The Senate of Semmelweis University supported the proposal on the university’s model change, with a vote of 41 for and one abstention. The body also decided on continuing the career models in the areas of education-research and patient care.

At its January meeting, the Senate discussed the proposal on the change of model of Semmelweis University, which was previously commented on by the faculties, the Clinical Centre, the School of PhD Studies, the Public Worker’s Council, the student and interest organisations and the central directorates-general. At its meeting on 28 January 2021, the Board endorsed the change of model for Semmelweis University, together with its six faculties, its public education and vocational training institutions, and its Clinical Centre, which is an integral part of the medical and health sciences training, to help achieve its strategic goals and thereby contribute to the development of Hungarian medical and health sciences training and patient care. To implement this model change, the state will establish a public trust foundation with a public service mission and transfer the maintenance rights of Semmelweis University to it. In order to provide transparent information on the change, the university has created an interactive information platform.

The Senate adopted the reports of the standing committees established by the board with university-wide powers. Half of the ten committees concerned are responsible for student and staff matters, while the others deal with strategic, development and academic matters.

The Senate approved the rules of procedure of the Quality Development Council. The 25-member body will bring together and assist in the implementation and evaluation of measures to ensure the quality of teaching and research at the university.

The senators decided to continue the implementation of the human resources retention and development concept. This will continue in 2021 with the introduction of the university career models in patient care, which will cover health professionals working three shifts at grade C or above, senior nurses, health professionals working in pre-term intensive care units and operating theatres. In the field of education and research, the career models will also be implemented under the same conditions, but for staff classified as health workers, the model will be integrated into the higher salary scale provided by the state following the transition to the health care civil service. A budget of HUF 2.5 billion is included in the budget plan for salary supplements under the career models.

The body also decided on the awarding of the “Good student – Good athlete” prizes and gave its opinion on two management applications.

Pálma Dobozi
Translation: Tamás Deme
Featured image (illustration): Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University