MASU delegation paid an official visit to Nord University
5-6 December, 2017, Murmansk Arctic State University delegation paid an official visit to Nord University (Bodo, Norway). The delegation was represented by: A. Sergeev — MASU rector, I. Ryzhkova — head of research and international cooperation office, T. Kuzmicheva — director of MASU Psychology and Pedagogy Institute, associate professors V. Voronov and S. Petoshina, manager Iu. Sultanbaeva.
The visit held a meeting of the two partner universities’ rectors — professor A. Sergeev and professor Bjørn Olsen. The rectors gave presentations on transformational processes of the university space within the framework of merging with other educational institutions. Also, the critical points of transformation from the point of positive and negative tendencies were discussed. Satisfaction of regional labour market needs and establishment of close collaboration with the regional administration are seen as strategically vital objectives of universities functioning.
In addition, during the official visit, various working groups had meetings dedicated to the development of cooperation in the sphere of joint bachelor and master education programs. The parties discussed the educational practices of the «Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies» program and planned to develop the master’s program on Clinical psychology, social philosophy and intercultural communication. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of cooperation under the wing of the scientific and educational project «Borderology», organized by the Center for Practical Knowledge of Nord University and MASU Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences.
It was agreed to include into the content of the program such issues which are to reflect the teaching methods of mathematics, English and Norwegian; comparative analysis of pedagogical technologies used in Norway and Russia. The following areas have been identified as potential for our cooperation: the scope of social work, sociology, intercultural communication, social philosophy, economics, business and logistics. Cooperation within the framework of the latest two ones will be supervised by the Nord University High North Center and the Center for High North Logistics in Kirkenes.
The trip was financed by means of Norwegian Barents Plus program and with the use of the flagship university development program resources. In 2018, the delegation of the Northern University, led by the rector Bjørn Olsen, will pay a return visit to MASU.