Interview with Dr. István András, Rector of the University of Dunaújváros about application results and development plans – by local news portal duol.hu

 

"As you may have read in our newspaper earlier, after the aggregation of applications for admission to higher education, it was revealed that the number applicants choosing the University of Dunaújváros as 1st priority increased by almost seventy percent compared to the previous year. The background of this success, the mission of the HASIT programme, the future relationship between the institution and ISD Dunaferr Zrt. (local steel factory), and the restructuring of the Institute of Technology were also discussed in an interview with Dr. habil István András, Rector of UOD. 

 

How does it feel to have such a success rate in terms of the number of applicants?

This year's increase in the number of applications can be considered as a lasting trend, as the number of applicants at the University of Dunaújváros has been steadily increasing for four years. Looking back at the history of the institution, I am pleased to see that the engineering line is growing strongly at UOD. We continue to value every student and we are working hard to ensure that this attitude is adopted by all our colleagues. 

 

What tasks will the increase in numbers entail?

Increasing the teaching staff, as we believe that personalized teaching during small group courses is also key to minimizing dropouts. We also aim to provide dormitory accommodation for as many students as possible, so this is another area where we need to work. UOD’s secondary school, Bánki Donát Technikum, achieved good application results as well, , so we plan to start 6 + 1 classes in the academic year 2023/24 - this means an additional stand-alone IT class - to provide space for students. 

 

How do you think applications have been affected by the abolition of the A-levels?

The abolition of the A-levels has clearly had a positive impact, as the number of applicants shows that it makes life easier for students. On the other hand, the change was also important for those already in employment, and the increased emphasis on labour market needs is welcome.

 

Are there plans for future improvements in the institution?

We would like to come up with new ideas for our international students and organize more joint events, such as the monthly International Club event. We are also modernizing and upgrading the university in line with the Institutional Development Plan, including the complete modernization of the main building. We have also prepared a complete transformation of the Institute of Engineering Sciences, with four main elements: a change of direction in the organizational structure, a focus on nuclear and sustainable energy, support for talent management and a response to corporate and industrial needs. We are currently updating the model curricula to ensure that what we teach has more nuclear content and reflection on the future, whether in the field of green transformation or carbon-free energy.

 

How does the University of Dunaújváros react to the situation of ISD Dunaferr Zrt.?

We are looking forward to a cooperation that will be beneficial in many ways, we have a strong concept to meet the emerging labour market needs, both on the individual and the corporate side. In consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, we have prepared the concept of the Future Steel Academy development programme, which, if implemented by 2025, will actively contribute to the renewal of the Hungarian steel industry.

 

Due to the expected increase in the number of students, incoming prospective students may arrive with a different set of knowledge in certain subjects and disciplines. In the first academic year, what tools and programmes will UOD use to help the students concerned to catch up as soon as possible?

Our Student Success Support Programme (Hungarian abbreviation: HASIT) contributes to students' success in many areas, as the unique Avatar system is user-friendly and provides regular feedback on academic progress. HASIT has integrated the subject mentoring system, with our subject mentor tutor colleagues providing ongoing support to students. The curriculum developments of Online Studies are also available to all students on the website, with over 2,500 online content resources to help students understand specific topics across a range of disciplines. Students on the BSc in Materials Engineering can take free chemistry tutorials and there is also a tutoring programme at UOD.

 

State Secretary Balázs Hankó has already said that the modification of the admission requirements for Hungarian students has not yet been completed. It is expected that the parameters set by higher education institutions will play an increasingly important role. What further changes does UOD expect?

The list of admissible baccalaureate subjects and the institutional scores are publicly available on our website. For example, students who graduate from Bánki will receive 100 extra points; students who graduate from any secondary school in Paks and Dunaújváros will receive 50 points, and extra points will be awarded for the already familiar advanced level A-levels and vocational training. The number of our correspondence students has always been high, and to maintain this, employees can be awarded 100 extra points for work experience related to their training, and 50 extra points for other work experience, with the aim of making higher education accessible to all. 

 

Will the number of applications for admission this year be maintained in the future, or is the University of Dunaújváros preparing for further growth?

Overall, we are satisfied with the result, and we are pleased that the targets set in the Institutional Development Plan have been met without any residual shortfall. Our long-term plans include further staff growth within reasonable limits. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff and colleagues responsible for enrolment for the results achieved.

 

In the domestic higher education community, what opinions accompanied the outstanding result of the DUE from several points of view?

The numbers speak for themselves. At the same time, we are doing our job with modesty. I think it is important to say that DUE is also doing well compared to universities in the provinces."

 

 

photographer: Laczkó Izabella

 

Original article by duol.hu can be found HERE.