Voting - "Golden Horseshoe" 2021
Voting for nominees has begun!
This year, 101 applications have been received in 11 nominations, and it is time to vote to determine the winner.
Below you can get acquainted with all the nominees and leave your vote for who deserves the award the most! More information about the voting procedure in the RSU SP Annual Award "Golden Horseshoe" regulations!
Nominees:
- Growth of the year
Elizabete Paula Valguma
Elizabeth is the real inner SU soul, not only now leading the direction of RSU SU Internal Cooperation and Human Resources, which certainly requires “innards” but from the first day it came into university. Being a leader of this direction is a major responsibility, as the standard situation requires linking together the various RSU SU structures, communicating intensively and being able to be present wherever you can, but during remote studies it is at least a double-complicated process. Elizabeth holds her honors and is able to perform her work under any circumstances, while maintaining its functional value, in particular by demonstrating that the organisation of seminars in the Zoom environment is not an obstacle to their quality and being a good spirit of the RSU SU. She has participated as a member, activist and organiser in a variety of events and has stepped up to the position of the board. Elizabeth has grown very much over the past four years and she has not known her own contribution until now, and now one could even say the legacy is given to the RSU SU. Elizabeth's passages remind everyone that everything is possible if there is desire, passion and willpower. She has proven it and continues to prove it everyday.
Arnolds Gudkovs
Arnold's path in student union started in the autumn of 2019, as was the case for a large number of students - joining the medical faculty and attending the first RSU SP event - the pre-university seminar “ZGI”. Arnold participated in a seminar of young members, later also running for the RSU SU council and was one of the biggest activists during the Christmas ball. Throughout the past year Arnold has done a little more than he has been asked for, never refusing help and being at a call distance whenever. Always prepared to give a little of himself to any measure and thing that is being asked from him. When the experience in RSU SU was accumulated a bit as an activist and a man who never refused help, Arnold started participating in most of the seminars as part of a team of organizers. Interestingly, Arnold's path didn't stop there; at the end of the summer, Arnold began preparing for the post of Head of External Affairs. He was also elected at the end of 2020. Currently Arnold is the second year student at the medical faculty and a man prepared to rise and fall for RSU SU.
Elizabete Maija Liepa
Elizabeth is a 1st year student who, within a few months, became an excellent member of the Board of RSU SU, Head of Social affairs, which oversees the university's premises and the Zoom environment. Not every person could learn, within 3 months, how the organization works, how events are organised and how to steer in the board, yet Elizabeth's determination, courage and love for the organization have proved that only the right motivation is needed to do more. It has not been a full year of training, but I can say that she has grown up and certainly deserves the title “Growth of the year”.
Elīza Marta Stangaine
Elīza made her way into the student union, just as most of the new champions started - with different kinds of seminars. One of the first events for Elīza was the Autumn 2018 academic seminar. Then Elīza's path led to the organisation of the project, she applied for the head of the project “Erudīts”, and became one, however, because of the suddenly announced pandemic, the project was cancelled. Summer came and when, as every year, the new board members were searched for, Elīza took a big step and began preparing for the post of head of academic affairs. Preparing and getting to know and find new things had led Elīza to an objective that could not be achieved easily, because Elīza, as a representative of the faculty of social sciences, had to learn a lot of new additional things to be ready for the post. Yet by now it is the 4th month, as Elise successfully leads the academic affairs, and who knows whether her student representation path will stop here.
Toms Mārtiņš Smilga
Tom's path in the student union had begun its course relatively long ago, but he became truly aware of the self-government at the beginning of last year, when he began preparing for the post of Deputy Head of Science affairs. The time in which Tom jumped into the train was really intense, because the International Student Conference was trailing, and Tom was elected to the deputy post when the post of the head of the Science affairs was empty. Tom learned the whole new thing perfectly, jumped into the problems and started to deal with them without blinking. It must be said that Tom's way in the student union did not stop. At the end of last year Tom had acquired enough knowledge and experience to run for the post of the head of the Science affairs. Who knows if Tom's way is going to stop here. Tom is a true power ball and supports whenever it is needed, as well as the seriousness impersonated, when important things have to be brought forward.
Jenna Vähäviita
Jenna is an azartic, positive and diligent International Student association board member. She began the course in the student union with active participation in the academic societies represented in ISA, always interested in the current tendencies in science. In 2020 Jenna emerged as ISC organiser and worked in the Anatomy Olympics, but her path did not stop - the young woman ran for the position of deputy head of science affairs of the ISA Board and was elected. Jumping into a new position very quickly, in a rush of jobs, is difficult, yet Jenna has shown this year that passion for science is her engine for growth. She is not only working with the current board of ISA but is also a fantastic colleague for the RSU SU Science affairs men, because she is always responsive and positive and engaged in tasks, for example, she agrees to be one of the members of the Science Support Commission. Every person who has worked with her will be able to say that she is only growing and hasn't even shown everything she is capable of. Looking forward to what will follow, because there are always new opportunities to develop, what is really great fun about!
Kalvis Kaļva
Kalvis has been working for a long time, and the road was preceded by the organisation of various events and the promotion of sporting life, but it was in May 2020 that he dared to take a step further and become a student senator. Kalvis contributed greatly to the college of senators, working on a wide variety of issues. Kalvis also learned very quickly and currently Kalvis is one of the quickly experienced senators whose views are one of those to be taken into account.
Laima Kampa
Laima Kampa began her career in the student union as a great activist in various events, as well as from the very beginning of her studies, many seminars were unthinkable without Laima's sly smile. Laima continued her career in the summer by running for the position of representative of the Student Union of Latvia, where she was also successfully elected and is currently one of the representatives without whom LSA working groups are unthinkable. The growth of both herself and the LSA representatives is immeasurable. Since her involvement, working together on issues related to both the amendments to the Law on Higher Education Institutions and mental health issues, as well as Laima's contribution to the creation of the financial literacy campaign has been immeasurable. However, Laima's path did not stop here and Laima chose to try something new and at the end of 2020 she was elected to the RSU SU Council.
Rinalds Seržants
There are very different criteria for the word growth - it's not just about a person who has just jumped into SU and is learning something new. It is much harder to grow and develop when you seem to have mastered everything and already achieved a lot. The growth in this case can’t be judged, because the contribution that this charming student makes is no longer even measurable, it is simply taken for granted, but Rinald's ability to work and capacity has only grown. Rinalds Seržants is a student union activist, member, senator, former representative in faculty’s council and a helping hand for many years. Although Rinald will always support and advise in daily issues and problem situations and never refuse any help, in 2020 he also stood out with support in solving many long-standing painful issues, as well as in the new circumstances, when a need for a friendly shoulder was desperate, the guy always helped. The position of senator, which Rinalds has held for 3 years, requires a lot of free time, but it did not stop him from being a good hand for the student union throughout the year, as well as participating in the International Student Conference as an organizer and agreeing to be a lecturer in many different projects throughout the year.
Nikola Krista Ivanova
Over the past year, Nikola has given wonderful support to everyone who needed it - both the board and other RSU SU members. Nikola's key to growth lay in quick thinking and adaptability - Nikola quickly learned how to be and help, which was useful, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic began, people did not have the opportunity to socialize as before, but Nikola was looking for solutions to communicate remotely - organizing board game evenings, remote seminars and much more. Nikola also grew and developed by applying to the position of the head of the organizing committee of the RSU Got Talent project and creating her own ladder of growth, preparing to become a great head of culture and sports affairs.
Ingvars Kudeikins
Ingvars is a rising star. He has recently started studies at RSU, but has already managed to get involved in RSU SU both as a participant in events and as a full-fledged member of the council, not only present in all work groups and meetings, but also always ready to express opinions and find solutions even in awkward situations, both the well-being of student union and the well-being of all parties involved being taken in to consideration. In addition to the work of the RSU SU council, Ingvars has been holding the position of a representative of the Student Union of Latvia for several months now and has been elected to the Audit Commission. He has rational thinking, high mental ability and diplomacy. I believe we will still hear of great things he has done!
- Horseshoe of the year
Student research and innovation grants
Student research and innovation grants were announced for the first time in February last year. Their aim is to financially support and motivate RSU students for research, including entrepreneurship development and professional development. Until now, RSU students have not had the opportunity to receive funding to conduct their own research and develop ideas. With this in mind, RSU SU, in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Contact Point of the RSU Science Department and the RSU Alumni Association, created grants to give students more opportunities to implement research and business ideas. It is no secret that students' responsiveness and desire to do more during their studies has always been high, which was also confirmed by the large number of applications - 28 teams with their projects requested more than 100,000 EUR. The grants supported a number of projects that will receive funding for the development of their projects from RSU, RSU Institute of Dentistry, RSU Business Incubator B-Space and RSU Student Union, however, funding was not enough to support any students wishing to contribute to research it is important to support any student who is like a raindrop on the way to the vast waters of the University of Science.
Social support fund
For more than a year now, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact not only on how we feel on a daily basis, but also on the tools we use. When the emergency started, there were different ways of thinking about how to help the student feel good and be as prepared as possible for the distance learning process. Initially, the main support mechanism was the opportunity to take intermediate and final examinations at the university, using the available equipment, but everyone knew that this was not a solution, because a large number of students were outside Riga during the emergency. There were different ways of thinking about how to solve the problem. In the autumn, the idea was born that RSU SU could try to support students financially, so that those students who do not have the necessary equipment for distance learning can buy it. At the beginning of 2021, the regulations for the Social Support Fund were created, and the first application will open very soon, in which any student who needs social support can apply for it!
RSU International Student Conference in Health and Social sciences 2021
The RSU International Student Conference gathers a large number of science enthusiasts from several countries every year, but the current situation in the country and the limited opportunities to research something raised doubts about the number of participants. However, in the end, more than 400 theses with creative research from 30 countries of the world were submitted, which was more than ever! What was new was not only the large number of theses, but also the Ex ordo platform, through which all theses were submitted and evaluated, the talk show “ISC Talks”, during which people such as Ilze Viņķele and Mark Abrahams were talked with, as well as a virtual conference platform reached an unprecedented number of passive participants. In addition to the above, there were also a hackathon, 21 online workshops, mock trials and plenary sessions, which made the days of the conference very fulfilling and in the best interests of all.
Ex-board member of the year
Liene Vaivode
Liene is an ex-member of the Board who has an opinion on everything, but it is never imposed. Liene loves documents and loves to give advice about them. Liene was the head of the External affairs in 2018, later she ran for the position of the chairperson, therefore the knowledge base for Liene is huge. Friendly advice, a call to think outside the box, is what you will get by calling Liene when you do not know where to start solving the problem. There is no moment when Liene refuses a helping hand, there is no time when Liene does not look at the documents when asked. A person who loves organization with heart and soul still, even though the student's path is over.
Artūrs Šilovs
Artūrs Šilovs started his career in the Student Union in the Academic Affairs, which he successfully led and already at that time gained respect in the eyes of both the university management and the organization. Artūrs led the Student Union in 2016, however, his investment in leading the Student Union did not end there. Even after active work in the Student Union, Artūrs did not deny advice to everyone who appeared in the organization even after that. Everyone who is preparing for the presidency is still meeting with Artūrs to discuss the issues that are relevant today and to find out Artūrs's opinion on it. Artūrs's work abilities are immeasurable and he tends to share them. Artūrs is still a call away and ready to give advice and opinions whenever needed.
Džeina Mežale
RSU SP ex-member of the Board Džeina Mežale is a real science enthusiast who is always ready to help with science-related issues. In addition to working at the RSU Alumni Association, she also finds time to follow the daily work of the Board and, if necessary, always helps with science-related issues. This year she participated in the organization of the Research Academy, which takes place throughout the academic year. The long-term project - the student grants - was approved and successfully completed this year, moreover, it is a contribution of many people and the development of an idea, the way to which this would not be possible without the help of responsive people. Džeina is very welcoming and we know that she can definitely be asked for advice on both doctoral students and science-related processes at university. This year we made sure that if you need a fantastic lecturer or discussion participant, Džeina is definitely a person with her own opinion, which will promote a smooth and engaging discussion. This year we can also say a big thank you for participating in the events coordinated by the Science Affairs - ISC discussion and Science seminar!
Arkādijs Zvaigzne
Arkādijs, even while studying outside Latvia, is a very active ex-member of the Board and is always ready to help, discuss and inspire. As Arkādijs calls himself, he is a "Higher Education Snot", but he is also an ex-member of RSU SU, ready to face the "sharpest" pepper in higher education to explain student-centered education and the true quality of higher education. Arkādijs has been an excellent lecturer in several seminars, able to explain even the most complex topics in simple human language, always reachable with some news and available for new ideas and challenges. The last contribution to the students is his participation in the first podcast of RSU SU to inspire him not to throw the plinth in the bushes and to go study! Arkādijs is an experienced student and ex-member of the Board who will not refuse advice and help!
Sintija Kukaine
Sintija Kukaine is the head of the Science Affairs in 2019.Sintija is an ex-member of the Board who has never been too busy or otherwise distanced from RSU SU. There is always an opportunity to turn to her for some useful advice or just discuss other current topics. Sintija is very competent in science-related issues and is always ready to help solve them. She cares about the Science Affairs, which she does not hide, so she is ready to make some reasonable criticism when necessary, but the criticism will always be followed by some useful advice, encouragement and even a solution. Sintija also got involved and strongly supported all potential candidates for Science Affairs in order to ensure succession in the direction of the Student Union. If we had to describe her in a few words, they would be - RSU SU patriot, who is always ready to help and support even in the middle of the night!
Marija Luīze Kalniņa
Marija Luīze Kalniņa is not only an active student representative, but also one of the most responsive, attentive ex-members of the RSU SU. Marija has always kept her hand on the pulse, both as the head of the Academic Affairs in 2019 and after that, when ending her career in the RSU SU Board, but continuing to take care of the sustainability of the organization, being not only a member of the RSU SU 2020 Council, but also a Councilor of the faculty of Medicine. Marija never gives up a helping hand and advice when someone calls for help, is happy to give her advice on solving various problems and helps to achieve the best results, going to a goal that is important for all RSU students. The most important thing is to be able to understand the views of the new candidates and to give them constructive criticism that Marija has. Marija as "Ex-member of the Board of the Year" is characterized by her ability to adapt to circumstances, help find the most effective solutions to a changing situation, and not be afraid to point out the improvements that need to be made to make everyday life simpler and at the same time qualitatively.
Viesturs Levada
Viesturs Levada has been an ex-member of the RSU SU since 2014, when he represented Social science students as the Assistant to Head of the Academic Affairs in Social Sciences. It seems that a long time has passed, but he has never lost touch with the Student Union, with the current Board members and activists. Viesturs is always very responsive and helps when necessary, we have learned from him how to avoid mistakes before they are made, how to dare to represent and vigorously defend your opinion. Many seminars would not have been imaginable if he had not shared his experience and inspired to work as a Student Union member. Viesturs definitely deserves not only the title of "Ex-member of the Board of the Year", but also the always responsive ex-member title!
Friend of the year
Team of the RSU Science Week
RSU Research Week is undoubtedly an important event of 2021 in the life of Latvian science! As part of the pandemic, RSU and RSU SP organized an impressive, high-quality "conference marathon". The Research Week started with the International Student Conference, in the organization of which there was a huge support from the RSU Research Week team. In order for 5 scientific conferences to take place - Agrita Kiopa, Līga Hartpenga, Valdis Ģībietis, Justīne Vīķe, Katrīna Bērziņa, Katrīna Kaire, Ieva Nora Gediņa, Jānis Laizāns, Zigmunds Zitmanis, as well as all other members of RSU Science, Communication, IT and other departments have organized not only excellent content of the Research Week for lecturers and doctors, but also always were a reliable shoulder of support for the organizers of the RSU International Student Conference, without whose involvement many innovations in the student conference would not be imaginable and would not be implemented.
RSU Alumni Association
Friend of the Year one of the most important nominations since one is never a fighter. The biggest things happen when you have a shoulder of support. Over the past year, there has been a special association whose support has been felt throughout the year, always investing their resources a little more than asked for in various activities and projects. The Alumni Association was a huge helper with the "Research Academy" project last year, because without them the project would certainly not have been as successful as it was. The involvement of the Alumni Association in the creation of Student Research and Innovation Grants is also an invaluable contribution. However, these are just some of the joint activities and projects, the important thing is that cooperation and exchange of views is something that is not forgotten behind all of the projects and activities. The Alumni Association is an invaluable helper whenever it is needed.
Aija Mača
Great lecturer, assistant, and student friend. Dr. Aija Mača is an excellent lecturer who has invested a lot of her time, patience, and work to improve the quality of cardiology teaching for medical students by applying innovative and engaging methods. The lecturer has also invested a lot of her time to address students outside the usual study framework, to involve them more in the specialty of cardiology - both by mentoring various study research papers, and as a very active representative of the specialty in the scientific group of cardiology students. A. Mača is ready to explain, tell, discuss, and inspire even in the latest hours of the evening! Dr. Aija Mača is a great example for others!
RSU Career center
During this year, RSU Career Center has made a special contribution to the creation of a safe and student-friendly study environment, providing a helping hand to RSU SP, establishing mutual cooperation, and to any student who is has been in need of an emotional support or who has needed support in making decisions regarding their studies or career. The availability of psychological support has been especially important during the pandemic, and the Career Center has been raising this issue for a long time now, trying to broaden the offered services and create new support opportunities that are interesting for students. Even now, when it is not possible to meet specialists in person, various types of consultations are available online, which allows providing assistance to students remotely. Thank you for the care of RSU Career Center, which helps everyone to develop their abilities and interests, get the necessary support during this difficult time and jointly improve the quality of studies!
Jānis Gardovskis
During the last year, the Chairman of the Senate Jānis Gardovskis has repeatedly sat at the negotiating table with the representatives of the RSU SP, discussed and helped to find a compromise between the students and the University management. Professor Gardovskis has successfully helped to resolve the conflict over tuition fees, listened to students' concerns countless times and resonated with them in the Senate, finding the best outcome for all parties. In addition to a very busy schedule, the professor will never refuse a meeting on important issues, looking for to a successful dialogue and cooperation!
Centre of Educational Growth
The Center for Educational Growth is a long-term cooperation partner of RSU SP. Together with CEG colleagues, excellent cooperation has been established not only within the School of Young Lecturers, improving the training of new lecturers, and bringing inspiration from the students' point of view, but also working on improving the study process, developing Electronic Examination Guidelines, Academic Integrity Policy, renewing and improving them. CEG provides lecturers with consultations on the use of teaching and learning, as well as students' knowledge, skills, and competence assessment methods. By involving students, listening to opinions, modern and engaging study courses are created, in which students achieve better and better study results. It is important to keep in mind that CEG is constantly identifying new learning opportunities: platforms, systems, applications, effective ways and means of learning, so that students can master the content of studies as well as possible and be prepared for professional challenges after graduation. In the end, a better study environment for RSU students and lecturers is created together.
RSU Department of Infrastructure
The Department of Infrastructure is always responsive to a wide range of issues. Both when we in a typical student manner book rooms at the very last minute, and when we need advice on any kind of issues related to premises or buildings, the Department of Infrastructure is available at any time with a phone call. Last year, the ambitious idea of a football field at the Taurene sports base would not have been possible without the help and support of the infrastructure department. Also, at the beginning of this year, when negotiations on the reconstruction of the library were started, it was the representatives of the infrastructure department who listened to the students' thoughts and possible solutions for obtaining the best result. RSU SP greatly appreciates the close cooperation over the years, and we are sure that it will continue in the future as well!
Faculty of Residency
The Faculty of Residency has always been a huge support and has always listened to the views of students. It is important to mention the joint admission to the residency, which took place for the second time last August. As in the first year of admission, a great deal of work is being done to review and improve the common rules for admission to the residency, based on what has been or has not been so good in the previous admission and what needs to be improved. Many thanks to the Faculty of Residency Studies because all suggestions that students consider to be included are accepted and listened to! It is a real pleasure to cooperate and find compromises!
Lelde Jirjena
Lelde Jirjena is the head of the Dormitory Department - a colleague who cares about the well-being of students and the position held is a matter of the heart. For RSU SP, dormitories are one of the daily worries, because it is important that the student feels comfortable not only in the university premises, but also when staying in the capital to dedicate time to achieve their goals. This is exactly what Lelde Jirjena has helped to achieve alongside with RSU SP, day by day striving to improve the atmosphere and environment of the dormitories and is always responsive to RSU SP calls and requests. Lelde not only listens, but tries to understand to the students' opinion, as well as shows initiative and willingness to get involved in solving problems. Although the studies are currently remote and the service hotels are slightly emptier than usual, Lelde Jirjena continues to work to make them a place where every student will be happy to return. She notices the nuances, pays attention to them, and always finds a solution. We would like to thank you for the inexhaustible energy, mutual respect and care that accompanies your work! Thank you for being a friend of RSU SP and all students!
Anda Rožukalne
Anda Rožukalne, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, has always been supportive on a wide range of issues. Both last years, when the memorandum of cooperation were concluded, at the end of the year, when we started talking about the issue of gradation of tuition fee discounts. When creating the offer on the part of the students, it was very important to understand the deans' view on various aspects in order to reach the best compromise. The support of the Faculty of Communication for our various events with technical equipment is also invaluable. Thank you for your support and understanding to Anda Rožukalne!
B-Space Business Incubator
RSU Business Incubator B-Space was opened only in October last year and since its first day of work has been actively involved and helped to create several events. Kristaps Zaļais was actively involved and helped in the creation of the EIT Health Tech Hackathon in October, but later Andris Strautiņa and Vilis Brūveris joined the RSU Business Incubator team, without whose help it would not be possible to make the hackathon "V * at is R * eal" happen. However, in addition to all this, the business incubator has managed to run a pre-incubation program, as well as an incubation program is currently underway, within which students who are eager and full of innovative ideas are trained.
Šeilija Maškova
Šeilija Maškova is a senior IT user support specialist in the RSU IT department, who has always helped RSU SP members with any IT support needs related to MyRSU and other platforms. It is necessary to put information and visual material in MyRSU or have any questions - Šeilija Maškova will always help and answer as soon as possible, as well as together with other IT colleagues will promote the development of the student portal and student-friendly and accessible IT environment. Especially in these times, when both the study process and students' social life are based on IT resources, the response to IT tools is of great value, so we can safely say that Šeilija Maškova is a friend of RSU SP.
RSU Student Service
RSU SP works hand in hand with the Student Services every day, and colleagues from the Student Services will never refuse help to the RSU SP. From joint work on the Student Guide, which guides young students to their next big stage of life, and help in reaching first year students, to simple everyday questions of interest to students - Student Services will take part in solving each issue with special care and recommend the most student-friendly. It is difficult to name a specific Student Services representative, because the whole great team of colleagues have become friends of RSU SP, showing day by day how much everyone from Student Services cares about RSU students and future applicants. Every student can be grateful for such a responsive staff even daily - both when a certificate of studies at RSU is needed, and when you simply need some guidance in the studies and university corridors. Thank you for your effort and love of work!
Riga Stradiņš university Medical Education Technology Centre
RSU Medical Education Technology Center has always been an important institution in the acquisition of clinical skills, but during the last year the situation in the country has severely limited the availability of this institution for students. However, METC did not neglect students and helped as much as possible. Thanks to the creative ideas and quick action of METC colleagues, several kits were prepared for all 3rd year students of the Faculty of Medicine so that they could acquire clinical skills at home, which would normally be done on simulators and mock-ups on-site. METC colleagues also helped a lot in the practical meetings of the students' scientific groups - they offered options on how to best conduct practical meetings on the Zoom platform and prepared packages that were delivered to the members of the groups so that they could successfully and fully participate in learning new skills. In addition to all of the above, METC staff actively participated in the creation of the RSU International Student Conference 2021 workshops and provided students and workshop leaders with practically everything they needed. During Covid-19, it is very difficult for medical students to acquire practical skills, however, without the support and inspiration of METC staff, this would not have been possible at all!
RSU Department of Information Technology
The Information Technology Department has undoubtedly been the right arm and support shoulder of RSU students and RSU SP throughout this year. At a time when the study process had to be suspended in person due to a pandemic in the spring of 2020, the IT department responded in an organized and rapid manner to the crisis situation and made the necessary adaptation work. To this day, colleagues in the IT department have worked side by side with university management and SP to improve the quality of distance learning as much as possible and to help students with all technical issues. No colloquium or exam could be passed without the attention and presence of IT staff. Alongside the already busy work schedule due to the conditions created by Covid-19, the student portal MyRSU will be renewed and improved during 2021, which would not be possible without the work of the IT department. Thank you for your responsiveness and patience throughout the year, from helping to turn on the computer that "does not listen" to the student and ending with any technical problems in the study process and the interactive environment of the work!
Supporter of the year
RSU Institute of Dentistry
RSU Institute of Dentistry is a leader in its field in the Baltics - modern, knowledgeable, international. It has always been involved in student teaching, research and support. This year, the Institute of Dentistry provided valuable support to student research through significant funding from the Student Research and Innovation Grant Fund to support and promote student research and innovation in the dental industry. Also in 2020, a new Student Scientific Group was established - SSIG of Dentistry, which cooperates very actively with the Institute of Dentistry in organizing both theoretical and practical meetings. The Institute of Dentistry is an important supporter of RSU SU and RSU students.
Swedbank
Every year, the cooperation with Swedbank has been successful and based on mutual respect. Each year, Swedbank supports the creation of a such important booklet as the RSU Student Guide, which includes all the necessary information for first-year students. Also in previous years, Swedbank provided a holiday cake for the RSU SU birthday. Swedbank is a perrenial and reliable supporter!
Alpro
RSU SU makes every effort to ensure that the events are as environmentally friendly as possible, therefore, a wide range of supporters is sought. One of the supporters with whom a successful friendship has been formed is the company Alpro. Various products from the plant kingdom have complemented various RSU SU projects, such as the freshman seminar "ZGI". Thank you very much for the huge support within the International Student Conference, when puddings of vegetable flavors of various tastes were provided, which delighted both activists and participants!
Ahmad Tea
The fragrant and visually appealing Ahmad Tea is a relatively new, but very approaching support partner. It has supported several times over the past year, never denying a supportive shoulder. One of the big events, that was supported, was the freshman seminar “ZGI”, however, the biggest support project for Ahmad Tea was the International Student Conference. Thanks to this support, Ahmad Tea delighted both the participants and the members of the jury.
E. Gulbis laboratory
Egils Gulbis laboratory is a Supporter to be written in capital letter. In any science-related event, E. Gulbis laboratory is ready to consider the possibility of supporting and motivating young scientists. Also at this year's conference, E. Gulbis' laboratory was ready to support the new entrants financially, so that the new ideas would become feasible.
Oyakata
Until last summer, Oyakata noodles were still an unknown sponsor on a SU scale. However, last July, when the RSU SU strategic seminar took place, this sponsor was approached and even without thinking Oyakata noodles were ready to support the SU event. After this seminar, the friendship between RSU SU and Oyakata started, because whenever we asked to support us in an event, Oyakata never refused!
Cannelle
Cannelle has been one of the best friends of students for years. No workshop is conceivable without the presence of Cannelle with a huge banner next to the great pastries. During 2020, despite the challenges each of us faced, Cannelle remained a stable, responsive and understanding company that continued to support us at every event. Also, even at the beginning of this year, Cannelle thought about how to pack muffins so that each seminar participant would feel comfortable, even sitting at home, receiving their Cannelle muffins.
Mess of the year
Remote studies for medical students during the collapse of the healthcare system
The COVID-19 pandemic, the declared health emergency, the desire to mobilize every medical educator. A logical series of events, however, one decision is not at all clear - a ban on providing practical lessons and internships for future medical staff. The current legislation prohibits prospective doctors and nurses from acquiring the necessary knowledge to be able to combat the consequences of health care after a pandemic. Doctors of the Zoom generation are currently being trained, who will consequently not be well enough trained professionals to take over the shift after the collapse. The irony is that medical students are encouraged to work in hospitals, not to study.
Vaccination of the international students
Priority groups have been set, physician's vaccination has been started, medical students also are gradually prioritized, everything goes as planned, but something is still missing here... Unfortunately, these priority groups do not take into account foreign students, who account for almost 25% of RSU students and who, like others, engage in clinical training, go to hospitals and meet patients during their study process. Even Latvian RSU students who are abroad in the ERASMUS programme receive their vaccines to safely resume clinical training, but in Latvia it is ignored, thus increasing the long-term threat to students, faculty, other medical professionals and patients. Even after the RSU SP letter, where one of the questions is the vaccination of foreign students, the embarrassment continues to grow, because the mentioned question is neglected and not answered in the letter. Sadly, it seems like the vaccination of foreign students will not be resolved in the near future and can only be done on a pre-negotiated basis.
RSU Department of Physics
Beginning with the lack of common assessment criteria and poorly structured lessons and ending in forgetting to evaluate students' work and non-compliance with the Study Regulations I, the Department of Physics of Riga Stradins University surprises students with new challenges every year. Some say that they were lucky with the lecturer and that he gives only the highest grades for the minimum amount of work, but most of the students grab their heads, take the phone and call the RSU SU academic affairs after seeing just published marks of the oral colloquium. Although RSU SP has been receiving such statements for several years, meetings with lecturers and heads of departments have not resulted in the improvement of the quality of the study process. Leading researchers and deans of the department believe that "everything is fine" and continue to work according to the previously established system, suppressing students' opportunities to obtain a scholarship in an already competitive environment.
"Konsula iela" project
The new building on the Faculty of Pharmacy on Konsula Street had to see sunlight a few years ago, but even the insertion of the capsule was canceled due to epidemiological reasons and the building is still under construction. Will the trouble end and the building be built on time? A grandiose building requires grandiose investment, but will the Faculty of Pharmacy be able to live up to expectations and the existence of the new building will increase the quality of studies? Hopefully, the new building will have modern pharmacy that will attract not only local but also foreign students.
Mental health pain
Although RSU identifies itself as one of the leading health care universities to the outside world, unfortunately, full-fledged provision of mental health to students does not seem to be taken for granted. Over the last two years, there have been many discussions about providing psychological support on time and at a reasonable cost to the student's wallet, but all of these discussions have been running in circles not resulting in available service. At the end of 2020, these conversations finally became productive, but even then this service was provided only as group lessons, which (as almost every healthcare professional understands) is not suitable for everyone and many students are not ready to share their experiences/feelings in the presence of other students. On a more positive note, at least neighbouring universities think about their students, thinking more about how to ensure the quality of their studies rather than intimidating programs that prevent students from looking out the window, and even providing an extra week of leisure time to take care of the students' mental health.
The issue of tuition fees
Last year's Horseshoe was the Study Quality Memoranda, which were signed with the faculties so that the tuition fee would be raised only if it is refuted by the improved quality of studies, but the story has not ended so happily. At the end of last year, there were quite sharp discussions about the increase of tuition fees, during the review of which the RSU administration did not consider it necessary to involve student representatives. However, when it came to the Senate meeting with a very threatening increase in tuition fees in countless study programs, even without taking into account the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, the administration was forced to start discussions with students. The Senate evaluated the discussions through the memoranda signed by the deans, which unfortunately were not fully implemented, where most senators ignored the previously concluded memoranda and did not consider them appropriate indicators of the quality of studies, and even said that "faculties have tried". As a result, students have to pay for purely theoretical studies, which are more stressful than on-campus studies and with a significantly reduced number of contact hours.
Scientific student interest group of the year
Student Scientific group of Microbiology
The Microbiology SSG reached a great deal in 2020. The first online Microbiology Olympiad was organized - unlike other online Olympiads, the fight took place between teams and not individually. The successful model of the organization of the Olympiad was also used in the organization of other Olympiads organized by RSU SU, such as the Anatomy Olympiad. The scientific group actively participated in the organization of RSU ISC 2021 and established its own workshop (Online tour of the PSKUS Combined Laboratory), which was attended by more than 100 participants. Members of the scientific group participate and win prizes at RSU ISC and other international conferences (BALM Riga XV). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021. study year, the group carries out active scientific research activities. 5 scientific papers were developed and defended at various international conferences and congresses (this makes up 50% of the number of members), one of them has received the award-winning place RSU ISC 2021. Another 5 papers are under development - students have been granted the ethics committee's permission . At the meetings, members have the opportunity to practice their English language skills - the presenter can choose in which language (Latvian or English) they want to present their presentation to the audience. The group actualizes global issues (COVID-19 vaccination, use of personal protective equipment, antibiotic resistance), under the leadership of docent Aigars Reinis, the topics of the meetings have become closer to the new residency program "Clinical Microbiologist" in order to stimulate students' interest in this specialty.
Student Scientific group of Radiology
Throughout the academic year, the SSG of Radiology has maintained the interest of members and visitors with topical topics and quality presentations. Two joint meetings with other groups were organized. Heads of university hospital departments are invited as mentors, but perspective residents have also participated in some meetings. Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the group maintained contacts with foreign colleagues - Lithuanians - and held a joint meeting of The School of Radiology in English. There will also be two practical sessions in English during the year; the second is still ahead, but the first was attended not only by RSU international students, but also by colleagues from the University of Latvia and other universities. For the first time in May, the Radiology Olympiad will also be held in English, and several international students have already shown interest in it; the Olympiad will take place on the Zoom platform, and there will be several stations that will test theoretical knowledge and practical ability to work with the programs used by radiologists. Within the RSU ISC, the Radiology Group was the only one to organize a workshop in person, thanks to which six students learned the basics of abdominal ultrasonography. Finally, the group is actively involved in student research. Although due to COVID-19 restrictions, the research already provided to several students were canceled, in the first semester alone, the members of the group still developed nine scientific works in radiology, one of which won the RSU ISC 2021 Grand Prix. The group tries to support all those who want to work.
Student Scientific group of Family Medicine
A well-run group led by Emīlija Zeltiņa. The group and the number of interested people around it continue to grow, offering interesting and topical theoretical sessions, in which guest mentors are not only family doctors, but also specialists in the respective field, such as nephrologists or paediatricians, throughout the year. The sessions also look at real clinical cases from the practices of practicing guest mentors, which gives an insight into what kind of patients to expect as family doctors. Students were given an insight into the daily life of family medicine residents, as well as the opportunity to ask questions in the "Conversation with Residents" organized by the group. Every visitor has the opportunity to take part in community education events, which also take place remotely, such as the Young Medical Academy via Zoom, where more than 200 students were happy to listen and ask questions about the manipulations most often faced by family doctors. During the study year, practical sessions are also organized remotely - one of them this year was a mock simulation of acute illnesses, in which members repeated various algorithms and learned the ability to act quickly to save patients. Extensive opportunities and support in the development of scientific works are offered. In May, for the first time in the history of the group, an Olympiad will be organized. In view of all the above, the group deserves to be nominated as the "Student Scientific Group of the Year".
Student Scientific group of Neurology and neurosurgery
The RSU Neurology and Neurosurgery Students' Scientific Group has always united passionate medical students with an in-depth interest in child and adult neurology and neurosurgery. During the 2020/2021 academic year, more than 30 Latvian and foreign students attended 9 exciting theoretical and 2 practical sessions, as well as successfully participated in the development of almost 15 research papers. In collaboration with METC and the Department of Morphology, 3D printed lumbar vertebrae and gelatin were created this year - lumbar puncture mulch kits for students, with whom not only members and visitors, but also participants of the International Student Conference had the opportunity to train. The group's academic year will end with the traditional Olympiad "Golden Hammer 2021", which will be held online for the second year in a row.
Student Scientific group of Otorhinolaryngology
This year, the Otorhinolaryngology group has proved that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible to hold interesting and student-binding sessions. At the beginning of the year there was a practical meeting in person - basic examination of LOR organs and treatment options, but with stricter restrictions 2-sign language basic practical meetings were organized in cooperation with the Latvian Deaf Union, infectology, oncology and dental groups. The excellent communication from the leader of the group and the exciting topics of the meeting show that the group has definitely proved itself to be relevant and necessary this year.
Student Scientific group of Surgery
The surgery group is one of the largest scientific groups of RSU students. In the 2020/2021 academic year, before the start of the pandemic restrictions, a practical session “sewing on biomaterials” was held. So far, 6 theoretical sessions have been held online, with around 100 participants in each session. Professionals in their field were invited, who are happy to welcome students in volunteering and research work. Two of the meetings were held in English, inviting foreign mentors. So far, 12 scientific research papers have been developed within the group, with which students have participated in several conferences. During the winter holidays and session, each member was provided with a surgery kit for remote skills practice. Currently, the surgical group has purchased such kits for its permanent use. The surgery group took part in a class of the Young Medical Academy, after which the students left only positive feedback. Together with the Simulation Group, a workshop was developed on RSU ISC 2021, where the most common surgical manipulations were interactively displayed and discussed in the form of a simulation. During this academic year, the group established valuable contacts with the groups of Vilnius and the University of Tartu. At the beginning of April, the first jointly organized Baltic Surgical Conference for Medical Students was held, where the members of the group won prizes in each session. The first event, "Talks with Surgical Residents," will take place very soon, with the aim of stimulating students' interest and preventing rumors about residency.
Student Scientific group of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation
RSU Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Students Scientific Group has been working since 1974. Over the years, the group has developed and improved, attracting not only industry specialists in Latvia, but also abroad. The examination of the latest and topical topics at the meetings, including the organization of 3 practical meetings, adapting to the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in the country, was successfully implemented this year. Those interested in the anesthesiology and resuscitation group have been actively involved in research, developing and continuing to study more than 12 scientific papers. This year, for the first time, the Olympics "Golden Laryngoscope" will be held, which is a big event in the group!
Student Scientific group of Cardiology
Even in this remote period, the Cardiology group has gathered many interested people for various sessions, both getting involved in specific cardiology topics and focusing on the interdisciplinarity of the specialty together with other groups. Every meeting there are many participants in the group, many interesting topics and it is always possible to hear the opinion of specialists not only from the group mentor, but also from other involved doctors who are ready to tell more and discuss. Within the framework of the group, several studies have been created and are being developed, as well as the group is like a platform where cardiology specialists can attract some students to help with other scientific projects. A practical session has also taken place within the group, where, accompanied by a skilled specialist, there has been an opportunity to get acquainted with image diagnostic methods. The leader of the group, Baiba, will never refuse help and encourage the members of the group. The scientific group of cardiology is a great platform for any student who has an increased desire to learn the specialty of cardiology to develop.
Student Scientific group of Pharmacology
It is with great pleasure that I can say that the Pharmacology group has grown rapidly during this year - the number of members is 5 times higher than last year! But what has been done this year? Apart from the increased number of interested people (members and visitors), a workstation within the RSU ISC was organized for the first time within the framework of the pharmacology group, as well as a large-scale pharmacology olympiad is organized for the first time! This year, for the first time, the group has also established an international practical meeting in cooperation with the Pharmacology Group of the University of Lithuania, while in cooperation with METC, a work group on pharmacological simulations has been established, where exciting simulations are planned in the future! Every week, the Facebook group had the opportunity to refresh and gain new knowledge in the field of pharmacology by completing weekly questions, as well as it is worth mentioning that the number of followers of the Facebook group has doubled! During the year, collaborations were established with other RSU groups, as well as organizations outside the university. In general - the group has been very active this year, and looked through topics that are not covered in the study, so it is safe to say that the contribution to students' knowledge is great, as well as all students were invited to engage in research and develop research work which was also realized. This has definitely been a productive, active and successful year for the pharmacology group! During this year, the leader of the group Sabīne Teifurova has made a huge contribution to the development of the pharmacology group, introducing several innovations and attracting more visitors to the group than observed in other years.
Student Scientific group of Psychiatry
In recent years, the Student Scientific Group of Psychiatry has deservedly become one of the most popular and widely attended groups of students. The actualization of mental health and psychiatric patient care is very important among future health care workers, therefore the group creates exciting theoretical and practical sessions, as well as organizes and participates in additional activities - last year a lesson on psychiatry at the Young Medical Academy was held, as well as a workshop for students within ISC 2021. Within the group, students are motivated and supported in research - this year a considerable amount of research work has been developed! In the spring of this year, the works of 6 members and visitors of the group were presented in the pre-defense, but 5 more students plan to defend their research works in April. Of course, there is already additional research work with which students successfully participate in international conferences, including winning prizes! The daily activities of the group take place in theoretical and practical meetings. Sessions on current topics in forensic psychiatry, child psychiatry, psychiatric manifestations of systemic illness, the connection of psychiatric disorders with genetic factors and many others have been held. Practical sessions with solving clinical cases have also been successfully conducted remotely. It is important that the meetings of the Psychiatric group are made binding not only for those interested in the psychiatric industry, but also with added value for every future health care worker, in order to be able to better understand, recognize and treat patients with mental disorders in the future.
Student Scientific group of Dermatovenereology
The RSU Dermatovenerology group has been my heart's desire for three years, and already starting to attend it I had a dream that one day I would lead it. When this dream became a reality, I had great ideas for how to lead a group. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own adjustments, as a result of which my vision of the operation of the group changed its trajectory. Although not everything went as planned, a great time full of knowledge has been spent. Together with the group, we have participated in the “Young Medical Academy” project, educating students about skin health and sexually transmitted diseases. We have been inspired and met with residents in a warming atmosphere in the evening of experience stories, as well as started a new tradition by cooperating with colleagues from the University of Latvia. In a remote format, we have gone on an excursion to the VC4 Dermatology Clinic, performed demonstrations of laser surgery. Within the framework of RSU ISC 2021, we organized a skin biopsy workshop, where its participants practiced dermatosurgery at home with the received kits. The group has also created an Instagram account with the aim of reaching a larger part of the society, where current information and educational materials about skin health are published. Rainis' words come to mind: "Things that will change will exist". Everything is possible, even online mode has not been an obstacle to do what is close to the heart. It is the group and the satisfaction with what has been done that has helped me to overcome the sometimes difficult moments created by distance learning.
Student Scientific group of Dentistry
Until this academic year, students who want to connect life with the profession of dentist or maxillofacial surgeon did not have the opportunity to fully master the topic of their interest. Especially now, when it was impossible to carry out practical classes, a new scientific group of dental students was established. During the year, the group attracted a lot of interest from students and teachers, gathering interested people not only from Dentistry, but also from the Faculty of Medicine. The meetings have encouraged the development of new treatment standards and guidelines to assist in the care and prevention of endocarditis and other cardiac heart diseases, as well as fostered cooperation in the exchange of experience in the treatment of severe temporomandibular joint pathology between Latvian and Lithuanian dentists. Given distance learning, it has rarely affected any study program more than Dentistry, and it has been the group that this year has been a way for students to come together, learn and gain clinical thinking in the various multi-disciplinary situations they face in their daily lives.
Student Scientific group of Pediatrics
The pediatric group consists of 24 smart, enthusiastic members and a whole group of loyal visitors. The group can be proud of widely attended theoretical sessions, which are complemented by clinical cases that promote clinical thinking and discussion. The practical session “Child Trauma” was also highly appreciated among the participants - thanks to METC simulators and the scenarios developed by Dr. Balmaks, the teams were able to learn the algorithm of action in case of severe injuries. The pediatric group creates an environment in which to dare and grow - research and volunteering opportunities are provided by leading specialists. RSU ISC participants had the opportunity to participate in the workshop of the Pediatric and Neonatology group "Neonatal handling". Very soon future doctors will have the opportunity to test their abilities in the intellectual challenge "Pediatric struggles". On May 8, the international conference “International Pediatrics Conference For Medical Students” organized by the group will take place, which will give students another opportunity to defend their research work. In September, for the fourth year in a row, we will meet in the group's most ambitious project - the public educational event "Knowledgeable and Safe", the main goal of which is to prevent children's trauma. It is really gratifying that the project reaches a growing number of families every year, as well as recognition among students. More than 135 diligent activists are already working on this measure. Among them are now not only students of the RSU Faculty of Medicine, but also students of the Public Health and Nutrition Science program, as well as colleagues from the University of Latvia.
Student Scientific group of Medical simulations
Medical simulation group in the 2020/2021 academic year has taken a significant step forward in its activities. 8 group meetings were held (3 more will take place by the end of the study year). Each session was attended by various guest mentors with in-depth knowledge in the field of medical simulation, including a professor from the USA and a specialist from Australia. The remote workshop on artificial wounding, chaired by a guest mentor from Australia, was particularly successful. The meeting took place on October 30, just before the Halloween festival, and was originally planned to be attended by an NMPD certified effects specialist in person, so that participants with artificial wounds created at the meeting could immediately attend the RSU SU thematic event "RSU Got Talent". However, a week earlier, for epidemiological reasons, all on-site measures were canceled and the meeting was successfully adapted to the new circumstances in a short time. The members of the group had the opportunity to work practically thanks to specially prepared kits and all the necessary materials distributed to each student. Good feedback on this meeting was also received from Magnus Berndtzon, Chairman of the Board of the Swedish Medical Simulation Society. This meeting was mentioned in RSU and Delfi news: https://ej.uz/simulaciju_pulcins. The group was also presented to the NMPD management: Juris Raudovs, Uldis Ceriņš, Liene Cipule, Dzintra Jakubaņeca and further cooperation between the simulation group and the NMPD was discussed and considered. A remote simulation was organized with the Surgical SSG as part of the RSU ISC 2021.
Activist of the year
Ingvars Kudeikins
By becoming a RSU student in the autumn of 2020, Ingvars has already entered the RSU SU, actively working, always attending Council meetings, work groups, expressing his opinion and not being afraid of counter-arguments, worthy of the title of “Activist of the Year”. Always ready to give support and your opinion, whether it is about a budget or a project. As a first year student, he was elected to the Latvian Students' Union as a councilor, where he actively works and informs other RSU SU members about what is happening, as well as works in various projects, where he provides his experience.
Laima Kampa
Laima entered the Student Union very quietly and imperceptibly, as if no one noticed her, but still her active eyes are always noticed. Sometimes people are nominated for doing big things that everyone knows, but sometimes those smaller things are so big that they can't be measured at all. Laima has been involved both as an activist in events and in such so-called invisible works, which cannot be seen so much "outside", but which make a great contribution to the future. In parallel with her studies, Laima also actively works as a councilor of the Student Union of Latvia and also a member of the Council. Laima's passion for things and activity only proves that Laima really deserves the nomination "Activist of the Year".
Krista Kīna
Krista has been in the Student Union since the 1st year of studies and has faithfully fulfilled the position of a Council member during all 3 years, as well as the role of organizer and activist, as well as participated in the faculty council. Currently, Krista has also become a senior of the council. In 3 years, Krista has invested herself and her ideas in the Student Union, recruiting other people to join us. Krista could even be called such a long-term activist, but I also believe that last year Krista was particularly involved in the life of the Student Union. Always ready for challenges, Krista will never give up or refuse help. 2020 started with a big wave of Covid-19, but Krista did not disappear in this wave at all - after organizing ISC 2020, she continued to participate in all events organized by RSU SU, actively attracting new members and at the end of the year again serving as a member of the Council. She is more than a helpful person at events, she is one of the most active members of RSU SU. Krista is like a bee, works on one flower, then tests another in parallel, but never forgets a flower, and it continues until the honey is ready. And this characterizes Krista through all the years of Student Union, honey is obtained with a twist, but Krista meadow is still full of flowers and she does not intend to stop at all. Responsive, positive, helpful and a great SU patriot - these are just some of the qualities that characterize her, and that's why Krista Kīna would definitely deserve the "Activist of the Year" award. Thanks to Krista for contributing to RSU SU!
Žanete Petruņina
Žanete is an activist of the activists, she has been involved in numerous projects in the Culture and Sports Affairs as an activist, but could actually be called a mini-organizer. She is always prepared, and will motivate both participants and organizers. Žanete is very positive and her mood often warms everyone on a busy day, which is usually the case during events. For the last 4 years, Žanete has been an integral part of event “ZGI” as an activist or organizer. You know, if you entrust something to Žanete, everything will be done and the event will be arranged under Žanete's supervision. Žanete, in parallel with self-government activities, is studying dentistry and this year Žanete is graduating, so it will be difficult to imagine “ZGI” without her. But “ZGI” is not the only event in which Žanete is involved, as I mentioned before, you can find a large list of events in the field of Culture and Sports in which Žanete is involved as an activist or organizer.
Simon Vogel
Simon Vogel is a student of the RSU international student department, who has been actively involved in extracurricular activities for several years. For two years in a row, Simon was a member of the RSU SU Council, who took an interest in the latest developments and expressed his opinion when the question touched on a topic in which he feels competent. In addition to his work in the Council, Simon was also a member of the US Student Association and in years 2020/2021 the head of this association. Simon deserves the title of activist of the year, because he never refuses help, he is especially active in solving issues of academic affairs, at this year's Spring academic seminar the guy will share his experience of being in another country and studying there, what challenges you have to pass to be a successful student.
Anželika Zorova
Which RSU SU event visitor has not met this hyperactive dwarf, who is not only a regular project organizer and leader, but also a councilor of the RSU SU at Student Union of Latvia. Anželika started her career at RSU SU as a participant of the SU New Members seminar and a little more than a week later became the project manager of her first project - Latvian National Holiday Week 2019. The project was a success - it's not bad for a green cucumber to become an MVP of the Latvian National Holiday Week. Later, Anželika proved herself more than once as a person responsible for attracting sponsors for more projects than can be listed. each pre-set record. Finally, Anželika cares about students at RSU and also in Latvia, so she can be regularly seen in the work groups and Council meetings of the Student Union of Latvia. While others need to be spoken to to speak, Anželika has always been provided with qualitative and constructive suggestions to help assess the issues under discussion in a new light. Anželika deserves this award for her interest, dedication and contribution to the growth of RSU SU! She has a spark and enthusiasm to do and do. May the energy multiply and continue to flow in the direction of RSU SU!
Zenons Beļskis
Zenons Beļskis is a student of the 1st study year of the Faculty of Medicine, who got acquainted with RSU SU similarly to most young students - by attending the first year student's seminar “ZGI”. It is safe to say that these two days brought Zenons closer to RSU SU, because he was ready to dedicate his free time without hesitation to learn not only the unusual study process remotely, but also to be quickly involved in student development and SU activities. Not even really aware of what this organization is, ZenoNS was ready to help and organize events, offer reluctance to offer his help even if he was not asked, and get involved in SU, becoming the Technical Support Administrator already in the first year of studies. The drive to help people is a leading force for Zenons, but the organization, respect for colleagues' time and dedication, paying attention to every detail, has helped to become more than one educational and entertaining event for students and facilitated the work of the board. He has become the right hand of SU, a colleague and friend with whom it is easy, pleasant and interesting to work with. Zenons has taken care of the students' physical activities, being the project manager for the Latvian National Holiday Week, as well as helped to organize the most important event - the RSU SU Annual Award. He is a great example of how courage and desire allow each of us to improve not only our daily lives, but those of all students.
Inspiration of the year
Anna Jete Gauja
Anna Jete's path in the Student Union has been rapidly growing and splendid. Jete started her career as the Head of the Social Affairs and continued as the Chairperson of the Board of RSU SU. Each new president begins his year with great goals, hopes, dreams and things he wants to realize during the year. Jete was no exception. Until March, the road to the goals was made quite safely, by taking big steps, however, March 2020 brought huge changes not only in the world and in Latvia, but thus, of course, also in RSU SU. Within a few days / weeks, all previously created dreams and goals became much more unfulfillable and unreachable. Most importantly, however, Jete not only did not give up, but did not allow her Board, the Council, or the organization as a whole to do so. The power with which the organization was led during the pandemic was immeasurable. Jete was able not only to invent new things during her year, but also to adapt everything to the online process. Jete was the person who led the organization through the year the pandemic began, inspiring both herself and others to strive for excellence.
Rinalds Seržants
Rinalds has started his Student Union career already some time ago, but has he stopped at any point? No. Rinalds is a full-time senator with experience, organizer, activist, lecturer, Council member. In addition to the RSU SU positions, he is also a pharmacy student. And Rinalds inspires, I don't know if he's aware of it himself, but Rinalds inspires everyone, with his words and, above all, with his deeds. Rinalds inspires, and can be said over and over again. You want to get some motivational speech - Rinalds got your back. Do you want someone to give you a lecture at the event? Want to know something about pharmacy? Want to dive into documents? Want to know what is a good Council member? Want to simply talk to someone over tea? One can still go on and on, but Rinalds is the answer to all these questions. Yes, I agree it may sound too sweet, but definitely not only SU, but also RSU can be proud of such student as Rinalds Seržants, because this is just the beginning and we will hear more of him.
RSU SU Strategic Seminar
The Strategic Seminar was the first on-site event following the improvement of the epidemiological situation in the summer of 2020. It brought a lot of joy, interesting lectures, wisdom and being together, which was the most important thing at that event - everyone to meet again and simply be. There was often a prejudice that the Strategic Seminar is internal and all about documentation, and tedious, but in reality, it can be very filled and active. And so was the Strategic Seminar 2020, it was vivid and with exactly that it inspired other young people to join the SU, inspired to continue and not give up, especially after such a long period apart it was very important. Meet each other, be together and inspire each other.
Marija Luīze Kalniņa
Last year Marija, as the main organizer of the ISC, made it possible for the whole conference to be reorganized in a very short time to meet the current epidemiological requirements. At the same time, Marija was a close ex-member to the Academic Affairs throughout the year, helping to solve a wide range of issues. We must not also forget Marija's great achievements in the study process and obtaining the Annual Award in the nomination "Student of the Year" by the Student Union of Latvia, genuinely inspiring anyone around her.
Ieva Pitkēviča
Ieva Pitkēviča is a very charismatic, nice person with a good sense of humor and simply a great personality. She will find an opportunity to turn in a positive way and encourage everyone even in the darkest moments. Working with Ieva is never boring, because she also makes the serious and boring part of the work interesting. Ieva has always been the supportive shoulder. When there is the need to complain about how difficult it is, she is always able to encourage and motivate to do more. Ieva has huge abilities and capacity - both leading the Scientific Affairs and leading an interest group. Involvement in research projects and excellent studying also do not cause problems for Ieva. Ieva is and always will be a role model for anyone who truly knows her. Ieva always says "You da best", but, no, Ieva - YOU DA BEST.
SARS-CoV-2
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been a great inspiration and also a challenge for all RSU staff and students. Adapting, changing and strategically planning - these three activities were difficult for us to incorporate into our daily lives until SARS-CoV-2 reached us. But SARS-CoV-2 inspired us not only to change the study process and dressing style in classes, but also our daily habits. In my opinion, this nominee not only encouraged the RSU units and RSU SU to learn new skills, but also made me think outside the box and face many challenges. Let's be healthy!
RSU SU Board 2020
2020 was a time of surprises, when a completely new online era began after the declaration of a state of emergency in the country. We had to adapt very quickly both in terms of studies and work. The Student Union Board had to change the plans of the year, as well as provide work from home. It seems so habitual now - you open a computer, there is the university and your job. But at the time when life was not as clear, to imagine how to organize work from home, adapt to the changing circumstances and do it while maintaining common sense and helping other equally confused students is amazing, even inspiring. The team of the Board worked together and can certainly serve as an example to others - nothing is impossible, only proper motivation and a strong team with a smart leader are needed. I would evaluate such perseverance, work and cooperation as "Inspiration of the Year", because inspiring is each person who was on this team and did not give up, but rather continued to take steps in their field, as well as ensure succession. Thank you for the inspiration!
RSU SU New Members’ Seminar
Although a new event, the RSU SU New Members’ Seminar serves as a source of inspiration for everyone - both those who are already close to RSU SU, meaning existing members who are given the opportunity to share their experience, knowledge and views on student involvement in shaping our lives, as well as first-year students who are interested in the activities of RSU SU, by listening to members and getting to know the environment of the organization, thus literally receiving the inspiration to get involved in RSU SU. This seminar is a great networking opportunity that allows you to take the first steps to get involved in RSU SU already in the first year of studies, and, as we can see, in this seminar we get to know people who become activists, Council members and Board members in the upcoming year. The New Members' Seminar gives energy and inspiration to each of its participants for the whole following year, and that's why "Inspiration of the Year" perfectly describes everything that each person involved in this seminar gets.
Innovation of the year
Audit Commission
The Audit Commission helped to understand the shortcomings related to the functioning of RSU SU before the report of the Audit Commission. This report was able to demonstrate specifics in proceedings and accounting, which are to be improved in order for RSU SU to function and perform better as an organization. The positive attitude and willingness to assist on the part of the Commission that offered recommendations on what RSU SU should implement and what to discharge in order to be transparent and sustainable, should also be praised.
“Vecbiedru salidojums”/”Ex-member/Ex-alumni get-together”
The summer of last year was made special by more than 20 ex-members from more than 5 boards of different years who gathered at the end of the summer. For the first time, an event was devoted to people who are a raindrop in the organization's ocean. During the event, a time capsule was created and inserted, which after many years will be removed so as to tell about the times that we lived in. There was an informal atmosphere throughout the event, where everyone could meet the ex-members that felt like they were the closest. The event is now scheduled to take place every two years, and it will be even more interesting to meet again.
“Taureņa Viļņos”
This summer, when the size of the pandemic had subsided a little, there was a whole new concept - a boat ride. The authors of the idea were RTU ETF, which wanted to organize the event jointly with RSU SU. Having met a few times to carefully plan every detail, we agreed that the event would take place someday with overnight stay in tents. The title of the event was chosen specifically because the final destination of the boat ride was the RSU Sports Base “Taurene”, and thus the event was called “Taureņa viļņos” (On the waves of Taurene). The request for the event was indeed huge, so not everyone could attend. Although the duration of the boat ride itself was not long, the participants visited several checkpoints, as well as a some tasks at the sports base, so that the active mood would not be lost on land. This innovation was really an investment in the future, as every member was vocal that it was necessary to repeat the event next year, making it a full two days, inviting students from other universities!
Student Research and Innovation Grants
Student research and innovation grants were first publicly announced in February. The aim is to financially support and motivate RSU students to do research, including developing entrepreneurial skills and raising qualifications. Until now, RSU students haven't had the option of getting funded to do their own research and work on their ideas. RSU SU, in cooperation with RSU Science Department's Technology Transfer Contact Point and RSU Alumni Association, created grants to provide students with more opportunities to realize research and business ideas. It is no secret that students' willingness to do more during their studies have always been high, as has been demonstrated by the large number of applications - 28 teams with their projects claimed more than EUR 100 000. The grants supported a number of projects that will receive funding for the development of their projects from RSU, RSU Stomatology Institute, RSU Business incubator B-Space and RSU Student Union. Student research and innovation grants are a major innovation that contributes not only to the recognition of RSU and RSU SU, but also to improving the quality of students’ research and promoting entrepreneurship among RSU students!
“Biezokņu divdiennieks”
The “Bush two-day” is a new project that was spontaneously launched last summer, which succeeded in gathering students who had missed out on adventures and socialising with their peers as the first event of summer. Moreover, the idea combined the enjoyable with the useful - not only the opportunity to have fun with active people and to see the most beautiful places in Latvia, but also to encourage young people to engage in physical activity, which is often dismissed but is nevertheless equally important. Although only one foreign student joined for the first time of the project, in the future, such or similar arrangements (in any season) also have the prospect of bringing more local and foreign students together. Let the good ideas flourish!
RSU SU Podcast “Nepajāj garām”
It is important to follow the flow of time in order to fit into the existing environment. At the moment, one of the most popular ways to reach the audience is podcast. It was the beginning of this year when the idea of setting up RSU SU podcast was born. There were no doubt whether to realize it or not - it was clear that it was necessary. During the workshop the title of the podcast created - “Don't ride past”, which is associated with the symbol RSU SU – the horse. The topics that were chosen, and will be chosen further on, are generally not spoken about out loud. However, they are important to talk about, as at least once everybody has thought about them. At the moment, the first episode called “To study or not to study” has been published and a second episode will come out soon, with all episodes available on Spotify's platform.
Assistant of Internal Cooperation and Human Resources
The 2020 Board started its course with a new contribution to the team: the post of assistant of Internal Cooperation and Human Resources, whose responsibilities included enhancing the cooperation directly with RSU international students. The establishment of this position helped the Foreign Affairs Direction by removing these duties from the head of External affairs’ shoulders, allowing both the Head of External Affairs to work more broadly on national issues, while the assistant of ICHR could focus more closely on the integration of foreign students. Finally, the members of the Council on behalf of External Students had someone to address to and get help from to follow up on what was happening in the meetings of the Council, which led to a significant increase in their involvement in the activities of RSU SU. Closer cooperation with the International Students association was also developed, including further plans on opportunities to develop and cooperate.
Digital solution of the year
Seminar “Līčupes”
The seminar "Līčupes" is a traditional two-day seminar for raising the competence of RSU SU members. In 2020, it was held completely remotely. Although we all know that the feeling of the seminar, as it is in person can not be obtained through any other platform, I still want to say that something similar succeeded and also for two days. For the first time, sending packets was used to deliver the necessary items to the seminar, engaging lectures from ex-members of the Board and other lecturers, and on the second day, a challenging hike in Āgenskalns. Creative thinking, interesting lectures and a good team of organizers - the main keys to create a seminar.
Student scientific groups
The autumn semester of 2020 started with positive thoughts, so the leaders of the students' scientific groups had planned many and different practical meetings in person, but the situation in the country changed so that the activities of all groups had to be transferred remotely. However, the leaders of the student scientific groups did not give up and came up with many different innovative ways to conduct practical meetings through the "Zoom" platform. Medical Simulation SSG hosted a simulated wound-building master class with a lecturer from Australia, several groups, such as the Surgery and Neurology and Neurosurgery SSG, in collaboration with METC, created packages that were delivered to the group members' homes, where they were able to learn through ZOOM. in the relevant specialty. There were also other creative solutions, such as a tour of the clinic performed by Dermatovenerology SZP and playing simulated situations in Pediatric SSG and much more in other groups. This only proves that SSG leaders have also been able to adapt to remote meetings in an innovative way.
Platform “Mitto”
The Mitto or Science Week e-platform was a very convenient and effective tool for organizing Science Week online. Participants did not need to get lost in Zoom links, but to follow the whole week in an organized way. On the platform, it was possible to synchronize events with your calendar, watch previous sessions, and earn points and become the most active participant of the conference!
Psychological support consultations for students
The Career Center in cooperation with the Psychology Laboratory offers psycho-emotional assistance to students and staff. Especially during the distance learning period, students have had a need for psychological support and counseling. They are provided by qualified specialists from the Psychology Laboratory, counseling has been a digital solution to improve students' daily lives. In this stressful time, when the usual rhythm of life is disrupted and we are faced with new challenges, any student may feel depressed, feel tension, anxiety and anger, which can interfere with the study process and daily life. It is the Career Center that has been a great helper in providing this solution.
Rīga Stradiņš university
With the declaration of a state of emergency, Rīga Stradiņš university provided the study process in a remote format, setting an example for other educational institutions without extending the study period and improving the distance learning process to this day. RSU proved that it is possible not only to switch to studies remotely during a state of emergency, but by constantly improving the platforms and study materials necessary for studies, and that further theoretical study material acquisition is possible remotely. Throughout the distance learning period, RSU employees have been looking for solutions and innovations both in the purchase of the examination program and in the acquisition of practical skills, preparing materials for students to use at home.
Valentines day event
An event dedicated to Valentine's Day has traditionally always been a ball, but this time, as we already know, it was not possible, but that does not mean that the event was canceled. Thanks to the project leader with the team of organizers, a wonderful online event was created throughout Valentine's Week, which included various interactive tasks for participants and also interesting lectures with a culmination event on Friday, which eventually gathered more than 60 participants for erudition, fun and relaxation. As well as the main thing, a romantic atmosphere and the opportunity to get acquainted throughout the evening was provided.
Summer graduations
The graduation is always a very expected, solemn and traditional event, when usually all graduates, teachers, relatives and friends of graduates gather in the RSU Hall. Although summer graduations cannot really be called a digital solution, it is an event that was realized very quickly in the best way that can be provided to students during emergencies and remote situations. In the spring, when the graduations are planned, it was planned that everything will take place remotely and nothing from the ceremony will take place in person, however, thanks to one of RSU SU's ex-member of the Board - Sandis Kovaļovs and RSU Communication Department graduations were planned on site and translated live stream. For the first time, graduations took place in the Inspiration Park, outdoors. A distance of two meters was observed between the students and tents were placed so that the event would not have to be canceled during the rain. A little less than a digital solution, but the event is immeasurably part of the way to find the best solution for all parties!
Packages prepared by METC for the acquisition of clinical skills of the 3rd study year of the Faculty of Medicine
Due to the new situation in the country and in the world, there were also difficulties in acquiring clinical practice for the students of the Faculty of Medicine, therefore with the help of METC and RSU SU packages were created with several sets and delivered to all 3rd year students of the Faculty of Medicine. With the help of these packets, the study course “Preclinical Practice METC” was fully operational and all the necessary clinical skills were acquired in a creative way before the summer practice, for example, the nasogastric tube administration process could be mastered with a tube glued to a sheet around the bottle. This solution for the acquisition of the study course was very successful and also this year the 3rd year students received their packets and used them successfully in the acquisition of clinical skills.
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