KazNU actualizes educational programs

At the Academic Council of Al-Farabi KazNU the reports were heard and discussed: "On actualization of educational programs", "On the strategy of university development for 2024-2034", "University science: state and prospects".

The first speaker was Nurbolat Kudaibergenov, Acting Director of the Center for Strategic Development. He noted important aspects that affect the goals and objectives of the strategic development plan of the university. The speaker compared the main indicators of the most popular world rankings and analyzed the activities of world-class research universities, which should be paid attention to by scientists and teachers of the university. In particular, emphasis was placed on the integration of scientific activity and educational process at all levels of higher and postgraduate education. To ensure the achievement of strategic indicators, the issue of publication by teachers of at least one article in highly rated journals of DB Skopus, as well as increasing the international status of the university laboratories to perform doctoral and postdoctoral research of foreign young scientists under exchange programs with mandatory publication in the journals of KazNU, etc. was touched upon.

N. Kudaibergenov in his presentation proposed some steps and measures that will contribute to the creation of effective models of corporate governance and ensuring sustainable development of the university, formation of a promising model of university education and ensuring academic leadership.

Chairman of the Board - Rector of Al-Farabi KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebaev noted that the concept of rating is everywhere, and it is relevant in all spheres of our life. In this regard, the rector instructed to distribute infographics on the presentation of the speaker and discuss each issue to achieve goals in international rankings at all faculties among scientists and teachers.

Lyazzat Erkinbaeva, member of the Board - Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, told in detail about the actualization of educational programs. Today the number of new educational programs for bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies is 37 programs.  Updated and entered in the Register of NCRHE in 2023 - 116 educational programs. The Vice-Rector also told about the professional standard for teachers of higher and postgraduate education organization, which was approved by the order of the Minister of MoEHE RK. The standard is one of the four main elements of the national qualifications system and serves as a basis for the development of educational programs of scientific and pedagogical master's and doctoral studies in all areas of training.

The speaker also presented the project for the 2024-2025 academic year "Three-Year Baccalaureate" and voiced positive aspects. For example, the transition to a trimester system can increase the compatibility of curricula under the condition of academic mobility and the creation of joint programs with some foreign universities (e.g., Penn State). Also Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Lyazzat Erkinbaeva presented a new educational program "Water Diplomacy", which today is the first and only in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including in Central Asia. The program will train competitive personnel in the field of water diplomacy. Their work will be aimed at maintaining cooperation of peaceful relations between the countries concerning management and use of water resources in case of disputes, conflicts or potential causes of tension between the states. Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovative Activity of KazNU Zhamilya Aitzhanova also spoke on the agenda, who told about the current situation and achievements for 2023 and plans of scientific and innovative activity of KazNU University for 2024.

In conclusion, the rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebaev gave instructions on the organization of quality work at the faculties in order to update educational programs: to consider the list of irrelevant educational programs, which should be excluded from the list of admission campaign; to develop a global program on internationalization of learning conditions and expansion of international partnership, to ensure the active promotion of educational programs in subject ratings.

"It is necessary to think of steps to increase the current system. Each faculty should prepare several strong scientific directions. It is necessary to activate student science. Science, innovation and commercialization - should serve for the country's economy," the head of the university stressed.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University