentation of the candidate, and review the activities of the centre for pedagogy training. The VU Council also had a meeting in Šiauliai, during which it met with the leaders of the Šiauliai municipality. During the discussion, the issue of ensuring the integration of international students in the city was also raised. The VU Council also presented its opinion to the VU Senate on various issues, and the VU SR representatives raised the issue of the price acceptance process for foreign language study programmes.

In December, after the swearing-in of the new VU Council members, the following key issues were discussed:

• Approval of the VU 2024 activity report;

• Approval of the VU 2025 budget;

• The VU Council's expectations for the VU 2026-2030 strategic action plan;

• Update of the VU Council's Rules of Procedure.

The new team of the VU Council held consultations on the main objectives for the coming year and expressed expectations on the need for changes in the different procedures existing at the University.

This year, the tradition of the annual report of the students to the VU Council was continued, with the VU President sharing insights from the life of the students at the University, covering the topics of quality of studies, individualisation, increased focus on resilience to external threats and involvement of the students in research activities. The importance of fostering emotional well-being, the integration of international students, the quality of doctoral studies, and ensuring that the University's infrastructure meets the needs of students were also addressed.

During the reporting period, student representatives of the VU Council also participated in two strategic sessions of the VU Senate (you can read more about them in the next section).

VU Senate

Students' representatives (From 7 June 2024 to 20 September 2024) - Simonas Granskas, Julija Jarutytė, Gabrielė Kasperaitė, Justinas Kavoliūnas, Justas Lebedevas, Viktorija Milko, Martyna Pikelytė, Lukas Stakėla, Daniel Šematovič.

Students' representatives (from 20 September 2024 to the present) - Simonas Granskas, Ieva Gruodytė, Julija Jarutytė, Gabrielė Kasperaitė, Justinas Kavoliūnas, Viktorija Milko, Daniel Šematovič, Samanta Valiušaitytė, Povilas Virbašius.

The VU Senate is the governing body of the University, made up of members of the VU academic community. The Senate is responsible for overseeing and improving the quality of studies, promoting culture, science, research and teaching freedom at the University. The work of the Senate is divided into 3 main areas of activity. The Study, Research and Quality and Development committees examine issues relevant to their areas of activity and submit their conclusions to the VU Senate for approval.

During the reporting period (from the VU SR AC 2023-2024 to the AC 2024-2025), 11 Senate meetings and 8 electronic votes were held. Student representatives also participated in two strategic sessions of the VU Senate, the ceremony of conferring the Honorary Doctorate of Vilnius University, the ceremonial Senate meeting during which the new members of the VU Council read out and signed the commitments to Vilnius University, and the inauguration of the 87th Rector of Vilnius University, Professor Rimvydas Petrauskas. One of the VU Senate's strategic sessions was devoted to finalising the analysis of the VU's SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), and the May strategic session discussed how the insights from the SWOT session could become part of the new VU strategy or the VU Senate's work plan for next year.

Student representatives were actively involved in the following working groups: the working group on the update of the model regulations of the core academic unit of Vilnius University, the working group on the development of a plan for the prevention of academic dishonesty at Vilnius University, which was established on the initiative of VU SR. The results of these working groups (updated model regulations of the core academic units and the academic dishonesty prevention plan) are expected to be approved by the VU Senate this academic year.

VU SR has also initiated amendments to the regulations of the VU study programme committees, which are currently under consideration by the VU Senate study committee and should be approved at the next VU Senate meeting.

The most important issues for the students discussed at the Senate:

• Approval of the Regulations on the preparation, defence and accumulation of written works of Vilnius University Students

Benefits for students: the updated regulations do away with the Unit's written thesis procedure, thus transferring its former competence to the Unit's methodological guidelines for the preparation of written theses, it is clarified that the thesis topics proposed for students (as well as the thesis topics proposed by students) must be approved by the study programme committee, and the thesis defence committee will only be guided by these regulations in the performance of its functions.

• Approval of the regulations of the Vilnius University Doctoral Programme

Benefits for students: A new chapter XII has been added to the regulation, defining the conduct of interdisciplinary doctoral studies. This is an important step towards modern and flexible third cycle studies.

• Approval of the Regulations on Studies at Vilnius University

Benefits for students: the 15 study credits of debt and/or academic debt rate provided for in the Regulations for the removal of a student from the University has been increased to a rate of more than 20 study credits of debt and/or academic debt, in order to ensure proper management of student attrition from studies at Vilnius University.

• Approval of the guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence at Vilnius University

Benefits for students: the guidelines provide guidance on the appropriate use of AI tools in research, teaching and learning activities to avoid breaches of academic ethics, breaches of copyright law and disclosure of personal or confidential information, and discuss the main tools used in teaching and learning and research activities.

• Changes to the criteria for Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude diplomas

Benefits for students: the criteria that meet the highest achievement requirement for Magna Cum Laude candidates have been detailed, the additional requirement for core units to provide a brief justification of the quality and significance of the graduate's performance has been added, and the imperative to include the VU endorsement in the research output has been removed.

• Approval of the rules of procedure for residency studies

Benefits for students: the introduction of competency-based training, enabling resident doctors to carry out independent clinical activities during their residency studies. The regulation also introduces the possibility of suspension of residency training. It also details the professional practice of the resident in the residency base, describing the guarantees for resident doctors, including the duration of the work, the on-call procedure and the interaction with the resident's supervisors and mentors.

• Presentation of the VU SR study on academic dishonesty of VU students and establishment of a working group for the development of a plan to prevent academic dishonesty at Vilnius University

Benefit for students: the VU SR study on academic dishonesty of VU students was presented at the VU Senate meeting and received positive comments and observations. The study highlighted the need for the University to adopt a plan to ensure effective prevention of academic dishonesty. This plan will enable the University to act more systematically and strategically in the area of academic dishonesty prevention and will provide concrete actions to be taken by both the academic stem units and the various decision-making structures.

• Presentation "Doctoral studies: problems and possible solutions for doctoral students"

Benefits for students: for the first time at a meeting of the Vilnius University Senate, a representative of the students gave a presentation on PhD studies at Vilnius University, alongside a presentation by the vice-rector on PhD studies at Vilnius University and a presentation by the Head of the Doctoral and Postdoctoral Unit on the Doctoral Studies Survey. It highlighted the core issues that VU SR sees from the interviews with PhD students and the survey coordinated with the DPU: social relations with the supervisor; integration differences; financial issues (mainly related to the use of the PhD fund) and employability at the University. In addition to the activities carried out by the VU SA to reduce the scope of these problems (training of supervisors and supervisees of PhD students, mentoring of PhD students, etc.), possible solutions to the problems were proposed and are described in more detail in the section on PhD student representation. A decision was also taken to organise a separate meeting of the VU Senate to discuss doctoral issues.

• Through the eyes of VU student(s)

As every year, at the Senate, the President of VU SR presented how the University is seen by students. The presentation welcomed the development of integration, students' research activities, the increasing focus on third cycle studies, internationalisation, etc. The data from Part I of the freshmen integration survey were also briefly shared, and the following areas of the University's activities were highlighted for improvement: the quality of internship organisation and performance, updating the content of studies and teaching methods, development of interdisciplinarity, increasing the focus on citizenship and societal resilience, adaptation of studies, services, information and infrastructure for students with disabilities, upgrading of the infrastructure of dormitories, etc.

VU Rectorate

Students' representative - Klėja Merčaitytė

The Rectorate is a collegial body that advises the Rector of the VU, discusses the most important issues of the VU, and provides comments and observations from the perspective of the units. The Rectorate is composed of the rector, vice-rector, pro-rectors, chancellor, heads of core units, the president of VU SR and other members appointed by the rector.

During the reporting period, the results of the survey of PhD students were presented at the rectorate, the descriptions of the procedures for the administration of the VU social partnership and lifelong learning programmes were discussed, and the conditions and procedures for the recruitment of lecturers were debated. The possibilities of expanding the recruitment of students at the University were also discussed, as well as the draft guidelines for the use of affiliation and the draft plan for the implementation of the VU Sustainable Development Goals. At the Rector's Office, we also had a discussion on the concept and implementation plan for VU Alumni Relations and on fixed-term contracts for academic staff over 65 years old. Following the election of the new Rector, the principles of the Rector's Programme and the development of the new VU Strategy were presented.

The VU SR President was involved in the discussion of issues of concern to students at the Rectorate, shared VU SR news and presented the results of the VU SR study on the integration of first-year students for 2024-2025, highlighting the recommendations to ensure the smoothness of the future integration process.

Meetings of Vice-Deans for Academic Affairs

Student representative - Povilas Virbašius

The meetings of the Vice-Deans of Academic Affairs provide conclusions and recommendations for the improvement of the University's study activities. All Deputy Heads of the academic units of the University's academic departments responsible for studies, as well as student representatives, attend these meetings.

During the reporting period, 9 meetings were held to discuss individual study choices, internationalisation, prevention of drop-out, admission of students and trends in these processes. Amendments to the VU Study Regulations, the description of the procedure for the development, implementation and improvement of VU study programmes and the procedure for the crediting of VU study results were also discussed. The representative of VU SR initiated and presented amendments to the Regulations of the VU Study Programme Committee, which were discussed at the meeting. The semester student studies satisfaction and alumni surveys were also reviewed, and the VU SR Integration Process Coordinator presented the results of Part I of the VU First-Year Student Integration Survey. The indicators of the VU Study Quality Manual were also reviewed. Other issues of importance to students were also discussed during the meetings.

Representation in VU Faculty Councils and Study Programme Committees (SPCs)

During the reporting period, students' interests were represented not only at the central level but also across all core academic units of Vilnius University -- student representatives were active in all Faculty Councils and various Study Programme Committees (SPCs).

Faculty Councils at VU discuss a wide range of issues: they approve the Faculty's activity plan, budget, scientific research directions, the members of SPCs and other committees (except student representatives), consider new study programmes and modifications to existing ones, and evaluate the outcomes of research and studies. A Faculty Council consists of the Faculty head, teaching staff, members of the academic and non-academic community, social partners, and student representatives.

Study Programme Committees (SPCs) are academic bodies responsible for coordinating and overseeing study programmes. SPCs ensure the consistency of programme objectives, intended competencies, content, teaching methods, and student achievement assessments. They also improve study programmes based on feedback from students, lecturers, alumni, and social partners, along with other quality indicators. Each SPC includes at least three lecturers, one social partner, and one student representative.

To ensure expert-level student representation, various initiatives were implemented throughout the year: central and faculty-level training sessions on advocacy were organized, efforts were made to promote student representation activities within faculties, and the event "Representation First-Hand" was held to introduce students to representation opportunities. Student representatives also completed a dedicated knowledge test to reinforce their understanding of academic structure and governance. Additionally, they collected student opinions (through surveys and focus groups), which were systematized and presented during SPC meetings. Faculty representative coordinators reviewed over 1,100 individual course descriptions, identifying problematic areas to be addressed.

This year, over 250 SPC meetings and more than 100 Faculty Council meetings took place at VU. Below is a detailed statistical summary of these meetings and the main issues discussed.

CAU Council meetings

VU CAU	Nr. of Council Meetings	Key Topics Discussed
Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences	11	Approval of the new Director of the Institute of Chemistry; Endorsement of submissions to various competitions; Approval of incentive procedures for scientific achievements; Approval of evaluation forms for contributions to study quality.
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration	14	Approval of SPC improvement reports; Study programme changes; Student support issues.
Faculty of Physics	9	Budget approval; Appointment of a new Vice-Dean for Studies; Updates to SPC compositions.
Faculty of Philology	10	Approval of the 2024–2025 Council work plan; Formation of a working group for study programme improvement (including two student representatives); Approval of general methodological guidelines for thesis writing; Approval of changes to BA and MA programmes; Approval of the 2024 annual activity report.
Faculty of Philosophy	8	Updates to BA and MA study programmes; Changes in SPC compositions; Approval of annual tuition fees for BA, MA, and doctoral programmes; Establishment of a Doctoral School in Education; Creation of a new SPC for the international study programme “Sustainability and Future Societies.”
Life Sciences Center	6	Election of VU LSC Director; Approval of the LSC budget; Approval of annual tuition fees.
Faculty of History	8	Election of the new Dean; Updates to thesis writing guidelines regarding (non-)use of AI; Presentation of integration research.
Faculty of Communication	7	Formation and approval of new SPC compositions; Approval of changes to BA and MA study plans; Approval of new annual tuition fees.
Kaunas Faculty	13	Revision of the regulation for incentives for scientific achievements; Approval of editorial boards of scientific journals; Approval of BUS module descriptions; Approval of new annual tuition fees.
Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics	12	Allocation of funds; Submission of scientific works to various projects; Updates to SPC compositions; Approval of academic degree candidates; Approval of the new Director of TMI.
Faculty of Medicine	11	Execution of residency programmes, rules for recognition of competencies; Approval of methodological resources; Introduction of new funding procedure for student conference travel; Update of admission score formula for residency; Revision of student scientific activity scoring system.
Šiauliai Academy	7	Changes to thesis preparation and defence procedures; Changes in SPC compositions; Approval of the 2024 annual activity report.
Institute of International Relations and Political Science	6	Approval of mandatory adaptive practice regulations; Approval of AI usage declaration form; Approval of strategic action plan for 2025–2030.
Faculty of Law	7	Approval of textbooks and teaching materials; Approval of incentive funds for contributions to study quality, expert activity, and communication in the name of the university; Approval of BUS subject “European Green Deal and Sustainability.”
Business School	7	Approval of named VU BS scholarships; Presentation of 2024 activity reports from BA and MA programme committees; Approval of study regulation descriptions.

CAU meetings

VU CAU	Number of SPC Meetings	Key Topics Discussed
Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences	26	Permission granted to a master’s student to defend thesis remotely due to internship; Changes to the study timetable (subjects moved to a different semester); Course content improved based on student survey and issues raised at the SPC meeting; Approval of course descriptions.
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration	30	Approval of course descriptions; Changes in teaching staff; Updates to the composition of study program committees; Approval of bachelor's and master's thesis topics;
Faculty of Physics	15	Updates to study programme timetables; Changes in teaching staff.
Faculty of Philology	32	Discussion of study programme timetable; Changes to elective course list and scheduling; Selection of MA thesis topics and updates to old assessment practices; Study programme reform (Scandinavian studies).
Faculty of Philosophy	35	Approval of course descriptions, including new electives and individual study subjects; Approval of BA and MA thesis topics; Review of study workload and corresponding course credits (transition to 5 ECTS for master's courses, reduction of workload for 4th-year bachelor students); Presentation of feedback guidelines prepared by VU SA FsF.
Life Sciences Center	14	Review and approval of course descriptions; Presentation of collected student feedback during meetings; Review and adjustment of course workloads (independent vs. contact hours).
Faculty of History	0	No meetings were held during the reporting period.
Faculty of Communication	29	Approval of course descriptions; Approval of coursework and thesis topics, and internship placements; Review and update of study timetables; Presentation of student feedback.
Kaunas Faculty	30	Review of methodological guidelines; Approval of BA and MA thesis topics; Adjustments to study timetables and minimum admission requirements for MA programmes; Discussion on whether to discontinue departmental thesis defences – decided to keep them.
Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics	16	Review of student feedback surveys; Approval of new courses; Discussion on the use of AI; Changes in course delivery (e.g., English language instruction, teaching staff changes).
Faculty of Medicine	48	Optimization of study timetables and updates to course descriptions; Improvement of internship organization and achievement tracking; Introduction of conference participation funding procedure; Improvement of scientific activity scoring method.
Šiauliai Academy	0	No meetings were held during the reporting period.
Institute of International Relations and Political Science	12	Discussion of student feedback; Structural changes to programmes; Mandatory internship; Approval of individual study courses.
Faculty of Law	4	Updates to the preparation, defence, evaluation, and storage procedures of coursework and final theses; Approval of new specialization “Market Regulation and Compliance” – to be included in the list of optional specializations starting spring 2025; Approval of new individual study courses.
Business School	4	Review and approval of methodological guidelines Changes in teaching staff Approval of bachelor's and master's thesis topics

Senate Commissions

VU Central Dispute Commission

Student representatives - Vygintas Bartusevičius, Vismantas Daujotas, Samanta Valiušaitytė.

The Commission examines complaints about the validity and reasonability of the decisions of the VU Unit Disputes Committees, or about omissions or non-compliance with decisions. This provision does not apply to appeals against the final evaluation of the study achievements. It shall also cover applications concerning disputes arising between students and members of the staff of the Central Administration, in cases where such disputes are related to research or study activities. Neither academic ethics nor staff relations disputes are included in this category. In addition, the Commission shall deal with other complaints relating to research and study activities which are not dealt with by the VU Unit Disputes Committees or other bodies operating within the University.

During the reporting period, 4 meetings were held, during which 9 complaints were examined.

During the reporting period, 4 meetings were held and 9 allegations were examined. The complaints mainly raised issues related to the transparency of assessment, the availability of feedback on study assessments, the procedures for the defence of final theses, the organisation of internships and the recognition of individual study results. Some of the complaints were rejected as being outside the competence of the Commission or were not submitted in accordance with the established procedures, and in some cases the complaints were referred to other parts of the University for investigation.

VU Central Commission for Academic Ethics

Student representatives - Eglė Gaučaitė, Ugnė Šcesnovičiūtė, Eivinas Zableckas.

The Commission deals with complaints from members of the academic community regarding violations of academic ethics.

During the reporting period, 6 meetings of the Commission were held and 8 cases were examined. During the reporting period, a meeting of the VU Central Academic Ethics Commission with the Ombudsman for Academic Ethics and Procedures and a meeting initiated by the Office of the Ombudsman for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania with the academic ethics committees and commissions of Lithuanian higher education institutions were held.

VU Academic Protocol Commission

Student representatives - Anelė Dromantaitė, Povilas Virbašius.

The VU Academic Protocol Commission is responsible for the order of ceremonies held at VU and for the maintenance of the University's attributes and traditions.

During the reporting period, the Commission did not hold any meetings, however, issues related to the use of Latin in VU academic events and its adaptation to accurately reflect gender in Doctor honoris causa diplomas and ceremonies were discussed via electronic communications. The issue of the conduct of classes and lectures during the inauguration of the Rector of the VU, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol on Academic Rites of the VU, was also discussed.

VU Central Electoral Commission

Student representatives - Vismantas Daujotas and Agnė Dirmantaitė.

The Central Election Commission of Vilnius University ensures a transparent and well-organised election process of the University's governing bodies. The Commission organises and conducts the elections of the Senate (except for the student representatives) and the members of the Council, as well as the public competition for the position of the Rector. It shall register all elected or appointed members of the Senate and the Council, determine the results of the election of the Rector and approve the forms of election documents. The functions of the Commission shall also include the assessment of the eligibility of candidates, the establishment of the lists of eligible staff, the approval of the election commissions of the core academic units, the announcement of the dates and procedures of the elections and their organisational supervision. The Commission shall have the right to request additional information and documents from candidates or University departments in order to take decisions. If necessary, it shall make proposals to the Senate for the improvement of the documents governing the election procedures and shall ensure the quality of the organisation of the elections.

During the reporting period, 11 meetings of the Central Electoral Commission were held, of which 8 were held remotely. The meetings discussed and approved various issues related to the organisation and conduct of the elections of the governing bodies of the University.

The Commission registered candidates for members of the University Council, as well as candidates for the vacant Senate seats in the Faculties of Economics and Business Administration and Physics. The registration of a candidate for the post of Rector was also considered, as well as his/her eligibility for the established requirements.

The election timetables, preliminary and final electoral rolls, voting dates, times and places were approved. The forms of the voting documents - ballot papers, issue sheets and minutes of the electoral commissions - were also approved.

The Commission approved the results of the elections to the University Council (including the second round) and the elections to the vacant seats of the Senate.

VU Commission for Emeritus, Affiliation and Honorary Titles

Student representative - Julija Jarutytė

The Commission considers and submits to the VU Senate for approval nominations for the titles of Emeritus Professor, Affiliated Professor, Associate Professor, Research Fellow, Honorary Doctor, Alumnus or Patron of VU.

During the reporting period, 2 meetings were held to consider 6 nominations for the titles of Professor Emeritus (4 confirmed), 2 nominations for the titles of Affiliated Professor (2 confirmed), 4 nominations for the titles of Affiliated Researcher (3 confirmed), and the titles of Patron of Vilnius University were granted to Angelė Matildė and Sigitas Pranas Kazlauskas and Gediminas Vaitiekūnas.

Other commissions

VU Educational Initiatives Commission

Student representative - Klėja Merčaitytė

The Educational Initiatives Committee considers, approves and allocates funds for faculty initiatives aimed at improving the study process, subjects, their teaching, increasing student involvement and implementing innovative educational ideas that do not always have enough standard resources.

This year, 11 new applications for educational initiatives have been approved by the Commission.

VU Study Quality Comission

Students' representative - Julija Jarutytė

The commission discusses the plans for the improvement of the fields of study prepared after the accreditation and the conclusions of the external evaluation of the field of study.

During the reporting period, recommendations were made, and improvement plans for 11 different fields of study were considered (11 approved). The following strands have been discussed:

• Societal Geography (FCHG)
• Management (FEBA, KF, ŠA, BS)
• Law (FL)
• Heritage Studies (FH)
• Public Health (FM)
• Philology by Language (Foreign Languages) (FPhil, ŠA)
• Philology by Language (Lithuanian language) (FPhil, KF)
• Dentistry (FM)
• Molecular Biology (LSC)
• Biophysics (LSC)
• Communication (FC)

VU Central Admissions Commission

Students' representative - Klėja Merčaitytė

The commission discusses and submits nominations for academic positions at the highest level - professors and senior researchers - to the Rector of the University for approval.

Considering the submitted student surveys, pedagogical competencies, teaching experience and planned academic activities, the VU SR President voted against or in favour of the nominations of the candidates based on the data listed above. The main indicators for not approving the nominations were lack of pedagogical competencies, feedback from students regarding pedagogical competence or lack of academic ethics.

A total of 66 applications were considered by the central admissions commission. The number of applications submitted at the current time is not definitive, as the commission is still ongoing.

VU Commission for the conferral of the titles of Professor and Associate Professor

Students' representative - Povilas Virbašius

The commission discusses and submits the nominations of lecturers for the bestowal of pedagogical titles to the Senate for approval.

During the reporting period, one meeting of the commission was held, during which candidates for the pedagogical titles of VU professors and associate professors were discussed. On behalf of the commission, 30 academic staff members (18 associate professors and 12 professors) were proposed to the VU Senate for the bestowal of the titles.

VU Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Partnership Professors and Partnership Associate Professors

Students' representative - Klėja Merčaitytė

The committee provides advice on the appointment of Partnership Professors and Partnership Associate Professors to the VU Rector. These positions allow prominent Lithuanian business representatives, diplomats and other professionals in their fields of expertise, who hold senior positions or have extensive practical work experience, to lecture at Vilnius University.

During the reporting period, 34 applicants were assessed as meeting the requirements for Partnership Professors and Partnership Associate Professors and were proposed for appointment to these posts.

VU Best Lecturer Recognition Commission

Students' representative - Povilas Virbašius

The Commission reviews the performance of the nominees and makes recommendations to the Rector for recognition as the best lecturers of the year. Nominations of lecturers proposed by Vilnius University students shall be submitted to the commission for consideration by the administration of the core academic unit together with the VU SR unit. During the reporting period, 1 meeting of the commission was held. During the meeting, 15 best lecturers of the University were selected from the candidates as nominated by the units, which were later awarded with the Rector's bonus.

The best lecturers of 2024:

• Dr Andrius BALČIŪNAS, Associate Professor, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences,
• Dr. Rasa PAULIENĖ, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration,
• Dr. Tomas RIKLIUS, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Philology,
• Aiden WOJCIECHOWICZ, Lecturer, Faculty of Philosophy,
• Dr. Dovydas BANEVIČIUS, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physics,
• Dr. Irena NEDVECKYTĖ, Assistant Professor at the Life Sciences Centre,
• Dr. Ryšard GAIDIS, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of History,
• Dr. Skirmantė BIRŽIETIENĖ, Associate Professor, Kaunas Faculty,
• Dr. Rūta KUPETYTĖ, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Communication,
• Dr. Gintautas BAREIKIS, Associate Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics,
• Dr. Asta MAŽEIKIENĖ, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine,
• Dr. Laima TOMĖNIENĖ, Associate Professor at Šiauliai Academy,
• Dr. Ieva GIEDRAITYTĖ, Assistant Professor, Institute of International Relations and Political Science,
• Dr. Elena MASNEVAITĖ, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law,
• Dr. Danguolė OŽELIENĖ, Associate Professor, Business School.

VU Social Scholarship Allocation Commission

Students' representatives - Viktorija Amankavičiūtė and Lukas Jakonis

The social scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and integrated study students who are not in their first year of study, as well as to postgraduate and vocational pedagogy students who are not in their first semester of study and who are experiencing social difficulties. 105 scholarships were awarded to students during the reporting period.

VU Societal Activities Scholarship Allocation Commission

Students' representatives - Justas Lebedevas, Jūra Subačiūtė.

The scholarship is awarded to students for individual achievements that contribute to society's future, the solution of societal problems, the implementation of the goals of the University's strategic plan and other achievements that honour the University.

During the reporting period 4 meetings were held. These meetings were devoted to discussing the evaluation of the applications received and, after the applications had been evaluated, general discussions were held independently and, if necessary, re-evaluations. Two grant distributions took place during the reporting period. In the autumn semester, scholarships worth 950 BSB, 55 euros each, (i.e. 52 250 euros) were distributed. This spring, scholarships worth 742 BSB worth 70 euros each (i.e. 51 940 euros) were distributed. It is important to note that with the introduction of the new Sports Achievement Scholarship, some applications were not evaluated this spring.

VU Scholarship for Scientific Achievements Allocation Commission

Students' representatives - Liepa Burneikaitė, Domantas Klumbys

The scholarship for scientific achievements is awarded to undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, vocational pedagogy and residency students with a record of scientific activity for their participation in conferences, scientific research and other scientific activities.

The Scholarship Allocation Commission held 2 remote meetings during the reporting period, during which scholarships worth 28 000 eur (480 BSB) were awarded. 377 BSB were awarded in the field of exact sciences and 23 BSBs in the field of social sciences and humanities. A total of 47 students were awarded scholarships.

Interdisciplinary Study Experts Commission

Students' representative - Samanta Valiušaitytė

The VU interdisciplinary studies commission, in accordance with the VU Interdisciplinary studies concept, considers interdisciplinary study subjects (modules), their descriptions and carries out their quality monitoring (if the subject (module) is carried out as a part of individual studies). Interdisciplinary subjects/modules may be developed and implemented by a single lecturer(s) or a group of lecturers, in accordance with the calls for proposals, and recieve the foreseen funding.

Two meetings and one remote vote were held during the reporting period. During the meetings, the commission considered 6 applications, of which 3 were returned for revision (one of which was subsequently approved), and 5 subject (module) descriptions, of which 4 were approved and 1 returned for revision. 1 revised application and 3 subject descriptions were considered and approved by remote voting.

VU Study Internationalisation Initiatives Commissio

Students' representative - Uršulė Barkauskaitė

The commission evaluates the compliance of the submitted international initiative applications with the objectives of the internationalisation fund and considers the allocation of funds for the implementation of these initiatives.

This year, 2 remote meetings were held during the reporting period: 13 applications were examined during the November meeting and 34 applications were examined during the March meeting. During the meetings it was also discussed about the nature of the international initiatives organised and the development of global competences for students and lecturers, which brought up a general discussion on the perception of intercultural activities at Vilnius University and the mechanisms for promoting them.

VU Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Violence and Stalking Incident Investigation Commission

Students' representative - Klėja Merčaitytė

The commission examines the reports received in accordance with the VU procedures for dealing with cases of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, violence and stalking.

During the reporting period, the Commission held 8 meetings and examined 4 reports.

Scholarship Commissions

VU 450th Anniversary Scholarship

Students' representatives - Lukas Jakonis ir Deivydas Mickus

VU 450th Anniversary Scholarship is a special scholarship established by Vilnius University for prospective undergraduate and integrated studies students from socially vulnerable families. In order to alleviate the problem of social exclusion, which is a pressing issue in Lithuania, a scholarship of EUR 300 per month is awarded to students with financial difficulties during the first year of studies, from September to June.

During the reporting period, there was 1 meeting at which 4 scholarships established by the University's social partners and 125 scholarships by the University were awarded to first-year students.

Community Support Grant Committee

Students' representatives - Roberta Kirkliauskaitė, Lukrecija Kociūtė, Elzė Masiulytė

The Community Support Grant is awarded to students in cases of illness of the student or their relatives, death of relatives, natural or other disaster, sudden deterioration of the student's or his/her family's financial situation, and in other exceptional cases.

During the reporting period, 3 meetings were held to review applications and make decisions on awarding scholarships. The decisions were made in accordance with the Vilnius University Scholarship Regulations and the approved criteria for awarding Community Support Grant.

Scholarship amounts varied depending on the submitted documents and the complexity of the situation. Scholarships were awarded not only due to financial difficulties, but also due to illness, bereavement, natural disaster and other individual circumstances.

A total of 57 scholarships were awarded during the year totaling 588 BSI.

Lithuanian Canadian Foundation Eileen and Vincent Kadis Scholarship Committee

Students' representative - Eglė Lukauskaitė

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Center for Life Sciences, the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences and the University's School of Medicine studying chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and medicine to improve their academic performance, become interested in scientific innovation and participate in research activities.

During the reporting period, one meeting was held, during which three named scholarships were granted.

Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship Scholarship Committee

Students' representative - Vismantas Daujotas

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship is awarded to Ukrainian students enrolling in Vilnius University to cover living expenses during the first year of study.

Since the 1st of July 2024, there has been one meeting of the Central Commission for the distribution of these scholarships. Scholarships were awarded to 25 male and female students: 21 undergraduate and graduate students and 4 postgraduate students.

Other working groups

VU Emotional Wellbeing Working Group

Student representatives - Klėja Merčaitytė and Livija Trakelytė

VU Emotional Well-being Working Group for the planning of the Emotional Well-being Programme at VU. The group made suggestions on the possibilities of employment for students at Vilnius University, the installation of child, prayer and calm rooms, improvement of communication with and accessibility to students, updating the registration system for psychological counselling, and the use of gender-appropriate names for students. A total of 2 meetings were held during the reporting period.

VU Youth Mental Health Expert Group

Student representatives - Klėja Merčaitytė and Livija Trakelytė

The VU Psychotraumatology Centre's Youth Mental Health Expert Group discussed the meetings with impartial advisory groups and the preliminary results of the relevance of the pilot stress reduction programme "Sija" for young people. Suggestions were also made on the possible communication strategy for the conduct of a baseline study on the Sija programme. A total of 2 meetings were held during the reporting period.

Working Group for University Sustainable Development Planning

Student representative -- Dominyka Goldbergaitė

During the reporting period, the working group prepared the final guidelines for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Vilnius University and a draft action plan. The document was discussed during a meeting of the VU Council.

The plan outlines a systematic approach for the University to ensure sustainable development in areas such as community growth, infrastructure adaptation, decision-making, and the optimization of study processes. This year, a solid foundation was finally laid, and the document is now awaiting approval.

Work group on the development of the pedagogical competences system for VU lecturers

Student representative - Povilas Virbašius

The Learning and Teaching Thematic Peer Group, initiated by the European University Association, brings together a group of selected EUA member universities on an annual basis to discuss and analyse practices and lessons learned in the organisation and implementation of learning and teaching at institutional level. They also identify examples of good practice on a given topic. This year, Vilnius University and representatives of its administration and students are taking part in a working group to analyse examples and make recommendations for the quality and impact of staff development in the field of training. This group is looking at how data, including institutional research, feedback from colleagues and students, can be used to assess the impact of different forms of staff development and how staff development impacts on the institutional teaching culture. The group will identify key indicators to measure how staff development activities improve student learning outcomes. It will also suggest ways to strengthen and make good use of them.

Representation of PhD students

During the reporting period, active work on the representation of third cycle students continued. During this period, three meetings were held with the VU SR PhD Students' Working Group, with whom we discussed important issues: the situation of employability of doctoral students at VU, the need to improve the integration of doctoral students, the indexation of scholarships, the coordination of the annual survey of PhD students, etc. Also at the beginning of the term (and during the course of the term), three main areas emerged on which we have been working this year: improving the relationship with the supervisor, improving the integration process, and the issue of the use of the finances and the employability of PhD students. Below are the main aspects and the work carried out in these areas.

Improving relations with the supervisor. Last year, we indicated that there is a lack of trainings at the VU that is targeted at supervisors of PhD students. This year we organised two such trainings, the first of which focused on improving the competences of supervisors who have a first PhD student, and the second on interdisciplinarity in the PhD. The first training was attended by almost 40 participants and the second by 11 supervisors and managers. Both trainings were well received and we plan to organise them again in the next academic year on other relevant topics.

Improving the integration process. It is clear that the integration of students at Level III is still lame compared to Levels I and II and needs to be improved. Therefore, at the beginning of the academic year, during the meeting of the Vice-Deans of Science, we expressed the need and recommendations on how the core academic units could better integrate newly enrolled PhD students into the study process. We also contributed to the organisation of a central integration day for PhD students (you can read more about this in the section "III cycle integration"). The Doctoral Student Mentoring Initiative will be launched next academic year with the aim of creating a continuous mentoring relationship between older PhD students or young PhD students and younger PhD students (including first year PhD students), providing them with academic, administrative and social support. We are also planning an interdisciplinary PhD symposium in July, where PhD students will have the opportunity not only to make new contacts but also to learn about the latest trends in interdisciplinary research.

The issue of the use of funding and employability of PhD students. It is evident both from the interviews with the members of the VU SR PhD Student Working Group and from the results of this year's survey of doctoral students that the use of finances (the PhD fund) and employability at the University are still quite important topics that require attention. The vast majority of PhD students do not use the PhD fund fully or at all, and some PhD students do not even know what the PhD fund is. These circumstances also contribute to the rather poor mobility rates of doctoral students. There are also problems in the employability of third cycle students: there are untaxed extra and non-doctoral activities, and some students want to work at the university, but the VU does not provide the conditions for this. Therefore, both at the February Senate meeting and at the March meeting of the Vice-Deans of Science, these issues were presented and appropriate proposals were made: to inform PhD students in detail about the study fund, its size and possibilities of its use, to encourage PhD students to use the funds and to exploit the possibilities of employing PhD students in project activities.

It is worth noting that this year, for the first time, a representative of the students presented the above-mentioned problems and possible solutions at the Senate meeting: in addition to the above-mentioned proposals on the use of funds and employability, the need for a more coherent, more complete integration of PhD students in the units and for supervisors to be more actively involved in targeted training were highlighted. The increasing focus on PhD studies is certainly encouraging and we believe that it is crucial for building a more cohesive, coherent and inclusive academic community.