The University of Ostrava is a public university based in Ostrava, established on 28 September 1991.
The University of Ostrava is a public university based in Ostrava. It was established on 28 September 1991 as one of the regional universities created on the basis of a vote of the Czech National Council [1].
Early beginnings
The foundations for the later establishment of the university were laid as early as 1953, when a teacher training college was opened in Opava. Its task was to train teachers for the upper stage of primary schools [1].
In 1959 it was decided to abolish the teacher training school for primary school teachers in Ostrava, and teaching was merged into a new institution, the Pedagogical Institute in Ostrava. In 1964 the institute obtained the status of an independent Faculty of Education [1].
This created a higher education institution whose teachers took part in scientific and cultural life at the regional and national level. According to the recollections of Professor Milan Myška, published in the collection OU! 25 let issued in 2016, this development was slowed after 1968 by political purges, which lowered the qualification level of teachers and undermined their opportunities for further professional advancement [1].
Establishment of the university
According to Associate Professor Eva Mrhačová, quoted in the same publication, immediately after the change of the social order in 1989 a need arose for the humanisation of the region as a precondition for its future involvement in the European context [1].
Under the then rector, Professor Hubáček, guarantors for the building of new faculties were appointed and materials were prepared for the establishment of a university with three faculties: arts, science and education [1].
On 9 June 1991 the Czech National Council voted on the establishment of five new regional universities by 109 votes in favour, 63 against and 28 abstentions. With effect from 28 September 1991 the University of Ostrava was thus established with three faculties [1].
Expansion of the faculties
In 2008 the Faculty of Social Studies and the Faculty of Arts were added. The Faculty of Medicine was founded in 2010 [1].
Present day
According to its own description, in addition to education and research the university also pursues the so-called third role, that is, a societal one. It takes part in social and cultural life in Ostrava and the region, directly by organising public events, for example the Ostrava Night of Scientists or the event Jsme Ostravská!, and indirectly through the activities of students, graduates and academics [1].
Since 2014 the university has run the online magazine OU@LIVE, available at alive.osu.cz, which is also published in print as the periodical OU@LIVE [1].
Pages linking here
Sources
- Ostravská univerzita — 14 February 2022