The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, stated today that the Faculty of Philosophy is one of the most important organisational units of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, and that this institution plays an important role in preserving national disciplines and the identity of the Serbian people.
During today's visit to Pale, Minister Mastilović said he was pleased to visit the Faculty of Philosophy and see that its dean, Vladan Bartula, together with his team, is working intensively on the further development of this higher education institution.
"The Faculty is working on modernising its study programmes and improving study conditions. This is one of the largest organisational units of our university, not only in terms of the number of students and programmes, but also because national disciplines important for the identity and cultural memory of the Serbian people are studied here," said Minister Mastilović.
He added that it is important that the Faculty's leadership is also actively engaged in its social and cultural role through organising literary evenings, academic conferences, and other events.
Minister Mastilović emphasised that, alongside very good study conditions at the Faculty, students also benefit from quality accommodation and subsidised meals at the Student Centre Pale.
Taking into account free tuition, free accommodation in student halls of residence, and increased scholarships, Mastilović stated that Pale has become a significant university centre offering students conditions at a European level.
"Our young people therefore have no need to go abroad to study, as here in Pale and other university centres in the Republic of Srpska they can obtain not only top-quality education, but also accommodation and all the necessary conditions for successful study," he said.
The Rector of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Milan Kulić, said that during the visit to the Faculty of Philosophy and the Student Centre they had the opportunity to see first-hand the quality of conditions available to students.
"Students enrolling at the University of Istočno Sarajevo have the opportunity to live in halls of residence with conditions rarely found in the region. This is a source of pride for the University and the Government of the Republic of Srpska," Kulić emphasised.
He added that discussions would also be held with the leadership of the Faculty of Philosophy in Pale regarding preparations for the enrolment of a new generation of students, as well as a promotional campaign for study programmes, including the organisation of an "Open Days" event.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Vladan Bartula, said that the visit by the relevant ministry is a particular honour for the institution, especially as the Minister previously served as its dean.
Bartula stated that discussions would focus on issues of strategic importance for the development of the Faculty and higher education, including the accreditation of new study programmes, the introduction of joint degrees, and legislative solutions to be developed in cooperation with the ministry and the two public universities in the Republic of Srpska.
He also announced the organisation of an international academic conference that will bring together numerous domestic and international scholars.