On March 20, 2014, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University hosted a presentation of the project – “Strategic Development of Higher Education and Research in Georgia – Reform Supporting Platform Creation”, implemented by the International Institute for Education Policy, Planning and Management. Financial support for the project was provided by the Open Society Georgia Foundation.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the university, civil society and local media.
The meeting was opened by a representative of OSGF, who spoke about the objectives of the project and noted that the involvement of academic and civil society in the process of creating strategic plan for higher education and science development is of great necessity.
At the beginning of the presentation, the director of the International Institute for Education Policy, Planning and Management – Giorgi Machabeli highlighted the fact that the presented research was not to be considered as a strategic plan, but rather a situational analysis with recommendations for strategic development of the field.
The experts discussed the research results and presented the recommendations in accordance with the following strategic directions:
The presentation was followed by a heated discussion. Academic staff and students of the University got interested on issues related to the promotion of graduate employment, improvement of the current entrance examination system, diversification of the universities’ funding sources, improvement of the legislation on wages and property management, internationalization of higher education, development of research skills of undergraduate and postgraduate students, possible mechanisms to increase access of the students to higher education.
By considering the views and comments expressed during the public discussions, the project authors will better understand the moods and attitudes of the academic community and students towards the key issues related to higher education. The public interest with regard to specific issues will be identified as well. In addition, the discussion aims at raising the awareness of the academic community of regional universities and their involvement in higher education policy formation. The views and recommendations expressed during the discussions will be considered in the final document developed within the framework of the project.
Similar discussions have already been held in Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University and in Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.
