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News Archive Archiv 2010 Austrian Rectors Unite against the Federal Government
News Archive Archiv 2010 Austrian Rectors Unite against the Federal Government | Austrian Rectors Unite against the Federal Government |
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University plenary assemblies at all public universities in Austria on October 19, 2010. Sufficient funds and well-coordinated entrance regulations – this is what the Austrian universities rectors insist on and openly declared in four synchronised press conferences in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Klagenfurt on Friday, October 1, 2010. In the Graz Press Club, the Styrian rectors Hans Sünkel (Graz University of Technology), Wolfhard Wegscheider (University of Leoben) and Martin Polaschek (vice rector at University of Graz) spoke out and a took clear stand against the federal government. „In essential questions concerning university financing and entrance regulations, only little to nothing has changed in comparison to last year”, the Styrian rectors stressed in unison. The permanent underfunding of the universities in combination with almost unlimited university entrance and the abolition of study fees contradict the demand for excellence and international competitiveness. The universities are expected to provide elite education and at the same time be wide open for everybody, while dealing with insufficient funding. Responsibility for future generations The rectors stressed that education and science secure the future of the country, and in particular of the youth, and thus a strategic plan for science and research and an adequate budget are of utmost importance. “We take responsibility for the academic youth and secure the future of this country – and we want these activities and services to be rewarded”, the rectors criticised and demanded “maximum value” for education and research. No world class academics for free Hence, the rectors want to the government to take responsibility: “The state leaves us out in the rain, political blockades get in the way of urgently necessary solutions.” As a protest against the political idleness of the government, university plenary assemblies will take place on October 19 at all Austrian campuses. During the plenary meetings, the universities will inform about the imminent consequences and actions that will be taken against the government’s austerity plan. Further information: Erhard Skupa Tel.: +43 3842 402 7220 Mobil: +43 660 14 323 14 E-Mail: erhard.skupa@unileoben.ac.at  "Rectors with empty pockets" (from left to right): Vice Rector Martin Polaschek (University of Graz), Rector Hans Sünkel (TU Graz) and Wolfhard Wegscheider (University of Leoben). |