Over 21 thousand students have started their academic year at Wrocław University of Science and Technology today. During the celebrative event, the title of doctor honoris causa of our university was awarded to Rafał Dutkiewicz, PhD, Eng., Mayor of Wrocław from 2002 to 2018.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, admission to this year's inauguration was limited, and the broadcast of the ceremony was streamed online. 

– Like every year, on October 1, we inaugurate the new academic year. And for the second time in a row, as I stand in this place, I wish you and myself very much a Wrocław Tech finally resembling a real academy in the coming year. A vibrant one, with its rooms, corridors, and campus full of students, with live classes, with contact between all members of our community – said Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs, the Rector of our University.

Growth in spite of difficulties

The Rector pointed out that despite numerous hindrances, many projects necessary for the development of the university had nevertheless been achieved. Among other initiatives, three programmes were launched: Primus, Secundus, and Tertius – for young scientists, for those excelling in publishing papers, and for those making use of grants, the Academia Ivenum was established with a membership comprising 24 young scientists; also the status of professor magnus was established to recognise outstanding professors of our university who for young researchers are masters and scientific authorities.

At the same time, work was going on to reorganise the academic structure. Since September, we have had a new faculty at Wrocław Tech – the Faculty of Computer Science and Telecommunications, while the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics, and Microsystems have also undergone changes.

– Nevertheless, the work on the organisation and governing system of the university was much broader in scope. Since the beginning of his term of office, there has been, it can be said frankly, a struggle with the new statute of the university – admitted the Rector. – It was extremely important to me to see a full representation of our community taking part. We established a Statute Committee, we hired external experts, and we spent many hours talking, discussing things, and disputing over things. And in July, we adopted a new constitution of our Alma Mater – a new statute, which restored the leading role of the faculties, organised and strengthened democratic procedures, and clearly defined the tasks and roles of the academic part of the university – added Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs.

However, work is currently underway on new initiatives, including a new strategy for Wrocław Tech. The Rector stressed that all these activities are meant to build a university that is open, European, modern, but also full of life and joyful, as well as young in spirit, mind, and attitude to work.

– It is very important to me that we build it together: researchers and administration, students and teachers, in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect for our personal values, which often differ. I am trying hard to ensure that all our actions are transparent and that the decisions are the result of serious discussions based on arguments – the Rector assured.

Our welcome to new students

The Rector’s speech was followed by the ceremonial matriculation of students and doctoral students. Over 7 thousand students start pursuing their education at Wrocław University of Science and Technology in the new academic year. On their behalf, the oath was taken by representatives of each faculty of the university and the Doctoral School.

– This will be our fourth semester conducted in epidemic conditions. It hasn’t been easy so far, but together we have solved all the problems that have arisen. Now the situation will be different, as we all had an opportunity to benefit from the vaccination programme, and we’re trying to return to a new normal – said Prof. Agnieszka Bieńkowska, Vice-Rector for Education, – Let’s remember, however, that the epidemic is still ongoing, so I call for you to behave responsibly and observe all the rules in force at the university. I do not doubt that if we have this attitude, we will together beat the pandemic – she added.

Wrocław Tech’s honoris causa doctorate conferred to Rafał Dutkiewicz

During the ceremony, Rafał Dutkiewicz, PhD, Mayor of Wrocław in the period 2002 to 2018, received an honorary doctorate from Wrocław University of Science and Technology. The highest honorary dignity of our university has been awarded to him in recognition of his "immense achievements in the fields of social activities, activity for the integration of the academic community of Lower Silesia and Wrocław, as well as in recognition of his services to Wrocław University of Science and Technology".

Rafał Dutkiewicz, PhD delivered the inaugural lecture entitled “Of solidarity, of what is international, and universities”.

– It was here that I matriculated, it was here that I received my diploma with honours, and it was at Wrocław University of Science and Technology that I wanted to obtain my doctorate, but the martial law prevented this. So it was only today that my academic education ended. Here with me today are my wife, a group of my friends and close associates; this award today is for you and I dedicate it to you – concluded Rafał Dutkiewicz, PhD.

During the inauguration, as usual, the university decorations were awarded: the Order for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wrocław University of Science and Technology was awarded to Professor Tadeusz Więckowski, the Rector of Wrocław Tech from 2008 to 2016, and Wrocław Tech’s Golden Badge with a Diamond was presented to Cezary Przybylski, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodship. Medals of the National Education Commission and the Rector’s special awards Docendo Discimus were also presented.