Student Position: Pay for Services in HEIs is Legalizing Corruption

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Last Friday the Cabinet of Ministers reached a decision “On approving a list of paid services that may be provided by state run and cooperative educational establishments.” 

The youth associations which created the Student Position believe that this decision, developed by the Ministry of Education and Science, paves the way for institutionalizing corruption in educational establishments, and encouraging people to profit on students. 

As noted in an announcement made by the Student Position, the list of paid services which can be provided by establishments of higher education (HEIs) include: preparing and issuing identification cards, grade books, and diplomas, the application process to HEIs, taking external independent testing (EIT), issuing uniforms for students and HEI employees, services provided by the physical education and sports departments, library usage, and residence fees for students living in dormitories. 

Laboratory fees will also be assessed for those students signed up for a lab class but were then absent without a serious reason. 

A similar initiative was proposed by the former Minister Ivan Vakarchuk.  It was dropped after meeting strong opposition from student unions and youth organizations. 

Implementing this decision is practically legalizing extortion.  The difference is that honest and ethical teachers did not demand and did not create the circumstances for these financial bonuses during additional classes; now it can all be done officially” the announcement made by the civic organization notes.  “It is likely that this step is aimed not at improving the quality of education, but on legitimizing impromptu bonuses for education workers.  We are opposed to unconstitutional commercialized education." 

“In the nearest future, student unions, youth and student’s organizations, and student associations will organize nationwide demonstrations to protest this decision,” it was emphasized in the announcement.