Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Senate Chairman - Prof. Vainius Smalskys, elected last week, emphasised that MRU stands out from other universities in Lithuania due to its close cooperation with European and Asian institutions of higher education.

The Senate should continue to support the University's efforts to strengthen the Eastern Partnership studies' programmes with the Caucasus region, Ukraine and other universities, and take the leadership initiative, he said.

The Senate remains one of the most important academic management institutions at the University, especially now, when reform of the higher education system is underway, Prof. Smalskys said.

"I think the Senate should become an even stronger support for University management in discussions with developers of higher education policy and social partners regarding the future of our higher education."

The new MRU Senate Chairman said the goals of the Senate remain to seek to properly represent all members of the academic community - students, lecturers, academic support system personnel. It's extremely important to represent the interests of all - the academics as well as administrative personnel. I would encourage students to get involved, be more active and make proposals, Prof. Smalskys said.

The academic community has to be a united team, so that we keep our University's identity, the Senate Chairman emphasized.