University of Nova Gorica: signing a letter of intent regarding the activities to gain the status of a public university

Signing the letter of intent is a first step on the path which would enable the University of Nova Gorica to gain the status of a public university in the future. The event took place as part of a visit of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to Goriška region; within this context a session of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia was held at the University of Nova Gorica.

Upon signing the letter, Minister Dr. Igor Papič emphasised that the event had been initiated by the University. He singled out two important factors which had an impact on the time framework – the adoption of a new salary act, which improves the status of higher education teachers, and a new higher education act, which ensures a considerably better developmental perspective. According to the minister, the financing of universities is likely to get a gradual increase, and in the future this would also include investment opportunities, which means that the University of Nova Gorica might also be in a position to use the funds. He added that the change of status would be an exceptionally good opportunity for development.

The University’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob, pointed out that the signing of the letter of intent was a necessary step, with which the University, together with the two founding institutions, entered into the stage of negotiations concerning the possibilities and potential development which the public status would grant. At the same time, he thanked the Ministry for Higher Education, Science and Innovation for their understanding regarding the University’s development. He expressed his sense of appreciation for the University’s achievements, which are evidence of excellence and a significant contribution to the development of Slovenian higher education area. He added that, after thirty years of activities, the University needs a new quality leap - in the field of infrastructure as well as when it comes to increasing the number of students.

Director of "Jožef Stefan" Institute Prof. Dr. Leon Cizelj said that he was glad that the University of Nova Gorica, which had grown out of a joint project with the Institute, achieved its independence and was about to step on a new path. He expressed his belief that the cooperation between the two institutions would continue and strengthen both in the research and educational field, for the new talents and young researchers, as he said, were the true gift that science and universities could offer to society.

Mayor of Nova Gorica municipality Samo Turel pointed out that the municipality supported a further development of the University, and would be interested to see its undergraduate studies transferred to the town iteself and across the border. Mr Turel views the letter of intent as a first important step on the path and believes that the Town Council will certainly see the significance of the initiative and support the transformation of the University of Nova Gorica into a public university.
The signing of the letter of intent is the beginning of an important process, in the context of which the University of Nova Gorica will consider the possibilities for further development in Slovenian and international higher education and research environment.

Andreja Leban, Public Relations