Credit: Linas Vaitonis
On March 3, a meeting of the Faculty community with the Rector of Vilnius University, Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, took place in the V. Krėvė Auditorium. The Rector was accompanied by Vice-Rector for Research Prof. Gintaras Valušis, Vice-Rector for Studies Assoc. Prof. Valdas Jaskūnas, Vice-Rector for Organizational Development and Community Affairs Prof. Vilmantė Pakalniškienė, Vice-Rector for Partnerships Dr. Artūras Vasiliauskas, and Chancellor Raimundas Balčiūnaitis.
Presenting the Vilnius University 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, its development process, key objectives, and ambitions, the Rector highlighted issues particularly relevant to the Faculty of Philology community. These included the quality of research activities, the improvement of study programs, the contribution of philologists to strengthening the resilience of Lithuanian society as a space for ideas, and the upcoming 450th anniversary of Vilnius University. He also emphasized that the Faculty is already implementing some of the goals of the new strategy, such as study mentorship initiatives.
During the discussion, participants both in the auditorium and online raised questions regarding research quality assessment criteria, the possibility of establishing a center of excellence, plans for strategic partnerships with universities in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, the redistribution of teaching workloads, mentorship for early-career lecturers, the challenging working conditions for researchers, and the future use of the former “Littera” bookstore premises.
Summarizing the nearly two-hour meeting, Dean Prof. Mindaugas Kvietkauskas thanked the Rector and his team for presenting the Strategy and invited members of the community to actively engage in the development of the new Faculty action plan.
The questions raised were not merely formalities. They reflected genuine concern for future plans, international engagement, the strengthening of the academic community, and the changes that matter to us all.
Thank you to everyone who participated for your insights, open dialogue, and shared sense of responsibility.
