Klaipėda University

Infobox_University
name=Klaipėda University
native_name=Klaipėdos Universitetas


established=1991
type=Public
campus=Urban
staff= 600
rector=prof. habil. dr. Vladas Žulkus
city=Klaipėda
country = Lithuania (EU)
students= ~10,000
website=http://www.ku.lt/

Klaipėda University ( _lt. Klaipėdos Universitetas, (KU)) is a university in the Lithuanian seaport Klaipėda.

Overview

It was founded in January 1991 on the basis of former faculties of Lithuanian universities, functioned in Klaipėda. Having started with 1,8 thousand studens and three faculties of Humanities and natural sciences, Marine Engineering, and Pedagogy, it has grown to seven faculties and eight institutes: faculties of Natural Science and Mathematics, Humanities, Marine Engineering, Art, Pedagogy, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences; Maritime Institute, Seascape Institute, Institute of Continuing Studies, Coastal Research and Planning Institute, Institute of History and Archaeology of the Baltic Region, Institute of Regional Policy and Planning, Mechatronics Institute, and Musicology Institute. Having 9.700 students and 600 persons in educational staff (in 2006), the University offers 67 undergraduate (bachelor degree), 4 specialized professional, 48 graduate (master's degree), and 3 postgraduate (doctoral) study programs.

Historic structures of University campus

Klaipėda university builds up in former cantonment, in 23,6 ha territory of which there are 6 neo-gothic style structures – monuments of architecture. In the first half of 20th century these two/four storey red brick buildings, erected back in 1904–1907, were a place of two residential blocks for servicemen, a chapel-canteen-club, HQ and a guardhouse, a residential block for officers and an accoutrements storehouse. In different time it was a place for German, French, Lithuanian and Russian troops. In 1993 the cantonment and the structures ( 23,6 ha) were consigned to the university, which was necessary for its development and academic progress. In 1994 historic researches of these structures were performed. Almost a century employed for military purpose, historic complex of buildings was finally adapted for science and studies.

Students and studies

Klaipėda University offers a developed three level study system: 67 bachelor, 4 specialilized vocational, 48 master, 3 doctoral study programs.Trends of scientific research, artistic and academic activity, which are not developed in other Lithuanian universities, remain dominant in Klaipėda University. They are: marine environment research and engineering of marine transport, hydrology and oceanography, port technologies and engineering, history and languages of Lesser Lithuana and Baltic region, ecological engineering, landscape architecture, underwater archaeology, recreation and tourism, care, social geography, jazz music, sporting dances and choreography, childhood pedagogy. It can also offer 7 international study programs for foreign students.Students flock into different associations. Students’union (KUSS), the largest self-management organization of students, started its activity in 1994. They also have clubs of Economists, Historians, Political scientists, Recreation, Sport, Tourists, etc.

Administration of the University

*Rector: prof. dr.habil. Vladas Žulkus.
*Prorectors: academic studies - prof. dr. Vaidutis Laurėnas, infrastructure - doc. dr. Antanas Lukoševičius, development and international relations - prof. dr. Rimantas Didžiokas, science and arts - prof. habil. dr. Alfonsas Ramonas.
*Senate: chairman - prof. dr. Daiva Kšanienė. The Senate consists of 40 members (23 professors, including 13 dr. habil., 4 students).

Rectors

* Prof. Donatas Švitra (1991–1993)
* Prof. Stasys Vaitekūnas (1993–2001),
* Prof. Vladas Žulkus (since 2002).

External links

* [http://www.ku.lt http://www.ku.lt Klaipėda University homepage]