Proposal of Measures by the SPUMNE Concerning Continuation of Work of Faculties which Stopped Working Due to Virus Pandemic COVID 19
The Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro as an independent and autonomous body recognized by the Law on Higher Education of the State of Montenegro, which represents over 21.000 (twenty-one thousand) students, has the responsibility to inform all students about the measures we plan to propose to competent institutions.
As the highest representative body of students in Montenegro, we have obligation and duty to represent the rights and interests of all our students at all times. Aware of the gravity of the situation in which we all find ourselves as citizens of this country, in addition to our social responsibility, we will propose measures that would be important for higher education in these circumstances.
From the day when classes at the University of Montenegro were suspended, we have been constantly monitoring the process of online teaching. Over 45 working days from the day of interruption of classes in order to ensure continuity in the teaching process, we had regular communication with students, professors and the management of the University of Montenegro.
Aware of the current situation which shows that the first phase of the struggle is over and that we have all shown a high degree of responsibility, which resulted in the abolition of most measures, we expect that in the near future one of the topics will be the physical return of students to university units. all students within the stipulated time. Considering that the Law on Higher Education and the rules of the University prescribe that exams must be held at the headquarters or premises of the organizational unit, and that the exam is public, according to current regulations, organization of final exam is not possible during the Temporary Measures of the Ministry of Health, only after their cessation.
The Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro proposes a series of measures that would enable problems we have to be solved now and then, and the academic year to be successfully completed.
The proposed measures advocated by the Student Parliament of UCG and notified to the competent institutions are as follows:
- Putting the work of student dormitories into function.
- That all students of the University of Montenegro entitled to use the student subscription card (meals in dormitories) be exempted from paying vouchers for the use of the canteen during the June / July exam period. We are also of the opinion that the membership fee for accommodation in student dormitories during the June / July exam period will be reduced by 50% or that students will be completely exempted from the amount they should set aside for accommodation.
3. Opening of intercity transport so that students from other Montenegrin municipalities can reach their faculty units. Uninterrupted traffic is elementary precondition for students to return to the cities where they study (Podgorica, Nikšić, Cetinje, Kotor, Berane).
4. If conditions for opening the borders are not met, priority should be given to entry of students who come from the surrounding area and who are currently outside the territory of Montenegro. These are full-time students who live on territory of Montenegro and study at the University of Montenegro under the same conditions as students from Montenegro.
5. That examination period lasts 30 working days in order to have sufficient time to assess all pre-examination obligations for which there was no possibility due to the nature of the case or other circumstances to be conducted through online channels.
6. Taking into account the workload of students is an important segment of the correct implementation of the exam period. If by releasing the pre-examination obligations, the students are released from a part of the material, it should be organized in a special term at least a week before the exam or together with the exam.
7. Provide the possibility that after completion of measures due to which the work of the faculty was suspended, students who are left with the defense of graduate and master's theses, bring them to an end without consequences such as inability to enroll in higher education or expiration of completion deadlines.
8. One of initial requests of the Student Parliament sent to the University of Montenegro when the pandemic had stricken our country was to extend scholarship fees until June 1st, 2020. The Steering Committee of the University of Montenegro had an understanding for this request, hence extending scholarship fees for students for two months. However, we consider that there should be a special sensibility and understanding for all families that have three or more students, and who did not have income due to the termination of work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Given that a large number of working age population has not had income in the past two months, this issue should be of particular importance. For such cases of our students and their families, we should have a special understanding, because these are families that are not able to pay tuition fees in such circumstances. Deadline should be additionally extended only for these cases of students and their families.