Constitution of the University of Latvia APPROVED in the Constitutional
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Constitution of the University of Latvia APPROVED In the Constitutional Assembly meeting of the University of Latvia on 29.03.1996. and the amendments adopted in the Constitutional Assembly meeting of the University of Latvia on 16.12.1996,10.05.2001, 22.02.2006, 21.09.2009. PREAMBLE The origin of the University of Latvia is connected with Riga Polytechnic School founded in 1862 which was transformed into Riga Polytechnical Institute in 1896. On February 8, 1919 the government of Latvian SSR signed a decree on liquidation of this Institute and foundation of the Latvian University on its basis. Opening of the Latvian University took place on September 28, 1919 under conditions of independent Latvia. Its Constitution was approved by the Saeima Election Law of the Republic of Latvia on March 28, 1923 by naming the university "University of Latvia". In June 1940, the government established after occupation of Latvia and inclusion into the USSR liquidated the autonomous status of the University of Latvia, cancelled its Constitution and renamed it as the Latvian State University. On the way of renewal of national independency of Latvia, on March 19, 1990 the University regained the name the University of Latvia. Its second Constitution was adopted by the meeting of the Constitution of the University of Latvia on May 15, 1991, and approved by decision of Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia on September 18, 1991. In accordance with the Law on Institutions of Higher Education of the Republic of Latvia of 1995, the Constitutional Assembly of the University of Latvia adopted the third Constitution on March 29 which was approved by the law of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia on February 5, 1998. 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1.1. The University of Latvia (hereinafter referred to as “UL”) is an institution of academic and professional higher education and science of the Republic of Latvia where the main study and scientific research potential of the state is combined and developed in the field of natural, technical sciences, humanities and social sciences. The UL provides modern studies and research on the basis of unity of higher education and science. The UL actively particpates in solving actual state and social problems. Its name in other languages is as follows: Universitas Latviensis (Latin) Latvijos Universitetas (Lithuanian) Lati Ulikool (Estonian) Латвийский университет (Russian) University of Latvia (English) Universitat Lettlands (German) Universitē de Lettonie (French) Universidad de Letonia (Spain) Legal address of the UL is: Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga, Latvijas Republika (Raiņa boulevard 19, Riga, Republic of Latvia). 1.2. The UL is a derived public entity founded by the state which is a successor of the rights and legal obligations of previous periods. The UL is an autonomous self-government institution. 1.3. Self-government of the UL is based on the rights of each permanent member of the staff, as well as possibilities to participate in the management and administration of the UL and respective structural unit affairs. 1.4. The UL operates in accordance the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, Education Law, Law on Scientific Activity, Law on Institutions of Higher Education and the respective legal acts, this Constitution and international activity standards of universities. 1.5. The UL has its stamp. The stamp depicts the small coat of arms of the state of Latvia and words "Republic of Latvia. University of Latvia ". The UL has its flag, coat of arms, slogan and anthem. The UL flag is cobalt blue with the aureate coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia on one side and coat of arms of the UL in the bow of science emblems – on the other side. The coat of arms of the UL is an oak in the middle of bay-leaf wreath with the UL Latin name "Universitas Latviensis" above it and slogan of the UL "Scientiae et Patriae" below. The slogan of the UL is "Scientiae et Patriae" (Latin), a translation of whih is - "For science and native country". The anthem of the UL is a dedication to the “University of Latvia veltījums" (Music by J.Vītols, words by E.Virza). The day of opening of the UL – September 28 is the Celebration day of the UL. 1.6. The UL is a Convent of Counsellors. It facilitates adjustment of the UL activity with social interests, as well as makes proposals for the UL development strategy. The Convent of Counsellors has the right to suggest review of the issues in the Constitutional Assembly or Senate. The staff of the Convent of Counsellors is elected and its regulation approved by the UL Senate. 2. GOAL AND TASKS OF ACTIVITY 2.1. Successful activity of the UL is a guarantee for development of Latvia. The UL combines various research, studies and innovative activity in order to provide internationally recognized higher education, develop science, take care of the Latvian language and culture, strengthen communication traditions of different cultures. 2.2. The task of the UL is to provide a possibility to obtain academic and professional higher education, make fundamental and applied research in the humanities, natural, technical and social sciences, as well as organize appropriate continuing education and interest education. 2.3. The UL takes care of preparation of new scientists by providing them possibilities of doctoral studies, taking part in the world’s academic processes and ensures promotion and habilitation of scientists. 2.4. The UL operates in order to develop, investigate, maintain and retain for the next generations all the special values which has been given and may be given to the culture and science of the world by the Latvian nation – national culture, art, language, literature, folklore, traditions – with the specific character of its geographical and historical environment. 3. COMPETENCE, BASIC ACTIVITY PRINCIPLES AND TYPES 3.1. In accordance with its goal and tasks the UL - individually determines the content and form of studies, additional terms of enrolment of students, matriculation procedure, as well as basic directions of the UL research work; - confers science degrees, academic degrees and professional qualifications, issues respective UL diplomas and other education certificates recognized in the Republic of Latvia, nostrificates the diplomas obtained in other countries; - elects Honour Members and Honour Doctors of the UL, establishes and awards the UL premiums and personnel scholarships. 3.2. Due to the academic activity the UL shall be entitled to - organize public courses and lectures, organize congresses, conferences and other meetings; - establish associations; - be engaged in national and international funds; - conclude agreements with other education and scientific institutions in the Republic of Latvia and foreign countries; - open departments, barnch offices and agencies in the Republic of Latvia and foreign countries; - to carry out business activities and publishing; - announce competitions. 3.3. The UL establishes, reorganizes and liquidates institutions, public agencies and commercial companies by decision of the Senate in order to achieve the aims. The institutions, public agencies and commercial companies established by the UL operate in compliance with the legal acts, as well as its regulations (articles of association) approved by the UL Senate and agreements with the UL. The UL may be a member and founder in associations and foundations. 3.4. The UL constantly determines its organizational and administrative structure, establishes the staff, sets the wages and scholarships, however, not smaller than those prescribed in the legislative acts of the Republic of Latvia. 3.5. The UL determines its internal procedure by taking into account security of premises and territory of the traditional, internationally recognized universities. 3.6. Upon achieving its aim and performing the tasks the UL shall act pursuant to the following principles: - freedom of transcripts, studies and research: free choice of courses, programmes and research content and method, free expression of a scientific opinion and research results; - unity of studies and research (academic activity). 3.7. The UL serves society, maintains steady communication with the alumni and organizations where their work, as well as with foreign specialists and institutions. By exchanging the information the UL makes the changes necessary in its activity and study programmes. The UL shall inform society about its activity, study and research directions, offer the obtained scientific and professional cognitions and research results. 3.8. Each citizen of Latvia, as well as the persons having permanent residence rights in Latvia are provided by equal possibilities by the UL to apply for studies irrespective of the gender, social status, race and nationality, political opinions and religious confidence. Foreigners may also claim for the rights to study at the UL. 3.9. The study language in the UL is Latvian. Studies in other languages may take place in accordance with requirements of the laws of the Republic of Latvia and procedure established by the Senate. 4. THE STAFF, RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS 4.1. The staff of the UL shall include the following according to its aims of activity and relationship with the UL: - the staff elected in academic positions of the UL; - general staff; - full-time students, as well as master students, doctoral students and residents in medicine. The academic staff of the UL agencies and institutions has the same right to take part in the academic work as the academic staff of the UL pursuant to the procedure prescribed by the UL Constitution and Senate. 4.2. Rights and obligation of each member of the UL staff is to - work in order to raise significance of the UL in the social and national life and strengthen its honour; - to facilitate fulfilment of the UL tasks; - to facilitate strengthening of the democratic principles, promote academic freedom, as well as openness in the UL self-government and dealing with the affairs; - to participate in development of the UL self-government decisions and internal procedure regulations directly or through intermediation of elected representatives.