Rector's address on the occasion of the beginning of the academic year 2024/25. years
In Banja Luka, on October 1, 2024
SPEECH OF PROF.DR SANEL JAKUPOVIĆ, RECTOR OF THE PAN-EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY "APEIRON" BANJA LUKA AT THE CEREMONIAL FIRST CLASS FOR FRESHMEN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
Dear fellow students,
Dear Freshmen,
It is my great honor to greet you all on behalf of the founders, academic and working staff of the Pan-European University Apeiron in Banja Luka and thank you most sincerely for the trust you have shown us.
In my capacity as rector of the University, I extend a warm welcome to the festive event for freshmen - the first class in the new academic year 2024/2025.
I greet the respected members of the Board of Directors and the Senate of Apeiron University, respected colleagues of the deans of the parent faculties of our university, respected colleagues of the vice-deans and secretaries of the faculties; as well as colleagues from the administrative and other support staff of the Pan-European University of Apeiron who attend the festive meeting.
As I mentioned in the introduction, today, traditionally, we open the first class in the academic year 2024/2025 with a solemn act of gathering the new generation of students enrolled in the study programs of the first cycle of 7 faculties of the Pan-European University Apeiron - Faculty of Business Economics, Faculty of Legal Sciences, Faculty of Information Technologies , Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Traffic and Faculty of Philological Sciences.
On this occasion, dear students, I will give you some important facts about Apeiron University:
1) We have a tradition of 20 years of successful work and activities, throughout that period we have been constantly growing and developing, improving the quality of teaching and scientific research work, as well as international cooperation and professional achievements. All this resulted in the confirmation of quality through decisions on the accreditation of the institution and study programs by the competent authorities of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In accordance with the law, the period of validity of the accreditation of our institution has been extended until 2028;
2) The number of students enrolled at our university is far above the average compared to all other private higher education institutions in the Republic of Srpska - we proudly point out that over 2.500 active students study at our university, and that the teaching process at the university is led and managed by over 200 teachers and collaborators, many of whom are extremely successful and renowned scientific and social workers in the wider community.
3) We have an extremely rich international exchange of students, teachers and administrative staff within the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. We have Erasmus exchange with 10 countries - Spain, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, Turkey, Czech Republic, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Poland.
4) We have an extremely rich offer of online teaching content and learning resources: within the MS teams platform for distance learning (DL), we have over 10.000 hours of recorded video lectures,
5) We are the only ones in the entire country to realize the American model of teaching cycles: where we conduct teaching through 8 cycles distributed throughout the summer and winter semesters during one academic year. In this way, we enable students to master the curriculum dynamically and gradually,
6) We offer students an extremely high-quality internship program: We have signed agreements on student internships with more than 60 state institutions and private companies from the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina,
7) Diplomas of the Pan-European University Apeiron are recognized and recognized in the professional and academic community both in the country and abroad.
Dear Freshmen,
Today we have a huge reason to rejoice - not only that you are starting a new phase of your life, but that you are becoming part of a community that strives for excellence, innovation and social responsibility. As the rector of this university, it is my honor and pleasure to greet you at the beginning of the academic year 2024-25. year.
Today we live in a time that is changing faster than ever before. As we enter the era of digitization and artificial intelligence, we are faced with unprecedented opportunities, but also challenges that we must find solutions to. Our generation is responsible for shaping the future, and you are now at the center of that change. Digital education is not just a trend; it is a new standard that enables access to knowledge for everyone. With one click, we can reach sources of information that were once beyond our reach. I imagine a world where knowledge has no boundaries, where each of you can be an innovator and a leader - and that is an important goal for us in the university community.
Artificial intelligence and new smart technologies are tools that will allow you to break traditional frameworks and think unexpectedly. Technology must not only be an end in itself, but a tool we use to achieve a better society. Imagine how you can use artificial intelligence to solve everyday problems, facilitate the learning process or improve healthcare. Your creativity and courage to commit to researching these technologies can bring about significant change. Learn about the technologies that will shape tomorrow and be the ones to shape, adapt and use them to bring about positive change.
It is important to note that with the development of technology comes the development of responsibility. As future leaders, you will be tasked with using your knowledge and powers for the benefit of society. Development must not come at the expense of human rights, health or the environment. Globalization has reshaped the way we communicate, do business and learn. As the world becomes more connected, your ability to understand different cultures, views and systems becomes crucial. Cultivate empathy, openness and the ability to listen. These are the skills that will enable you to be successful in a global society.
Biodiversity and health protection are issues that have been demanding our attention for a long time. As we face challenges like climate change, habitat loss and pandemics, it is clear that human health and ecosystem health are not separate. Preservation of biodiversity is the responsibility of all of us. Our university community should be a leader in this area. Through your education, research and projects, you can play a key role in empowering communities to tackle these challenges, creating sustainable practices and solutions that will help preserve our planet Earth.
Smart cities are a vision of the future of urban life, where technology and innovation make our everyday life simpler and better. As students, your ability to think about how innovation can improve city life and protect its environment can bring a new dimension to urban environments. Here you are invited to advance the laws and policies that will shape healthier, more sustainable and fairer cities in the future.
Legal certainty is also an essential element that must be integrated into all our academic and professional aspirations. As you enter a rapidly changing world, it is important to understand how the legislative framework shapes your actions and how you can become guardians of justice and fairness. Together, we can work to build a society that respects the rights of individuals and at the same time strives for the progress of the entire community.
All things considered, the green economy should not be just a concept, but a principle on which we will build our future. As new sustainability concepts are developed, you have the opportunity to become leaders of change. Learn how to innovate within the framework of a green economy, developing ways to use resources more responsibly and efficiently, preserving the earth and its resources for generations to come.
Focusing on these topics can seem daunting, but I invite you to look at it not as a burden, but as an opportunity. Each of you has the power to impact your community, your country, and this world. Our institution is here to support you in exploring, creating and advancing these ideas.
As you can see, coming to Apeiron Pan-European University is not only a way to acquire immediately usable skills, but also an opportunity to become an active participant in creating a better society. You are the ones who have the potential to shape the future, to bring about change, to inspire others and to make a lasting impression.
Believe in yourself, be brave in your aspirations and open to new knowledge. This academic year will be a journey that will combine your passion with knowledge, your creativity with technology. And remember, every great journey begins with the first step. Those first steps can be uncertain, but together we can go through all the challenges and joys that higher education brings.
Dear students, I look forward to seeing your dreams and ambitions come true during your years here. Welcome once again to the Pan-European University Apeiron! Let's make this academic year unforgettable!
Thank you!
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Prof. Dr. Sanel JAKUPOVIĆ
Rector of Pan-European University "APEIRON" Banja Luka