The proposal made by the Academic Senate of Alexander Dubček Trenčín University (TnUAD) to dismiss the university's rector, Miroslav Mečár, from office has not been assessed by the Education Ministry – because the minister has not had an opportunity to do so, Education Minister Ján Mikolaj told the TASR newswire on December 18.
However, Mikolaj noted that when he receives the senate's decision he will have no choice but to accept it. “Obviously a mistake was made. I respect the university's autonomy, so I'll insist that the shortcomings be removed,” he told TASR, adding that he doesn't plan to interfere in the possible replacement of the university's top ranks.
If Mikolaj eventually confirms the decision made by TnUAD's Academic Senate, the minister will pass it on to President Ivan Gašparovič for his action. The President told TASR that he will consider the decision made by the senate over a recent controversy involving the quick awarding of academic degrees by TnUAD.
“It's very unfortunate that something like this happened in the Slovak university world. It's a shame,” said Gašparovič. “We mustn't let something like this happen in the future since it does harm to the quality of our universities and their reputation both in Slovakia and abroad,” he added. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
