DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DEFENCE OVERALL STRATEGY, GOALS AND PRIORITES FOR ERASMUS PROGRAMME

University of Defence has been awarded a Standard Erasmus University Charter
for the period 2008/09 – 2013/14
Charter number 244707-IC-1-2008-1-CZ-ERASMUS-EUC-1,
Erasmus ID code CZ BRNO10

The essential document for the University of Defence concept is its “Long-term plan of learning, scholar, research, development and other creative activities held by the University of Defence in 2006 till 2010”. It rose from a wide discussion in which all school academic staff participated and was debated and approved by the University of Defence Academic Senate as the school’s supreme authority. This document outlines school’s general strategy concerning goals and its priority orientation towards its participation in the Erasmus programme. Stress is placed on the processes that would allow a deeper collaboration with the military forces and military learning and scientific and/or research institutions in NATO member countries, Visegrad Four countries, countries adjacent to the Czech Republic and other EU countries. The highest priority is given to students and academic staff mobility system implementation and application through opening the University of Defence to international university environment on reciprocity basis as stipulated in bi- or multi-lateral agreements with primarily NATO-countries military learning counterpart institutions. The school has got ready two Bachelor’s degree programme fields for accreditation process in English and has been working on others, primarily for doctoral programme. The incoming students within Erasmus framework may enjoy the sources for learning either in classical or electronic form. Also, the information concerning students’ documents, such as reports and other studies administration are available in the English language. The school supports the academic community members contribute to teaching and research and development projects funded by and made for NATO or EU.

School’s strategy is drawn on the basis of the experience learned from involvement into international projects in the past, such as Tempus-Phare (S JEP-09087-95) in 1995 – 1998. Presently, it is the LEONARDO DA VINCI: Community Vocational Training Action Programme (CZ/06/B/F/PP-168022), contributed with E-learning Distance Interactive Practical Education (EDIPE) project. It focuses on new ways in learning power electronics for which the school is in the role of a subcontractor.

All of the degree programmes and courses are available for female students who make approximately 30 per cent share of all students today. The military nature of the school indicates that the studies are not intended for physically handicapped students; however, a handicap could not be a limitation for an international student. But only few buildings are barrier-free. Any acts of xenophobia, racism or religious intolerance are very uncommon for being seen improper by young generation. A school-level board has been established to suppress any sign of such pathologic behaviour to society in the beginning.

STUDENTS MOBILITY

The school has introduced the credit system of studies based on ECTS terms and conditions. At present, it applies to all degree programmes and fields of study except the medicine ones. The credit value for each subject is fixed and available in school’s information system along with the plans of studies for the accredited fields of study. As the home university, it recognises all work done at the partner host institution involved in the agreed programme of studies. The guest students are given a report of all activities that include also the number of credits they had received.

The students or teachers leaving for a partner institution may use advice service provided by two personnel at school level and two at each of the faculties. The same personnel are responsible for administrative processing of guest students/teachers. Essential information of the Lifelong Learning Programme is available on school’s web pages.

The mobility of teachers, particularly the young ones, meets a positive response as a tool for enhancing their professional outlook. Therefore, the school supports such events.

All students can live in the dormitories located very close to the school in double rooms. The rooms are furnished to comply with applicable European standards including Internet connections. The students may take three meals a day in dining halls on school grounds.

The school has got a large library plus many of the publications including interactive language aids for students’ usage to improve their knowledge of English are available through school’s intranet accessible from Internet. The significance of the electronically published books has been rising especially due to the distance forms of learning the range of which has continued growing.

The primary health care is also available in school premises completed with a limited number of hospital beds. The students may use also chaplain service available at the school.