On April 16, the Senate amended the Remuneration and Benefits Policy (TJSZ) via an electronic vote with regard to financial support for students participating in exchange programs. Pursuant to the decision, scholarships will be awarded only to those international students for whom the bilateral agreement provides for reciprocity – that is, if students from Semmelweis University also receive similar financial support at the partner institution. As part of the amendment to the TJSZ, the board agreed that, for the spring semester of 2025/2026, the application deadline for dormitories would be set by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, differing from the date specified in the TJSZ.
At its meeting on April 30, the board decided to amend the Study and Examination Regulations; the amendment applies to cases where a student, during the course of their studies, exercises the one-time opportunity to enroll in courses that build upon a course they have not yet completed, thereby allowing them to continue their studies. This opportunity is valid on the condition that the student may only take the exam for the subsequent course after having first completed the course that was originally not passed. Under the amendment, students may only register for any course directly related to the final exam if they have successfully completed all prerequisite courses for that subject.
The Clinical Center’s Rules of Procedure were amended. The change was required due to the renaming of the renovated and reopened outpatient clinic in the Szent Rókus Block to “Semmelweis University Szent Rókus Health Center,” as well as the handover of a new organizational unit, the Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research (AICER, known as NOIKK in Hungarian), and its inclusion in the Rules of Procedure.
The board amended the curriculum applicable for students who have graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry and have been admitted to the general medicine program at the Faculty of Medicine, which was first introduced for the 2023–24 academic year; the amendment will take effect in the 2026–27 academic year.
The Senate voted on the conferral of the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, which, according to the revised SZMSZ, is the university’s highest honor. It may be awarded primarily on the basis of outstanding and internationally recognized scholarly work in the fields of health, life and medical sciences, or in social sciences that align with the university’s academic structure, as well as for activities carried out in the interest of the university, and in recognition of scholarly and collaborative activities associated with the university.
The board also decided to present the Pro Universitate Award, the Service to the University Citizens Award, a signet ring bearing the university’s coat of arms, and an award to recognize visiting professors. The Service to the University Citizens Award is a new distinction which, according to the award regulations, may be conferred upon a university employee in a non-managerial position who has, over the course of several years, successfully promoted a family- and employee-friendly environment at the university, actively participates in the implementation of health-promoting sports, recreational, mental health, and children’s programs, and treats their colleagues with exceptional empathy and care. The Senate decides on this award, which is presented to three individuals each year; the Family-Friendly University Center reviews and endorses the nominations submitted by the heads of the various departments in advance.
The amendment to certain provisions of the SZMSZ was approved, which simplified the provision requiring job descriptions to be updated every two to three years. Under the amendment, a review is required only if there is a change in the duties specified in the job description. The senators also reviewed current applications for managerial positions.
Anita Szepesi
Translation: Judit Dőtsch
Cover illustration by Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
