Today, on the 2nd of March, the Board of the RSU Student Union, in almost full composition, met with the RSU Rector, Prof. Aigars Pētersons, and the Vice-Rectors on Zoom platform to discuss issues that are currently relevant to the students at the moment and which need close attention at the time.

During the meeting, the Rector, Prof. Aigars Pētersons, gave an introductory speech followed by the RSU SU Chairperson of the Board, Toms Mārtiņš Smilga.

Answers about topical issues in the study process were provided by Vice-Rector for Studies, Prof. Tatjana Koķe, admitting that the better parts of online studies will be used in further practice. The professor also emphasised that, due to events in recent years, the range of materials has been richly expanded, the digital skills of lecturers have improved, as well as everyone's ability to mobilise in situations of crisis.

Expressing interest from students at the national level, the question of paid internship opportunities for all students was raised. As acknowledged by the Vice-Rector for Health Studies Prof. Guntis Bahs -

The Covid-19 situation shows that students and residents are a colossal resource. Many institutions paid and supported them during this time, which resulted in a favourable environment.

As the pandemic subsides, a proposal was made to negotiate with the Ministry of Health to continue this support for students in internships. In the case of the joint examination of lawyers, goals were set for further work in order to achieve a more positive result. The efforts of the lecturers of the Faculty of Law (hereinafter - FL) have brought about a better result after the exam results of the previous year. Therefore, the Rectorate will invite FL representatives to update the analysis of the existing results, pay more attention to working with students, raising their competence, and the study process in general. It was also acknowledged that the difficult exam was not to be condemned, as qualified specialists are the ones currently needed. Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons spoke similarly about the necessity of a unified medical exam, pointing out that such an exam would only show the student's ability to prove themselves as a specialist in the labour market.

In connection with infrastructure issues, the development of student hostels and other facilities was brought to attention. Toms Baumanis, Vice-Rector for Administration and Development, informed that work is currently underway on renovating the student hostel premises, however, due to the volume, this is happening gradually. Also, auditoriums at Riga East Clinical University Hospital will soon be available for studies. Dismantling works will also be started at the RSU recreation and sports base "Taurene", which will be followed by renovation and improvement works. Also, increased attention is currently being paid to the availability of the environment in existing and future facilities, as well as in the digital environment due to the impending changes in e-platforms.

Slightly touching on the issues related to science, it was concluded that the actualization of scientific activity in the study process and inclusion in the descriptions of study courses is of significant importance. Vice-Rector for Science Agrita Kiopa acknowledged that introducing research and finding topics is largely in the hands of lecturers.

Taking into account what is happening in the world, the question was raised about the support mechanisms for RSU students affected by what is happening in Ukraine, as well as support for Ukrainian students who will enter Latvia. At present, hard work is being done to provide psychological support to students and to ensure greater work capacity of these free service providers. Other support mechanisms have also been negotiated so far. The rector also recommends thinking about how to support your country in the X hour before that hour arrives.

On behalf of the RSU SU Board, we thank the Rector's team for the devoted time and meaningful conversation!

The meeting was attended by Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, Vice-Rector for Studies Prof. Tatjana Koke, Vice-Rector for Health Studies Prof. Guntis Bahs, Vice-Rector for Administration and Development Toms Baumanis, Vice-Rector for Science Agrita Kiopa, RSU SU Chairman of the Board Toms Mārtiņš Smilga, RSU SU Head of Science Affairs Alise Antuanete Snikere (Assistant Jānis Jurkāns), RSU SU Head of Foreign Affairs Elizabete Maija Liepa, RSU SU Head of Academic Affairs Rihards Seržāns (Assistant Dins Mironovs), RSU SU Head of Communication Affairs Monta Megija Učelniece (Assistant Valters Kārklis).