Documents for the AS (Academic Senate)
Higher Education Institutions and Legislation – A Handbook for Senators
Under Czech law, higher education institutions are divided into public, private, and state institutions. The senator’s handbook devotes space to the legal status of higher education institutions, explains what self-governance means, and, above all, explains how students can get involved in addressing self-governance matters at their institution.
Statute of the Council of Higher Education Institutions (RVŠ)
What exactly is the Council of Higher Education Institutions, what does it do, and how can you become a member? You can find out all of this in the current statute of the RVŠ.
Interestingly, under the version of the statute in force since January 1, 2024, two student representatives of a higher education institution — namely a delegate and their alternate — are delegated by the academic senate of a public or state higher education institution, or by the representative academic body of a private higher education institution, on the basis of a vote among those members of that body who are students.
20 Priorities for the 21st-Century University
Through our cooperation, we have mapped the current situation at higher education institutions in the Czech Republic, shared our know-how, and identified examples of good practice from various institutions. As a result, we have compiled 20 key priorities for the 21st-century university.
This document will help you get a sense of what could be improved at your institution, while also showing you what mechanisms are in place elsewhere. Last but not least, it may inspire you to advocate for the ideas presented here. Among the priorities, you will find topics such as electronic elections, a safe environment at higher education institutions, sustainable development and social responsibility, and student culture, education, and student support…
Find out with your colleagues to what extent your university covers the areas mentioned in the document. And if you conclude that something is missing at your institution, consider taking it on yourself. This document will be a great support for you in doing so. We’re rooting for you! And if you need anything at all, remember that you can always turn to your representatives at the SK RVŠ.
Statute of the Jan Opletal Awards
Jan Opletal was a student at the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University who bravely resisted Nazi oppression in 1939, a stand that ultimately cost him his life. It is his name that is borne by the highest student award in our country, presented by the SK RVŠ together with the association Díky, že můžem.
Nominations for the Jan Opletal Awards (CJO) can also be submitted by students themselves. More precisely, nominations may be submitted by the academic senates of higher education institutions and faculties, or their student sections, and by the bodies of private higher education institutions performing a function equivalent to that of an academic senate, as well as by student councils, associations, and other student structures at higher education institutions, and also by a group of at least three higher education students. The CJO is currently awarded in 3 categories. More detailed information can be found in the statute, on the website, or on Instagram @cenyjanaopletala.
Report on the Activities of the SK RVŠ’s Committees and Working Groups
Are you curious how things work at the SK RVŠ, what we do, and what we deal with? Follow our website and social media, whether on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). But also take a look at the report on the activities of the individual committees and working groups, which will give you a closer look at our work.
Among other things, the report covers the activities of the Committee for Higher Education Self-Governance, which monitors the situation in academic self-governance and focuses on active and effective cooperation between the SK RVŠ and academic self-governing bodies.
Safe at University
A safe and respectful environment is a prerequisite for quality education and quality of life at a higher education institution. Nevertheless, students may encounter various forms of inappropriate behavior — ranging from discrimination and bullying to sexual harassment or drink spiking at social events. The handbook Safe at University, created by the Student Chamber of the Council of Higher Education Institutions (SK RVŠ), was developed as a practical guide aimed at raising awareness of these phenomena, strengthening prevention, and offering clear information on where to seek support.
