Workshops were held at South Ural State University as part of the visit by a consultant of QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Company Jacques de Champchesnel.
The consultant shares on the goal of his visit, on innovations in the university’s activities, and on the SUSU’s prospects.
– What is the goal of your visit?
− I’m very happy to visit the university again. The main goal of my visit is to present certain data on the university’s current standing, as well as to continue collaboration between SUSU and QS. Today the main task of the universities’ activities around the world is the global interaction with the representatives of the academic community and with students. During two days we’ve been discussing the problems of the university interaction at the global scale, as well as considered certain solutions for SUSU’s entering the international arena. We must understand what SUSU is, what its idea and image in Russia and around the world are seen like.
– Are there any changes in the university’s activity?
− SUSU is constantly developing. I would pay special attention namely to the university web-site, which has significantly improved over the last year. I’d mention even not just one web-site, but two: English and Russian versions. We understand that the Russian version targets the Russian academic community, and the version in English, which is now an international language, aims at the representatives of the global community.
– Do rankings influence the university’s development?
− I’d like to say that rankings should not control the university. Of course, we are guided by them. However, reaching high standing should not become a goal in itself for universities. Certain statistical data should not become the main criterion on which you should base your activity.
– What, do you think, are SUSU’s prospects? What is the university’s potential?
− We should pay attention to several aspects. There is good potential for development. We also take its geographical location into consideration. We know that the slogan says that SUSU is a SMART-University, Uniting Europe and Asia. You are located at the crossroads of two big areas.
As for the year of 2020, Chelyabinsk will draw everyone’s attention due to SCO and BRICS Summits. Namely these events may have certain effect on the university’s work.
Let us recall that QS specializes on holding expert-and-analytical studies, and annually publishes the most authoritative rankings of the world’s best universities.